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The 1986 classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” followed a pesky teenager as he did whatever he could to avoid being caught ditching school. The movie, which was regarded as one of John Hughes’ best, is still loved by fans more than three decades after it premiered.

Though the film wasn’t exactly relationship-focused, it turns out several actors started relationships behind the scenes — and one even led to a surprising marriage. 

Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck
Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck | Paramount/Getty Images

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ stars Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey secretly dated

When the John Hughes movie began filming, it didn’t take long for a romance to spark. Matthew Broderick, who starred as Ferris Bueller, began secretly dating his on-screen sister, Jennifer Grey. Of course, the two aren’t related in real life, so it was completely normal. Still, the couple opted not to tell the public that they were in a relationship.

A tragic accident eventually caused the couple’s relationship to become public. The two were vacationing together in Ireland when Broderick, who was driving a vehicle, accidentally drifted into the opposite lane. He hit another car head on, killing both of its passengers. He and Grey were injured, but they were OK. The two, who had become engaged, eventually called of the engagement, which many attributed to not being able to fully get over the accident.

Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey started dating while filming 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.'
Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey | Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward, Ferris’ parents, eventually married as a result of the film

Though Broderick and Grey’s relationship might be the most notable of the cast members, there was another romance the blossomed — and it led to a marriage. Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward, the actors who played Ferris’ parents, hit it off during filming.

Pickett and Lyman began dating, and things turned serious between the two. Shortly after filming ended, the couple married. They welcomed two kids together, but the marriage didn’t last. Eventually, in 1992, the couple divorced, citing irreconcilable differences. They had filmed one last movie together, “Sleepwalkers,” before separating. There was never much information about what actually caused the couple’s demise, but they didn’t date for long before becoming engaged. In total, their whirlwind relationship in which they dated, married, and started a family only lasted about six years.

Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward make an appearance together in 2019; they were together for six years.
Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward make an appearance together in 2019; they were together for six years. | Bobby Bank/Getty Images
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Where is the ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ cast today?

The stars of “Ferris Bueller” went on to continue their acting careers. Jennifer Grey filmed arguably her greatest movie, “Dirty Dancing,” shortly after filming on “Ferris Bueller” wrapped. She starred in the film alongside Patrick Swayze. Eventually, though, Grey had a nose job, which she later referred to as the “nose job from hell” because she believes it cost her her acting career.

Matthew Broderick continued acting, though “Ferris Bueller” was arguably his biggest movie. He also starred in the notable 1995 film “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Alan Ruck, who played Cameron, has continued his acting career as well. Fans can currently watch him on the HBO hit show “Succession,” where he plays Connor Roy.