'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' Cast Then and Now: Here's what the actors have been up to
A look at the cast of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' 20 years later
Starring Jim Carrey, this is one of the best movies ever made, blending romance, drama, and science fiction, in 2004. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' also starred an array of gifted actors who were already famous in the movie business. Cast members of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' have only gotten better in the two decades after the film's theatrical release. Check out Jim Carrey and the rest of the cast in these old and new photos.
Jim Carrey
Leading the cast of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' was Jim Carrey as Joel Barish. Carrey was mainly known for his comedic work when he was cast as the movie's devastated protagonist. He continued to play iconic roles in films such as 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and 'The Truman Show'. The 62-year-old Carrey is still a staple in the film industry two decades later. He makes a comeback in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' in 2024 as Dr Robotnik.
Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet primarily featured in period plays before being paired with Carrey in the role of Clementine Kruczynski. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' gave Kate a new platform to display her acting abilities. It led to Kate's nomination for the 2004 Oscar for Best Actress. At 48, Winslet is one of the top actors still working today. She is the lead of the 2024 miniseries 'The Regime' and will make a comeback in 2025 'Avatar 3,' per The Cheat Sheet.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo plays Stan Fink, the technician who plays an essential role in wiping Joel's memory, besides having his personal life completely thrown off by technology. He starred in '13 Going on 30,' which came out the same year as 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' With roles in indie flicks, romantic comedies, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ruffalo, 56, shown his flexibility during the ensuing two decades. After receiving a 2024 Oscar nomination for 'Poor Things,' Ruffalo will next appear in 2025's 'Mickey 17' as a supporting actor.
Tom Wilkinson
Veteran character actor Tom Wilkinson portrayed Lacuna boss Howard Mierzwiak in the movie, who deleted Mary's memories to cover up their relationship. Wilkinson passed away in 2023 at the age of 75. His other noteworthy roles included 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,' 'John Adams,' 'Selma,' 'Batman Begins,' and 'The Kennedys'. His last appearance was in the TV show 'The Full Monty' in 2023.
Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst—who was best known for her role in the first 'Spider-Man' film—played the role of Mary Svevo. Dunst received acclaim for her supporting performance in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' which she filmed in between her 'Spider-Man' appearances. Dunst, 41, is still starring in big-name television and film productions. She was nominated for an Oscar in 2021 for 'The Power of the Dog', as Best Supporting Actress. She plays the lead role in the 2024 dystopian action movie 'Civil War'.
Jane Adams
Jane Adams appeared as Carrie Eakin, Joel’s friend in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' Adams first gained recognition in Hollywood through independent films. She then won praise from critics for her roles in TV shows like 'Fraiser,' 'Hung', and 'Hacks'. The 58-year-old playwright and actor made her most recent appearance in 'The Idol' in 2023.
Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood portrayed the vital role of the Lacuna technician, Patrick Wertz, who wooed Clementine using Joel's memories to mimic her former partner. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' was the first movie that Wood made after the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy ended. Since then, Wood has acted in several films, including the animated musical 'Happy Feet,' the romantic comedy 'The Romantics,' the psychological horror film 'Maniac,' and the zombie movie 'Cooties.' The 43-year-old actor’s latest film is 2023’s 'The Toxic Avenger'.
David Cross
Comedian David Cross played Carrie’s husband Rob. Cross' casting as an addition to the 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' cast marked his first role outside of a comedy. He continued to pursue his acting and stand-up professions while finding mainstream success with 'Arrested Development.' In 2024, he joined the season finale of 'The Umbrella Academy'.
