Hey there, folks! It’s been way too long since we’ve seen Rick Moranis light up the screen. The legendary Canadian comedian, who made us laugh in Ghostbusters, The Flintstones, and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids series, is finally making a comeback after 11 years. This time, he’s stepping back into the iconic role of Dark Helmet, the hilarious Darth Vader parody from Spaceballs. The character will appear in the May 9 episode of ABC’s beloved sitcom, The Goldbergs, set in the 1980s. Trust me, this is big news for fans of comedy and nostalgia alike!
Why This Casting is a Big Deal
The Goldbergs creator Adam F. Goldberg is beyond thrilled to have Moranis back in action. In an interview with ScreenCrush, Goldberg shared, “Rick Moranis delivered one of the most underrated and brilliant comedic performances of the ’80s as Dark Helmet. I’ve been a fan of his work for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always dreamed of bringing him back to the spotlight. This role in The Goldbergs feels like the perfect opportunity to honor his genius and maybe even spark renewed interest in Spaceballs. Who knows? Maybe this will lead to the sequel I’ve been dreaming of!”
via GIPHY
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Why Moranis Stepped Away from the Spotlight
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate why Moranis has been so absent from the entertainment world. Sure, this gig in The Goldbergs is just a voice role, and we might not see his face under that iconic helmet, but it’s still a major step for Moranis. After all, this is the first time he’s returned to showbiz since 2007. And if you think about it, that’s quite a long break. Moranis hasn’t been seen on-screen since 1997, when he decided to step away from Hollywood to focus on raising his children after the tragic loss of his wife, costume designer Ann Belsky, who passed away from cancer in 1991.
“I’m a single parent, and juggling my career with raising my kids became too challenging,” Moranis explained in a 2005 interview with USA Today. “I decided to take a little break, and well, that little break turned into a much longer one. Surprisingly, I realized I didn’t miss the hustle and bustle of Hollywood as much as I thought I would. Family became my priority, and I’m happy with that choice.”
Rick Moranis in 1993.
A Selective Return to Acting
During his hiatus, Moranis hasn’t completely shied away from voice acting. He lent his talents to Disney’s animated film Brother Bear and its sequel, proving that he hasn’t lost his touch. However, he famously turned down a role in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, sticking to his principle of being selective about the projects he takes on. “I’m not retired,” Moranis clarified in a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I’ve just been very choosy about the roles I accept. I’m proud of the projects I’ve said yes to, and equally proud of the ones I’ve said no to. Being picky has worked well for me, and I plan to continue being that way.”
