Whatever Happened To The Cast Of Independence Day?

Long before Dwayne Johnson or The Avengers were blockbuster royalty, the mid-90s brought us one of the best sci-fi epics to ever hit the big screen, with a killer cast that perfectly encapsulates what makes this movie great. That's right, "Independence Day" is nearly 30 years old now, and despite some dated '90s phones and references, it's just as exciting now as ever. If "Independence Day" isn't an annual Fourth of July tradition, then you're really missing out. 

In the years since the film's 1996 release, the filmmakers attempted to launch a series of films to continue the story, beginning with 2016's "Independence Day: Resurgence." But given the movie's mixed-to-negative reception, any further follow-up plans have been canceled. Nevertheless, the original "Independence Day" remains one of the most beloved blockbusters of the 20th century, one that Steven Spielberg believed "reinvented the blockbuster," as Roland Emmerich said in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. If you're wondering what the cast has been up to since 1996, then you've come to the right place.

Before Jeff Goldblum became known for playing outlandish versions of himself, he used to play interesting and complex characters. Thanks to his work in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "The Fly," and Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park," Goldblum had already made a name for himself by the mid-90s, when he starred as David Levinson in "Independence Day." A brilliant MIT-educated "cable repairman," David is the one to discover the alien invader's nuclear countdown, and the only one who can build a computer virus to shock their systems. In many ways, David saves the world.

Following "Independence Day," Goldblum voiced Moses' brother Aaron in "The Prince of Egypt," teamed up with Wes Anderson for "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," and played the Grandmaster throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No stranger to sequels, Goldblum returned for three "Jurassic Park" films, various MCU projects, and "Independence Day: Resurgence" in 2016. Additionally, he's one of Wes Anderson's frequent collaborators, most recently appearing in "Asteroid City." Goldblum has also spent considerable time on television, and hosts the Disney+ series "The World According to Jeff Goldblum."

As David Levinson's father, Judd Hirsch played Julius Levinson, an advocate for David's health, sanity, and general well-being. Without him, the president may have never learned of Area 51, and it's possible that the world may have fallen to their would-be conquerors. Though maybe best known as Alex Rieger on the sitcom "Taxi," Hirsch remains active in the movie business, even as he pushes 90. In addition to returning for "Independence Day: Resurgence," Hirsch's career has only picked up steam in recent years.

After landing a significant role in "A Beautiful Mind," Hirsh starred as Alan Eppes on the six-season crime series "NUMB3RS," where he played the character for 114 episodes. In 2019, Hirsch appeared as Gooey in Adam Sandler's "Uncut Gems," and, in 2022, his work as Boris Podgorny in Steven Spielberg's "The Fabelmans" earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. With no signs of slowing down any time soon, Hirsch has proven himself to Hollywood again and again. Here's hoping we see more of him soon.

Though they'd been separated for years, Constance "Connie" Spano and David Levinson still had a lot to love between them, so much so, in fact, that when David appealed to see the president, Connie let him right in. Standing by Whitmore's side, Connie was instrumental in his campaign and later the country's survival. "Independence Day" put Margaret Colin on the map, and her career was never the same. Although Colin didn't return for "Independence Day: Resurgence," she's had plenty going on since.

After roles in movies like "The Devil's Own" and "Unfaithful," Colin returned to television in a series of guest stints before landing the role of Eleanor Waldorf on the original "Gossip Girl." Appearing in all six seasons, Colin later returned for episodes of the 2020s HBO Max reboot, proving that, if the role is right, she's happy to return. Additionally, Colin found recurring roles on "Shades of Blue," "Veep," and "Chicago Med," and appeared in films like "Virtue" and "The Road to Galena" in between.

The type of military leader you'd want by your side, General William Grey is one of the most underappreciated characters in "Independence Day." Faithful to the end, General Grey advises President Whitmore without getting in his way, allowing the chain of command to flow as it should. Though only featured in a cameo, Robert Loggia reprised his role as General Grey for the sequel, one of the actor's last films prior to his death in 2015. The film was dedicated in his honor.

Loggia began his decades-long acting career back in the 1950s and never stopped making movies. Prior to "Independence Day," Loggia was best known for "The Greatest Story Ever Told," "Scarface," "Big," and a number of "Pink Panther" movies. He appeared again alongside Bill Pullman for the 1997 feature "Lost Highway," and showed up as Feech La Manna on HBO's "The Sopranos." Including "Resurgence," four films featuring Loggia were released posthumously, with the last being 2019's "The Savant."

Sometimes the best characters are the ones that we love to hate, and "Independence Day" has one of the most recognizable. Played by James Rebhorn, Secretary of Defense Albert Nimzicki continually gives President Whitmore the worst suggestions imaginable. Coupled with the fact that he hid the existence of Area 51, it's no wonder that Whitmore fired Nimzicki in the midst of an intergalactic war. 

In the 1990s, Rebhorn made a name for himself by appearing in "Scent of a Woman," "The Game," "My Cousin Vinny," and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" before shifting more toward television. Though his film career was budding, Rebhorn became a recurring character on shows like "Third Ward," "The Book of Daniel," and "Law & Order." By the early 2010s, Rebhorn had been cast as Reese Hughes on "White Collar" and Frank Matthison on "Homeland." Sadly, Rebhorn died in 2014, making it impossible for him to return for the "Independence Day" sequel and forcing both shows to write off his respective characters.

Though he doesn't appear in "Independence Day" very long, Harry Connick, Jr. plays Captain Jimmy Wilder, Steve Hiller's best friend. Mostly featured as Steve's sounding board for his relationship with Jasmine, Jimmy is an excellent pilot and an even better friend before his untimely death. Following "Independence Day," Connick, Jr. starred opposite Sandra Bullock in "Hope Floats," voiced Dean McCoppin in the 1999 classic "The Iron Giant," and appeared in both "Dolphin Tale" movies.

Of course, Connick, Jr. is also known for playing Leo Markus on "Will & Grace," a role that he later reprised in the revival. In addition to acting, Connick, Jr. is best known for his career as a singer-songwriter — one who has broken serious Billboard records – and has been active in the music industry since 1977. Alongside his discography, Connick, Jr. hosted the syndicated talk show "Harry," appeared on "Law & Order SVU," and played Daddy Warbucks in NBC's 2021 special "Annie Live!"

The eccentric scientist who "doesn't get out much," Dr. Okun is instrumental in helping uncover the secrets of the alien invaders in "Independence Day." Though he seemingly dies after operating on a not-quite-deceased alien being, "Independence Day: Resurgence" brought the character back, giving him a telepathic connection to the hostile species. The character is played by Brett Spiner, who is best known for his work as Data on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and many subsequent "Star Trek" productions.

Interestingly, Spiner's final feature film role was "Independence Day: Resurgence," after which he committed himself entirely to television, either through voice work or by appearing on genre shows like "Outcast" and "Warehouse 13." Aside from television, Spiner has performed on stage, released two albums, and wrote a neo-noir mystery about a fictionalized version of himself titled "Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events," set during his time filming "The Next Generation."

Though she isn't a big part of the film, Mae Whitman's Patricia Whitmore is the daughter of the president whose childhood is completely obliterated by the alien forces. For years, Whitman was a child actor before being cast as Ann Veal on "Arrested Development" in the early 2000s. From there, she played Amber Holt on "Parenthood" and Annie Marks on "Good Girls," and made frequent appearances in films like "Scott Pilgrim vs the World" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."

But that's not all: Whitman has built an impressive voice-acting career after playing Katara on "Avatar: The Last Airbender," a role she's continuously revisited. Naturally, this led to parts on shows like "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Young Justice," and "Family Guy." Additionally, Whitman is a musician and a podcast host — she's currently recording a "Friday Night Lights" rewatch podcast alongside series stars Zach Gilford and Scott Porter.