Molly Ringwald Reflects on Complex Relationship with John Hughes as Teen Muse

The actress revisits her teenage collaborations with the late filmmaker, describing their dynamic as 'peculiar' and still processing its impact on her life.

Molly Ringwald discussed her experiences as John Hughes' teenage muse during an interview on Monica Lewinsky's podcast, describing the relationship as 'peculiar' and 'complex.'
Hughes wrote the screenplay for 'Sixteen Candles' after seeing Ringwald's headshot when she was 15, casting her in three of his iconic 1980s films.
Ringwald acknowledged the power imbalance in their working relationship, noting that it felt complimentary at the time but now seems more complicated upon reflection.
She has publicly grappled with the legacy of Hughes' films, highlighting their cultural impact while critiquing the sexism, racism, and homophobia present in some of his work.
The actress continues to process how her collaborations with Hughes shaped her career and personal life, describing the experience as something she will reflect on for the rest of her life.