Rudy

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Sean Astin as Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger
• Jon Favreau as Dennis “D-Bob” McGowan
• Ned Beatty as Daniel Ruettiger, Sr.
• Charles S. Dutton as Fortune
• Robert Prosky as Father John Cavanaugh
• Jason Miller as Coach Ara Parseghian
• Lili Taylor as Sherry
• Mitch Rouse as Jim
• John Beasley as Assistant Coach Warren
• Vince Vaughn as Jamie O’Hara (Credited as “Vincent Vaughn”)
• Scott Benjaminson as Frank
• John Duda as Young Frank
• Kevin Duda as 9-year-old Bernie
• Jake Armstrong as 13-year-old Bernie
• Chelcie Ross as Coach Dan Devine
• Ron Dean as Assistant Coach Joe Yonto
• Rudy Ruettiger – Cameo in a picture at the end of the movie, and in a crowd scene at the Georgia Tech game, behind Ned Beatty
• Greta Lind as Mary
• Christopher Reed as Pete
• Gerry Becker as Father Ted
• Diana James as Pick-up Girl #1
• Mindy Hester as Pick-up Girl #2

Storyline:

Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of 5 people and has set his sights upon joining the team.

About Movie:

Rudy is an American biographical sports film directed by David Anspaugh. It depicts the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who aspired to play football at the University of Notre Dame despite facing numerous challenges. This film marked the first time since Knute Rockne, All American in 1940 that the Notre Dame administration permitted filming on campus.

The narrative follows Rudy, portrayed by Sean Astin, as he grows up in Joliet, Illinois, with dreams of joining the Fighting Irish football team. Lacking the academic qualifications and financial means to attend Notre Dame, Rudy works at a local steel mill. A pivotal moment occurs when his best friend dies in an explosion, prompting him to pursue his dream more fervently. After being initially rejected by Notre Dame, he enrolls at Holy Cross College, where he improves his grades with the help of supportive figures like Father Cavanaugh and D-Bob, a teaching assistant played by Jon Favreau.

After two years at Holy Cross, Rudy finally gains admission to Notre Dame and earns a spot on the practice squad. His determination catches the attention of Coach Ara Parseghian, who allows him to dress for one game during his senior year. However, after Parseghian’s retirement and the arrival of Coach Dan Devine, Rudy faces new obstacles that threaten his dream.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 18, 1993, and was released in theaters on October 13, 1993. It received critical acclaim and was recognized as one of the best sports movies by ESPN in 2005. Additionally, it was ranked as the 54th most inspiring film in the American Film Institute’s “100 Years” series. The cast also includes Ned Beatty, Jason Miller, Robert Prosky, and Charles S. Dutton.

Budget & Box Office Collection: