Where the cast of Clerks are today, from near-fatal heart attack to drugs battle

Filmed in black and white and on a modest budget, Clerks was an indie hit in 1994 and launched a number of careers

Shot in monochrome and on a shoestring budget, Clerks was far from the typical Hollywood blockbuster when it hit the screens in 1994. Yet, this project, marking Kevin Smith's directorial debut, resonated with indie film enthusiasts and quickly achieved cult status.

Filmed predominantly after-hours at the same New Jersey convenience store where Smith worked in the daytime, the movie boasted genuine dialogue and raw scenes, offering an engaging depiction of working-class existence. It also marked the beginning of the cinematic journey for the stoner pair Jay and Silent Bob, who would feature in a string of related films over the subsequent three decades.

The film gave birth to what came to be known as the 'Askewniverse', with Smith directing a series of interconnected films, some starring characters from Clerks, in the years that followed. These included 1997's Chasing Amy, 1999's Dogma, and 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Clerks also introduced a host of then-unknown actors who breathed life into the unforgettable characters of cynical store clerks and their friends. The film inspired two sequels - 2006's Clerks II, and 2022's Clerks III.

But what became of the original cast members? Here's a glimpse into their journeys since Clerks, more than 30 years on.

Kevin Smith (director/Silent Bob)

At the tender age of 23, Kevin Smith was employed at a convenience store when he made the decision to make Clerks - funding it by selling his comic book collection and maxing out his credit cards. The film's triumph at the Sundance Film Festival propelled him into the limelight as a symbol of independent cinema.

Now aged 54, Kevin is a vocal supporter of mental health, veganism, and weight loss, particularly after surviving a near-death experience from a heart attack in 2018. He remains active in directing - his latest film, The 4:30 Movie, was launched just last year.

In addition to filmmaking, he's established a podcasting empire via his SModcast Network, which hosts shows such as Hollywood Babble-On, FatMan Beyond, and Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. He has also directed episodes of The Flash and delved into writing comic books. In 2025, he's teaming up with Archie Comics for Archie Meets Jay and Silent Bob, a crossover scheduled for release in July.

Brian O'Halloran (Dante Hicks)

Brian O'Halloran played the lead character Dante Hicks. Brian has sustained a consistent acting career, often partnering with Kevin in the View Askewniverse films and reprising his role as Dante in both Clerks sequels.

Although he never quite ascended to Hollywood's A-list, he also participates in theatre productions and independent films and is a frequent guest at comic conventions. In early 2025, he featured on the Fox game show The Floor, with many viewers taking to social media to say they recognised him from Clerks.

Jeff Anderson (Randal Graves)

Jeff Anderson, who portrayed Randal Graves, distanced himself from acting following the release of Clerks II in 2006. He cited creative differences with Kevin and a desire to pursue other ventures.

Their relationship was strained for years, leaving fans unsure about their status. However, they later reconciled, leading Jeff to reprise his role in Clerks III in 2022 - a project that Kevin acknowledged was deeply influenced by their mended friendship. Now largely retired from acting, Anderson leads a private life away from the limelight.

Jason Mewes (Jay)

Jason Mewes, known for his role as Jay, one half of the stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, quickly became a fan favourite. His personal life, however, was fraught with struggles with drug addiction and multiple relapses.

Thanks to intervention from Kevin, who involved him in projects like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II, Jason found a route to recovery. He celebrated 14 years of sobriety in June 2024.

Jason continues to act and made his directorial debut with Madness in the Method in 2019. He frequently attends fan conventions and has amassed a following on TikTok, where he shares skits and glimpses into his life as a husband and father.

Marilyn Ghigliotti (Veronica Loughran)

Marilyn Ghigliotti, who played Veronica, Dante's girlfriend in Clerks, didn't return for Clerks II but did feature in the latest sequel, Clerks III. Currently, Marilyn is involved in various roles within the film industry, including working as a makeup artist, director and producer.

She continues to engage with the Clerks fanbase, attending comic conventions and fan expos, and recently revealed her plans to relocate from Los Angeles to be nearer to her family.

Lisa Spoonauer (Caitlin Bree)

Lisa Spoonauer portrayed Caitlin Bree, Dante's former girlfriend in the movie. She was only 22 when she landed the role, having been spotted by Kevin Smith in a local acting class.

Post-Clerks, Lisa largely retreated from the acting scene. In 1998, she tied the knot with her co-star Jeff Anderson, although their marriage dissolved a year later. She transitioned into restaurant management and event planning in New Jersey while raising her daughter, Mia.

Sadly, Lisa died on May 20, 2017, at just 44 years old. As per a report from Extra, her death was due to an accidental overdose of the painkiller hydromorphone. It was reported that she had been grappling with several health challenges, including cancer, anemia, lung disease, and immune system complications.