The latest on Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, and all those rockin’ child actors, more than 20 years later.

School of Rock cast: Where are they now?

The latest on Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, and all those rockin' child actors, more than 20 years later.

By Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

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December 30, 2025 12:00 p.m. ET

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Robert Tsai as Lawrence 'Mr. Cool', Aleisha Allen as Alice 'Brace Face', Jack Black as Dewey Finn, Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack 'Zack-Attack' Mooneyham, Kevin Clark as Freddy 'Spazzy McGee' Jones, Veronica Afflerbach as Eleni, Rivkah Reyes as Katie 'Posh Spice', and Miranda Cosgrove as Summer ‘Tinker Bell’ Hathaway in 'School of Rock'. Credit:

Paramount/Courtesy Everett

*School of Rock* has had a lasting impact since it first struck a chord with audiences in 2003. Written by and costarring Mike White (yes, that Mike White), the music comedy follows the exploits of exuberant guitarist Dewey Finn (Jack Black), who is fired from his band. Desperate for money, he fakes his way into a substitute teaching gig at a prep school, where he teaches his new pupils all about the art of rock and roll.

The endlessly rewatchable comedy was a box office smash and earned Black his first Golden Globe nomination. From there, the movie spawned a Tony-nominated stage musical, as well as a TV show that aired from 2016 to 2018. Ahead, we look at what Black, White, Joan Cusack, and their many child costars have been up to since *School of Rock* was released.

Jack Black (Dewey Finn)

Jack Black as Dewey Finn in 'School of Rock'; Jack Black at the European premiere of 'Kung Fu Panda 3' at Odeon Leicester Square on March 6, 2016, in London. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; David M. Benett/WireImage

Jack Black leads *School of Rock* as Dewey Finn, a flailing musician who has yet to make it big. Dewey finds his way into a private school by impersonating his friend Ned Schneebly (Mike White) and soon bonds with the focused children over rock music. Black picked up his role in the Richard Linklater film after already spending 10 years in the industry. He previously made a name for himself with his band Tenacious D, and in movies like *High Fidelity* (2000), *Shallow Hal* (2001), *Saving Silverman* (2001), and *Orange County* (2002).

The multifaceted performer kept busy after *School of Rock*, continuing to record with Tenacious D and filling his résumé with TV and film roles. He voiced Po in the *Kung Fu Panda* feature films and a TV series, and Lenny in 2004's *Shark Tale*.

Black stepped in front of the camera for *King Kong* (2005), *The Holiday* (2006), *Nacho Libre* (2006), and *Bernie* (2011), with leading roles in various IP franchises such as *Goosebumps* (2015), *Jumanji* (2017)*,* *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* (2023), and *A Minecraft Movie* (2025). He’ll reprise his voice role of Bowser in 2026’s *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*.

Black has been married to singer Tanya Haden since 2006. They have two sons together.

Miranda Cosgrove (Summer “Tinkerbell” Hathaway)

Miranda Cosgrove as Summer 'Tinkerbell' Hathaway in 'School of Rock'; Miranda Cosgrove at the 'School of Rock' musical opening night in New York in 2015.

Paramount+; Stephen Lovekin/Variety/Penske Media/Getty

A young Miranda Cosgrove made her film debut as Summer Hathaway in *School of Rock*. Just 10 years old at the time of its release, Cosgrove plays the ambitious class representative Summer, who becomes the band manager under Dewey's leadership. Cosgrove came into the role after previously making an appearance in a 2001 episode of *Smallville*.

The child star went on to land a big role just months after *School of Rock* was released, playing Megan Parker on *Drake & Josh* from 2004 to 2007. She also made appearances in *Yours, Mine & Ours *and an episode of *Grounded for Life* during this time. The same year that she wrapped *Drake & Josh*, Cosgrove continued her Nickelodeon run with a starring turn as Carly on *iCarly* from 2007 to 2012 — she reprised this role in the show's revival on Paramount+ from 2021 to 2023.

Cosgrove also lent her voice to *Despicable Me* (2010), *Despicable Me 2* (2013), *Despicable Me 3* (2017), and *Despicable Me 4* (2024). She was on the NBC series *Crowded*, which aired in 2016 but only lasted for one season. Cosgrove was featured in the music video for the song "Happier" by Marshmello and Bastille in 2018, and guest-starred on *The Goldbergs* in 2020. She also starred in the 2024 rom-com *Mother of the Bride* and 2025’s *The Wrong Paris*.

Joey Gaydos Jr. (Zack “Zack-Attack” Mooneyham)

Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack 'Zack-Attack' Mooneyham in 'School of Rock'; Joey Gaydos Jr. at the 'School of Rock' Broadway opening night at Hard Rock Cafe New York on Dec. 6, 2015, in New York City. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Jenny Anderson/Getty Images

*School of Rock* found its pint-sized rock star in Joey Gaydos Jr., the young actor who played Zack "Zack-Attack" Mooneyham. *School of Rock* was Gaydos Jr.'s first acting role. He booked the gig after spending his childhood playing guitar and showed off his talents in the film as the quiet kid-turned-shredder.

Gaydos Jr. has yet to earn another onscreen credit in the years since *School of Rock*. He has, however, continued to focus on his music, releasing a self-titled album in 2004, working with the band Stereo Jane, and doing live performances at local festivals. Gaydos Jr. released two EPs in 2020: *Calm Weather* and *Dogtopia*.

Robert Tsai (Lawrence “Mr. Cool”)

Robert Tsai as Lawrence 'Mr. Cool' in 'School of Rock'; Robert Tsai at the 'School of Rock' 10-year reunion screening at Paramount Theatre on Aug. 29, 2013, in Austin, Tex. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Rick Kern/Getty Images

Robert Tsai quietly steals the show as Lawrence, aka "Mr. Cool," in *School of Rock*. The young piano player finds his groove on the keyboards, going from a quiet loner to a particularly cool bandmate. The role was a first for Tsai, who made his onscreen debut in the comedy.

Tsai wrapped his acting career after *School of Rock* hit theaters, stepping in front of the camera only as a part of the dance group Instant Noodles Crew. In addition to his fancy footwork, Tsai continues to kill it on the keys. The former child star played concerts while attending Dartmouth College, and also worked on musical productions.

Adam Pascal (Theo)

Adam Pascal as Theo in 'School of Rock'; Adam Pascal attends Paul Rudd's 11th annual All-Star Bowling Benefit at Bowlero Chelsea Piers on Oct. 21, 2024.

Paramount+; Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Adam Pascal joined *School of Rock* as Theo, a bandmate of Dewey's in No Vacancy. He crosses his former friend when he goes from backup to stealing the band right out from under Dewey. The role was hardly a stretch for Pascal, as he spent a portion of his career focusing on music and musical productions. The actor hit Broadway in *Rent* in the late-'90s, appeared in *Aida* right before his gig as Theo, and recorded his own music.

After *School of Rock*, Pascal was cast in the big-screen adaptation of *Rent*, reprising his role of Roger Davis in the 2005 flick. The actor continued his stage work, hitting Broadway in productions of *Memphis*, *Chicago*, *Disaster!*, *Something Rotten!, *and *Pretty Woman: The Musical*.

In 2019, Pascal made a cameo in the Fox television special *Rent: Live. *He made a brief appearance in Netflix's *Tick, Tick... BOOM!* in 2021, alongside original *Rent* cast members Daphne Rubin-Vega and Wilson Jermaine Heredia. Pascal also assumed the role of Lead New Yorker #1 in two episodes of *Hawkeye* as part of the cast of the MCU's fictional original Broadway musical, *Rogers: The Musical.*

Pascal has two sons with Cybele Chivian, from whom he has been separated since 2021.

Sarah Silverman (Patty Di Marco)

Sarah Silverman as Patty Di Marco in 'School of Rock'; Sarah Silverman at the 88th annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center on Feb. 28, 2016, in Hollywood, Calif. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Sarah Silverman brings her comedy chops to the film as Patty Di Marco. The *Saturday Night Live* alum played the girlfriend of Dewey's friend Ned and the rocker's reluctant roommate. She butts heads with Dewey, pressuring her boyfriend to have Dewey move out of the apartment. Silverman came into the role after making previous appearances in *Bulworth* (1998), *There's Something About Mary* (1998), and *Heartbreakers* (2001)*.*

Continuing her comedy work, Silverman starred in 2005's *Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic* and hit Comedy Central in 2007 with *The Sarah Silverman Program*, which ran for three seasons. She reunited with Adam Pascal in 2005's *Rent*, playing Alexi Darling.

Silverman, who won an Emmy for her 2013 special *Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles*, went on to appear in *Funny People* (2009), *The Muppets* (2011), *A Million Ways to Die in the West *(2014), *I Smile Back* (2015), *Space Jam: A New Legacy* (2021), *Marry Me* (2022), and *Maestro* (2023). She voiced Vanellope in *Wreck-It Ralph* (2012) and *Ralph Breaks the Internet* (2018). She adapted her 2010 memoir, *The Bedwetter*, into a stage musical that made its world premiere Off Broadway in 2022.

Silverman has been dating former *Daily Show* showrunner Rory Albanese since 2020.

Caitlin Hale (Marta “Blondie”)

Caitlin Hale as Marta 'Blondie' in 'School of Rock'; Caitlin Hale at the 'School of Rock' 10-year reunion screening at Paramount Theatre on Aug. 29, 2013, in Austin, Tex. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Rick Kern/Getty Images

One of the few child stars with previous onscreen credits, Caitlin Hale came to *School of Rock* after two previous appearances on *Blue's Clues* and experience with dance and local theater productions. She plays Marta, the student who joins the band as a backup singer after an impromptu classroom audition.

Hale continued her onscreen work with gigs in commercials, and earned a degree in journalism from Arizona State University in 2013. She focused on public relations in school, but she also works as a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Fun fact: Hale is married to her *School of Rock *costar Angelo Massagli (he played Frankie, the band's security guard)!

'School of Rock' costars put fans in a frenzy with new photos together flashing diamond ring

From the EW archives: Reuniting the cast of 'School of Rock,' 10 years later

Rivkah Reyes (Katie “Posh Spice”)

Rivkah Reyes as Katie 'Posh Spice' in 'School of Rock'; Rivkah Reyes at the 'School of Rock' Broadway opening night at Hard Rock Cafe New York on Dec. 6, 2015, in New York City. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Jenny Anderson/Getty Images

The role of Katie in *School of Rock *was Rivkah Reyes' first onscreen credit. Katie picks up a gig in the band after Dewey spots her playing the cello. He explains that she can rotate her instrument to take on the bass guitar.

Since *School of Rock, *Reyes has acted in projects like the indie films *Monuments *(2020) and *Bad Animal *(2021), Lifetime's *A Picture Perfect Holiday *(2021), Netflix’s *The Merry Gentlemen* (2024), and *One of Them Days* (2025). According to Reyes' website, they have also worked with Second City in Chicago and performed sketches, improv, and stand-up comedy at venues like the Hollywood Improv and the Laugh Factory. Reyes shares videos of covers and original songs on their YouTube channel.

Mike White (Ned Schneebly)

Mike White as Ned Schneebly in 'School of Rock'; Mike White at the SAG Indie Actors Only Brunch during the 2015 Sundance Film Festival at Cafe Terigo on Jan. 25, 2015, in Park City, Utah. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Fred Hayes/Getty Images

Mike White plays the real Ned Schneebly in *School of Rock*, a substitute teacher who lives with his girlfriend and Dewey. Dewey ends up impersonating Ned, going to teach at the school in his place. While White's onscreen role in the film was relatively minor, he also penned the screenplay for the comedy. He previously racked up writing credits thanks to episodes of *Dawson's Creek* and *Freaks and Geeks*, and features such as 2002's *Orange County* and *The Good Girl*.

White continued to act, hitting the big screen in *The Stepford Wives* (2004), *Smother* (2008), and *Ride* (2014). He reunited with Jack Black in 2006, writing the script for the Black-starring *Nacho Libre*. White wrote and starred in more than a dozen episodes of HBO's *Enlightened*. Along with writer Kay Cannon, White also penned the screenplay for *Pitch Perfect 3* (2017). Meanwhile, he appeared as a contestant on the reality shows *The Amazing Race* and *Survivor*. He returns for the 50th season of *Survivor*, set to begin airing in February 2026.

The multihyphenate reached new heights in 2021 as the director, writer, and creator of *The White Lotus*, the acclaimed HBO anthology series that has won him multiple Emmys.

Maryam Hassan (Tomika “Turkey Sub”)

Maryam Hassan as Tomika 'Turkey Sub' in 'School of Rock'; Maryam Hassan performing in concert during the 'School of Rock' 10-year reunion VIP after party at Gibson Showroom on Aug. 29, 2013, in Austin, Tex. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Rick Kern/Getty Images

A young Maryam Hassan made her big-screen debut as Tomika in *School of Rock*. The then-unknown actress plays a quieter student who is first designated by Dewey as a roadie for the band. She finds her true calling when she approaches her teacher, telling him that she wants to be a singer. Tomika then gives a stunning performance, eliciting a "Nice pipes, Tomika," from Dewey.

Lucky for us, we still get to listen to Hassan's beautiful voice after all these years. She goes by the name Mayhrenate and sings R&B and soul music. She released an EP in 2021 (*Plush*) and a single in 2022 ("Feel a Way"). The former child star reunited with costars in 2013 for a performance in honor of *School of Rock'*s 10-year anniversary, also dropping in on the Broadway production in 2015.

Kevin Clark (Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones)

Kevin Clark as Freddy 'Spazzy McGee' Jones in 'School of Rock'; Kevin Clark, Veronica Afflerbach, and Jordan-Claire Green at the 'School of Rock' 10-year reunion screening at Paramount Theatre on Aug. 29, 2013, in Austin, Tex. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Rick Kern/Getty Images

Kevin Clark joined *School of Rock* as Freddy Jones. The former child star played an outspoken kid who sits in the back of the class, finding his musical prowess on the drums. It was the first and only feature film role for Clark.

Clark, who joined his former costars at *School of Rock* on Broadway in 2015, didn't pursue acting in his adult years. Instead, he spent most of his time in his hometown, Chicago, playing music in bands.

Tragically, in 2021, Clark was struck and killed by an oncoming car while riding his bike. Jack Black posted on Instagram, saying, "Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul."

Joan Cusack (Principal Rosalie “Roz” Mullins)

Joan Cusack as Principal Rosalie Mullins in ‘School of Rock’; Joan Cusack attends Showtime’s 2015 Emmy Eve Party at Sunset Tower Hotel on Sept. 19, 2015, in West Hollywood, Calif.

Paramount/Everett Collection; Jason Kempin/Getty

Joan Cusack brings her star power to *School of Rock* as the school's principal, Rosalie Mullins. She calls someone she thinks is Ned Schneebly to come in and sub for a class, unknowingly winding up with Dewey in his place. Initially skeptical of his teaching abilities, Rosalie later bonds with Dewey.

Cusack came into the role after making Oscar-nominated turns in *Working Girl* (1988) and *In & Out* (1997), spending time on *Saturday Night Live*, leading the short-lived *What About Joan?*, and making appearances in *Sixteen Candles* (1984), *Married to the Mob* (1988), *My Blue Heaven* (1990), *Addams Family Values* (1993), *Nine Months* (1995), and *Runaway Bride* (1999).

After *School of Rock*, Cusack starred in *Raising Helen* (2004), *Friends With Money* (2006), *Confessions of a Shopaholic* (2009), *My Sister's Keeper* (2009), *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* (2012), and lent her voice to *Chicken Little* (2005), the *Toy Story* franchise, *Arthur Christmas* (2011), and *Klaus* (2019). The veteran star picked up an Emmy in 2015 for playing Sheila Jackson on Showtime's *Shameless*.

Cusack has two sons with her attorney husband, Richard Burke.

Brian Falduto (Billy “Fancy Pants”)

Brian Falduto as Billy 'Fancy Pants' in 'School of Rock'; Brian Falduto at the 'School of Rock' Broadway opening night at Hard Rock Cafe New York on Dec. 6, 2015, in New York City.

Paramount Pictures; Jenny Anderson/Getty Images

Brian Falduto steals the show with the perfect *School of Rock *line, "You're tacky and I hate you." Falduto utters the words as his character Billy to Dewey, playing the opinionated student who becomes the stylist for the band. The gig was Falduto's first and only big-screen role.

Falduto graduated from Wagner College with a dual degree in theater performance and arts administration after performing in productions at the university. He works as a mental health coach, advocating for LGBTQ+ mental health. Still using his acting chops, Falduto has credits in the 2020 short film *Dosed *and on the upcoming *Fishing: The Series*. He has also delved into music, with songs like "Same Old Country Song" and "Big Boys Club" ahead of his 2023 EP, *Gay Country*, as well as his 2024 single, *“Christmas Solo*.”

Aleisha Allen (Alicia “Brace Face”)

Aleisha Allen as Alicia 'Brace Face' in 'School of Rock'; Aleisha Allen at the 'School of Rock' Broadway opening night at Hard Rock Cafe New York on Dec. 6, 2015, in New York City. Andrew Schwartz/Paramount Pictures; Jenny Anderson/Getty Images

Child star Aleisha Allen hit the big screen as Alicia in *School of Rock*. She nails her in-class audition and books a part as one of the backup singers for the band. Allen made a name for herself ahead of the role, bringing the character Side Table Drawer to more than 100 episodes of *Blue's Clues*. She also appeared in the beloved 1999 movie *The Best Man*.

Allen appeared on *Blue's Clues* through 2004, returning to film the following year as Lindsey in *Are We There Yet?* (2005) and reprised the role in *Are We Done Yet?* (2007). The actress then made a brief appearance in *Young Adult* (2011) and the horror flick *You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You* (2012).

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