Jessie Taylor
Darren Harris is an actor known for his role as John Cusack's best friend, Cliff, in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles. Harris also appeared in other classic 80s films, including Better Off Dead and Weird Science. In addition to his acting career, Harris is a passionate music fan and has appeared on the WDDIMPODCAST to discuss music from the 1980s. While Harris may have gained fame for his role in Sixteen Candles, there is limited information available about his career after the film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Darren Harris |
| Nicknames | Darren Brady-Harris |
| Known for | Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Better Off Dead |
| Played | John Cusack's best friend Cliff |
Explore related products
![Sixteen Candles [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81vduD78FxL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Darren Harris played Cliff in Sixteen Candles
Darren Harris, a former character actor born in Canada, played the role of Cliff in the 1984 teen cult classic Sixteen Candles. Harris's character was John Cusack's best friend in the film. He also appeared in Weird Science as one of "The Weenies" and Better Off Dead as "Nerd #3".
Sixteen Candles, directed by John Hughes, is considered one of the iconic films of the 1980s, with geeks ruling the scene. Harris's performance as Cliff, the lanky best friend of the lead character, is remembered as a standout portrayal. The film also starred actors like Anthony Michael Hall and Diane Franklin.
Harris's role in Sixteen Candles is often regarded as a breakthrough performance, as it led to him being recognised as a passionate music fan and a perfect guest on music-related shows. He was invited to join the countdown of songs from the KROQ 1984 year-end chart, sharing his thoughts on various bands and their music.
In addition to his roles in Weird Science and Better Off Dead, Harris also had a minor role in Caddyshack, appearing alongside actors like Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray. However, his role in Sixteen Candles remains his most notable contribution to cinema, with his character Cliff leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Adhering Rhinestones to Candles: The Best Adhesive Methods
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Sixteen Candles [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81gCKjoerPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
!['80s Comedies Spotlight Collection [The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Fast Times at Ridgemont High] (Universal's 100th Anniversary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sXDoeZ+HL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Sixteen Candles (VHS Retro Case) [Blu-ray + Digital HD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71GBzRSt4jL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Sixteen Candles [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bkYWxFjbL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
John Cusack's best friend in the film
In the film Sixteen Candles, Darren Harris plays the role of Cliff, the best friend of John Cusack's character. Harris's character is also known as "Wease", a nerdy and lanky character. This role is considered one of Harris's most notable, along with his appearances in Weird Science and Better Off Dead. In the latter, he plays John Cusack's classmate, marking the two actors' second collaboration.
Darren Harris is also known for his passion for music. He has been a guest on podcasts, discussing songs from the KROQ 1984 year-end chart and sharing his thoughts on bands such as Echo & The Bunnymen and U2.
Sixteen Candles, written by John Hughes, was filmed in 1983 when the leads were only 15 years old. The film was primarily shot in the Chicago North Shore suburban communities of Evanston, Skokie, and Highland Park, Illinois. It was originally written as a low-budget production and was financed by A&M Films for $1 million.
The film also stars Deborah Pollack as Marlene "Lumberjack", Joan Cusack as Geek Girl, Brian Doyle-Murray as Reverend, Jami Gertz as Robin, and Tony Longo as Rock, among others.
Air Filters: Do They Affect Candles' Odor?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Sixteen Candles [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71kjuJ4gZZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Sixteen Candles was filmed in 1983
Sixteen Candles, the classic 1980s teen movie, was filmed in 1983, primarily in the Chicago North Shore suburban communities of Evanston, Skokie, and Highland Park, Illinois. The film was written by John Hughes in 1982 as a low-budget production, with A&M Films agreeing to finance it for $1 million. After Hughes was fired from his next film, Mr. Mom (1983), he decided to resume pre-production on Sixteen Candles as he felt it had more commercial appeal to a teenage audience than his other planned film, The Breakfast Club (1985). Principal photography began on July 11, 1983, with Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling as the leads. Ringwald was only 15 years old during filming.
Sixteen Candles marked the acting debut of Darren Harris, who played John Cusack's best friend, Cliff. Harris went on to appear in other classic 1980s films, including Weird Science and Better Off Dead. In Sixteen Candles, his character is a geek, a trope that was popular in 1980s cinema. Harris's performance in the film helped to launch his career, and he gained a reputation for playing nerdy or geek characters.
The film also starred actors who would go on to have successful careers, such as Joan Cusack, Jami Gertz, and Zelda Rubinstein. Sixteen Candles has become a beloved coming-of-age story and is considered a classic in the teen comedy genre. It has gained a cult following, with fans appreciating its portrayal of teenage life in the 1980s.
The film's impact can be seen in its influence on fashion, music, and pop culture references. It also helped to launch the careers of several actors, including Darren Harris, who portrayed the lovable geek character, Cliff. Harris's performance added to the film's comedic timing and heart, making it a memorable role that is still remembered fondly today.
While Sixteen Candles was filmed in 1983, it continues to resonate with audiences today. The film's themes of teenage angst, first love, and the struggles of growing up remain relatable to new generations of viewers. It has also become a time capsule of 1980s fashion and culture, with its colourful outfits, quirky hairstyles, and synth-pop soundtrack capturing the essence of the era.
How Fleas React to Candles and Their Scents
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Sixteen Candles [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71LeFahznpL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Harris also appeared in Better Off Dead
The Canadian actor Darren Harris is best known for his role as Cliff in the 1984 teen cult film Sixteen Candles. He also appeared in Better Off Dead, playing a character credited as Nerd #3. In the film, he plays one of John Cusack's classmates. Harris also had a brief role in Weird Science as one of "The Weenies".
Harris's acting career appears to have been brief, with his roles coming in quick succession in the mid-1980s. Sixteen Candles, Better Off Dead, and Weird Science were all released within a year of each other, between 1984 and 1985.
Better Off Dead is a 1985 comedy film directed by Savage Steve Holland. It stars John Cusack as a high school student, Lane Myer, who becomes depressed after his girlfriend breaks up with him. The film follows Lane's attempts to get his girlfriend back and deal with the various issues in his life, including his dysfunctional family and a group of ruthless paperboys.
Harris's character, Nerd #3, is one of Lane's classmates. He is part of a trio of nerdy students, along with Charles de Mar (Demian Slade) and Roque (Aaron Dozier). They are friends with Lane and often seen hanging out with him at school.
In one memorable scene, the three nerds are seen studying in the school library, and they offer Lane some advice on how to deal with his problems. They suggest that he should "get a life" and "join a club," and they even offer to help him build a racecar, showing their support and quirky sense of humour.
While Harris's role in Better Off Dead is minor, it adds to the comedic tone of the film and showcases his talent for playing quirky and likeable characters. His performance, along with the rest of the cast, contributes to the film's cult status and enduring popularity among fans of 1980s comedy films.
Glasshouse Candles: Soy or Paraffin Wax?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He played a mall rat in Weird Science
Darren Harris played a mall rat in the 1985 film Weird Science. The film is a teen science fantasy comedy written and directed by John Hughes. It stars Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, and Kelly LeBrock. The film is based on the 1951 pre-Comics Code comic Made of the Future by Al Feldstein, which appeared in a magazine of the same name.
Weird Science follows two unpopular teenagers, Gary and Wyatt, who try and fail to be accepted by their peers. Desperate to be liked, they "create" a woman, Lisa, using their computer. Lisa is gorgeous, and her purpose is to boost Gary and Wyatt's confidence by putting them in situations that require them to act like men.
Harris also appeared in Sixteen Candles, in which he played John Cusack's best friend, Cliff. He also appeared in Better Off Dead as one of John's classmates.
Graveyard Keeper: Burning Candles, How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Darren Harris is an actor known for his roles in the films Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, and Better Off Dead.
Darren Harris played the character of Cliff, John Cusack's best friend in the film.
Darren Harris has also appeared in Weird Science and Better Off Dead, where he played a mall rat and John Cusack's classmate, respectively.
Sixteen Candles also stars Deborah Pollack as Marlene "Lumberjack", Joan Cusack as Geek Girl, Brian Doyle-Murray as Reverend, and Jami Gertz as Robin, among others.
