Anthony Michael Hall Reveals Why He Turned Down John Hughes’ ‘Ferris Bueller’ and ‘Pretty in Pink’ Roles

Anthony Michael Hall has opened up about why he turned down two films by director John Hughes, saying the decisions eventually strained their friendship.

Hall, who starred in Hughes’ Sixteen Candles, told Danielle Fishel’s Teen Beat podcast that he was concerned about being typecast in similar teenage roles. He also felt Pretty in Pink was too similar to Sixteen Candles and wanted to take his career in a different direction.

Hall said Hughes had written the lead role in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with him in mind, but he declined it. Matthew Broderick ultimately played Ferris Bueller, while Jon Cryer appeared in Pretty in Pink.

Looking back, Hall said he believes his choices hurt Hughes and caused a “rupture” in their relationship that lasted for years. He said he did not expect Hughes to take the decisions so personally.

Despite the fallout, Hall remains grateful to Hughes for helping launch his career. Hughes cast him as Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation and later as Farmer Ted in Sixteen Candles.

Hall said Hughes was an important mentor in his life and that he “gave me my career.” After turning down the films, Hall joined Saturday Night Live in 1985 at age 17, becoming the youngest cast member at the time.