Twenty-five years ago, Lindsay Lohan burst onto the big screen in the beloved film, The Parent Trap. Released in 1998, the movie was a remake of the 1961 original Disney film starring Hayley Mills. Lohan played identical twins Annie and Hallie, who were separated at birth and raised by different parents. The heartwarming story follows the twins as they discover each other for the first time at summer camp and concoct a plan to reunite their parents and bring their family back together.
The Parent Trap was an instant box-office success and received positive reviews, with critics praising Lohan’s performance as both Annie and Hallie. Audiences fell in love with the film’s charming story and memorable moments, such as the twins’ iconic handshake and their secret plan to switch places. The movie also introduced a new childhood snack tradition for many viewers, as Annie and Hallie famously enjoyed Oreos dipped in peanut butter.
To celebrate the film’s 22nd anniversary in 2020, the cast and crew reunited on Katie Couric’s Instagram channel. Lohan, along with writer-director Nancy Meyers and writer-producer Charles Shyer, shared their favorite scenes, lines, and memories from making the movie. It was a nostalgic and heartwarming moment for both the participants and the fans who grew up watching The Parent Trap.
Now, on the 25th anniversary of the film’s release, it’s exciting to see what the cast has been up to in the years since the movie hit theaters on July 29, 1998. Lindsay Lohan, who stole hearts as Annie and Hallie, has continued to pursue a successful acting career. She went on to star in a number of films, including Herbie Fully Loaded, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, and Freaky Friday. Lohan has also made appearances as herself in projects such as The Holiday, Glee, Scary Movie V, and the TV series Anger Management. After taking some time away from the screen, Lohan made a full-fledged return to acting in 2022, partnering with Netflix for two new films and Falling for Christmas.
Dennis Quaid impressed audiences with his portrayal of the twins’ divorced father, Nick Parker. Following The Parent Trap, Quaid continued to grace the big screen in various films, including Frequency, Far From Heaven, and A Dog’s Purpose. He also had recurring roles in popular TV series like Vegas, The Art of More, and Fortitude. Recently, Quaid starred in Max’s Full Circle and will portray former President Ronald Reagan in the upcoming film Reagan.
Natasha Richardson played Annie and Hallie’s mother, Elizabeth James, in The Parent Trap. Before her role in the film, Richardson received critical acclaim for her work in the theater, including winning a Tony Award for her performance in the 1998 Broadway revival of Cabaret. After The Parent Trap, Richardson starred in movies such as Waking Up in Reno and Maid in Manhattan. Tragically, Richardson passed away in 2009 at the age of 45 due to a head injury sustained while skiing. Lindsay Lohan fondly remembers Richardson as a maternal presence on set and speaks highly of her elegance and grace.
Elaine Hendrix brought the character of Meredith Blake to life, the gold-digging publicist who becomes engaged to Nick Parker. Her portrayal of the character made her somewhat of a villain in the film, earning her the nickname “Cruella” from the twins. However, in recent years, a new generation has embraced Meredith, with an online campaign and hashtag #JusticeforMeredithBlake. Hendrix started her career as a professional dancer before transitioning to acting. She appeared in films like Get Smart, Good Intentions, and Inspector Gadget 2. Currently, she stars as Alexis Carrington in the CW’s reboot of Dynasty.
Lisa Ann Walter played the loving housekeeper of the Parker household, Chessy. She cared for Hallie and was the first to recognize that the twins had switched places. The Parent Trap marked one of Walter’s first feature roles, and she continued to appear in films like Get Your Stuff, Bruce Almighty, and Shall We Dance. She also made guest appearances on various TV series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Emeril, Breaking News, GLOW, and Grey’s Anatomy. Currently, Walter stars in the award-winning series Abbott Elementary.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Parent Trap, it’s evident that the film has left a lasting impact on both the actors involved and the audience who still remembers the cherished moments and heartwarming story. The cast has gone on to have successful careers, with Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Elaine Hendrix, and Lisa Ann Walter continuing to entertain audiences both on the big and small screens. While the years have passed, the magic of The Parent Trap remains, reminding us of the power of family, love, and the enduring appeal of a good story.