Where Are They Now? The Cast Of City Slickers (2025 Updates On Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, And More)

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The enduring charm of City Slickers, the 1991 comedy that perfectly captured the midlife crisis of three New York friends on a cattle drive, continues to resonate with audiences today. More than three decades after its release, the film remains a beloved piece of cinematic history, largely thanks to the chemistry between its core cast: Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and the late, great Bruno Kirby. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the surviving members of the cast are making major headlines, with one star making a dramatic shift into a new genre and another teasing the possibility of a long-awaited reunion.

The core trio’s journey from urban angst to finding "one thing" on the open range cemented their status as comedy legends. This deep dive explores the current lives, recent projects, and lasting legacies of the actors who brought Mitch Robbins, Phil Berquist, and the unforgettable Curly Washburn to life, highlighting the most current and fresh information for 2025.

The Main Ranch Hands: Mitch, Phil, Ed, and Curly

The heart of City Slickers lay in the believable, flawed friendship between the three city slickers and the grizzled wisdom of their trail boss. Here is a look at the central cast members and their biographical profiles.

Billy Crystal (Mitch Robbins): Born March 14, 1948, in New York, NY. An iconic comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. Known for When Harry Met Sally..., his nine-time hosting of the Academy Awards, and his role as Mike Wazowski in the Monsters, Inc. franchise.
Daniel Stern (Phil Berquist): Born August 28, 1957, in Bethesda, MD. Actor, director, and artist. Best known for the Home Alone films and his narration work on The Wonder Years.
Bruno Kirby (Ed Furillo): Born April 23, 1949, in New York, NY. Character actor known for playing intense, fast-talking roles in films like The Godfather Part II and Good Morning, Vietnam. Sadly, he passed away on August 14, 2006.
Jack Palance (Curly Washburn): Born Volodymyr Palahniuk on February 18, 1919, in Lattimer Mines, PA. Legendary actor of Ukrainian descent, known for his imposing presence in Westerns and dramas. He passed away on November 10, 2006.
Patricia Wettig (Barbara Robbins): Born December 4, 1951, in Cincinnati, OH. Actress and playwright, famous for her Emmy-winning role on Thirtysomething.
Jon Lovitz (Glen): Born July 21, 1957, in Los Angeles, CA. Comedian and actor, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live.
Jake Gyllenhaal (Danny Robbins): Born December 19, 1980, in Los Angeles, CA. One of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, known for Donnie Darko, Brokeback Mountain, and Nightcrawler.

Billy Crystal’s Dramatic Shift and New Projects for 2025

For decades, Billy Crystal has been synonymous with romantic comedy and quick-witted stand-up. However, the actor who played the neurotic Mitch Robbins is taking a surprising turn into the world of psychological thrillers.

Crystal Leads Apple TV+ Thriller ‘Before’

In a major career pivot, Crystal is starring in and executive producing the Apple TV+ limited series, Before. The show, which premiered in late October 2024, sees Crystal playing a grieving child psychiatrist who encounters a troubled young boy. This move from comedy to a darker, dramatic role has been a significant point of interest for critics and fans, demonstrating his range beyond the roles he is best known for, such as the one in When Harry Met Sally… and City Slickers.

Furthermore, Crystal continues to develop new work. He has reportedly reteamed with City Slickers original screenwriters, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, on a new project. This collaboration signals a return to the creative partnerships that made the 1991 Western comedy such a success, generating excitement about what new stories this iconic trio might tell in 2025.

Daniel Stern’s Artistic Career and the ‘City Slickers 3’ Buzz

Daniel Stern, who played the perpetually stressed Phil Berquist, has largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight in recent years, but he has not been idle. The actor has carved out a successful second career as a respected artist and sculptor.

A Sculptor’s Life and Selective Acting Roles

Stern primarily dedicates his time to creating bronze sculptures from his home, viewing each piece as a single frame of film, a moment in a life story. This semi-retirement from acting allows him to focus on his passion for art, though he has made selective, high-profile returns to the screen. In recent years, he appeared in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman (2019) and the series Bupkis (2023), proving he can still steal a scene when he chooses.

Most recently, the possibility of a true reunion has been fueled by Stern himself. In May 2024, he publicly discussed the idea of a potential City Slickers 3, indicating a willingness to reprise his role as Phil. While nothing official has been announced, the actor’s expressed interest, coupled with Crystal’s ongoing collaboration with the original writers, has kept the dream of a sequel alive for fans hoping to see the remaining city slickers back in the saddle.

The Legacy of the Supporting Cast and Director

The film’s success was not just about the lead trio; it was bolstered by a phenomenal supporting cast and a visionary director, Ron Underwood.

Jack Palance’s Oscar-Winning Performance as Curly

Jack Palance delivered a career-defining performance as the tough, philosophical trail boss, Curly Washburn. His role earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the 64th Academy Awards, a victory famously punctuated by him dropping to the stage and performing one-handed push-ups to prove his vitality. Although Palance passed away in 2006, his character’s legacy—the search for "one thing"—remains the most quoted and beloved element of the film.

The Enduring Talent of Bruno Kirby

Bruno Kirby, who played the highly competitive and perpetually angry Ed Furillo, was a phenomenal character actor known for his work in films like When Harry Met Sally... and Donnie Brasco. His death in 2006 from complications related to leukemia was a profound loss to the industry. His performance as the hot-headed Ed perfectly balanced Crystal and Stern’s characters, making the trio’s dynamic irreplaceable.

The Surprising Debut of Jake Gyllenhaal

A major piece of trivia that often surprises new fans is that City Slickers marked the film debut of future Oscar-nominated star, Jake Gyllenhaal. Playing Mitch Robbins’ son, Danny Robbins, Gyllenhaal was only 10 or 11 years old when he was cast. His early appearance in the film serves as a fascinating footnote in the career of one of Hollywood's biggest modern stars.

Other Notable Cast Members: Where They Are Now

Jon Lovitz (Glen): The former SNL star, who played Mitch’s brother, Glen, remains highly active in the comedy circuit, touring extensively with his stand-up routine. He continues to appear in various film and television projects, with recent work including a feature film project expected to be released in 2025.
Patricia Wettig (Barbara Robbins): Wettig, who played Mitch’s wife, Barbara Robbins, is known primarily for her acclaimed television work, especially on Thirtysomething. She remains active in the arts, with recent involvement in theatrical productions in 2024.
Helen Slater (Bonnie): The actress who played Bonnie, the love interest of one of the cowboys, is best known for her role as Supergirl (1984). She continues to connect with fans, making appearances at various comic conventions throughout 2024.

The enduring popularity of City Slickers is a testament to the powerful storytelling of director Ron Underwood and writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, and the unforgettable performances of its cast. With Billy Crystal exploring dramatic new territory and Daniel Stern openly discussing a potential third installment, the world of Mitch and Phil remains a vibrant and relevant part of the entertainment landscape as we move through 2025.

Where Are They Now? The Cast of City Slickers (2025 Updates on Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and More)

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