'Matilda' Cast Then and Now

The Matilda cast follows the story of a young girl named Matilda, who discovers she possesses telekinetic abilities. Born into a family that doesn’t understand her powers, Matilda embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the challenges of school and family life while harnessing her extraordinary gift. With the help of her kind-hearted teacher Miss Honey and her friends, Matilda learns to embrace her uniqueness and stand up against adversity.

The Matilda cast included greats Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. The movie came out in 1996 and immediately became a fan favorite.

Here, we look at the Matilda cast and where they are now.

Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood

Born July 24, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, Mara Wilson played the lead role of Matilda Wormwood.

Wilson appeared in several TV commercials before making her big-screen debut opposite Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) when she was only six years old. She also had appearances on Melrose Place and Miracle on 34th Street (1994) before landing the lead in Matilda. However, having fame at such a young age came at a cost.

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Wilson told The Guardian, “I don’t think you can be a child star without there being some kind of lasting damage, fans were disappointed that I wasn’t as smart, pretty, nice, as they expect you to be. I think they were expecting me to be Matilda, and she’s wonderful, but she’s not real.” Wilson said. “She’s brilliant in every single way. She’s smart, and kind and powerful. Then they meet me, this nerdy, awkward teenager who got angry sometimes, but couldn’t even channel her anger into powers. I was never going to live up to that.”

After being on the Matilda cast, Wilson appeared in A Simple Wish (1997) and Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000). She then attended New York University and focused on her writing. She released the book Where Am I Now?, a collection of autobiographical stories.

Most recently, she’s done voice work on Helluva Boss and Ollie & Scoops.

Danny DeVito as Harry Wormwood Matilda cast

Born November 17, 1944, in Neptune City, New Jersey, Danny DeVito played the role of Harry Wormwood.

Prior to the Matilda cast, DeVito had a successful TV and film career starring in the TV show Taxi and appearing in a variety of films including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Romancing the Stone.

After Matilda, DeVito continue to act in numerous movies including L.A. Confidential (1997), Heist (2001), Big Fish (2003), and Be Cool (2005). He also honed his skills as a producer working on movies such as Gattaca (1997), Out of Sight (1998), Man on the Moon (1999), Erin Brockovich (2000) and Freedom Writers (2007).

Most recently, DeVito’s been seen in Dumbo (2019) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). In 2023, DeVito was in Disney’s Haunted Mansion.

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Rhea Perlman as Zinnia Wormwood

Born on March 31, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, Rhea Perlman played Zinnia Wormwood in the Matilda cast.

Perlman rose to prominence for her role as Carla Tortelli in the TV sitcom Cheers (1982-1993), for which she won four Emmy Awards.

After starring in Matilda, Pearlman continue to act in both TV and movies including Pearl, 10 Items or Less (2006), The Sessions (2012), Kirstie, The Mindy Project, I’ll See You in My Dreams (2015), Poms (2019), You People (2023), and The Barbie Movie (2023).

Perlman and co-star Danny DeVito have been married since 1982. The couple separated in 2012, but never divorced.

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Embeth Davidtz as Jennifer Honey Matilda cast

Born August 11, 1965, in Lafayette, Indiana, Embeth Davidtz played the role of Jennifer Honey, Matilda’s kind teacher.

Before the Matilda cast, Davidtz appeared in Army of Darkness (1992), Schindler’s List (1993), and Murder in the First (1995).

After playing Matilda’s teacher, Davidtz appeared in several TV shows including Californication, Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy, The Morning Show, and Tales of the Walking Dead. She also appeared in multiple movies including Fallen (1998), Mansfield Park (1999), Bicentennial Man (1999), Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), The Hole (2001), The Emperor’s Club (2002), Junebug (2005), Fracture (2007), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and Not Okay (2022).

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Pam Ferris as Agatha Trunchbull

Born May 11, 1948, in Hannover, Germany, Pam Ferris played the villainous headmistress Agatha Trunchbull at Matilda’s school.

Prior to her role in the Matilda cast, Ferris appeared in the series like Connie (1985) and The Darling Buds of May (1991-93).

After Matilda, Ferris went on to appear in many movies including release with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Children of Men (2006), The Raven (2012), Holmes & Watson (2018), and Tolkien (2019).

She also had parts in many TV series including Clocking Off, Rosemary and Thyme, Luther and Call the Midwife.

Brian Levinson as as Michael Wormwood Matilda cast

Brian Levinson was born in Los Angeles, California on October 27, 1982 and took on the role of Michael Wormwood, the TV obsessed older brother, in Matilda. Prior to that Levinson guest-starred in things like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1993), North (1994), Father and Scout (1994) and Baby Face Nelson (1996).

Post Matilda, Levinson starred in one episode of Seinfeld in 1997, before retiring from acting completely.