What happened to the child stars of Bugsy Malone

The 1970s produced several classic gangster films from The Godfather to Get Carter, but one of the more unique offerings was Bugsy Malone.

The musical featured a cast entirely made up of children and teenagers, and swapped the violence and machine guns for cream pies and “splurges”.

The film served as a launching point for the likes of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio. But what happened to these child stars? Here’s all you need to know…

The film was Scott’s debut performance

Scott Baio

Bugsy Malone was Scott’s on-screen debut, with the actor being just 16 when he landed the title role. His talent was quickly noted, with the star landing the role of Chachi Arcola on Happy Days just a year after the gangster flick was released; he also starred in the show’s spin-off, Joanie Loves Chachi.

Scott, now 65, has since appeared in the likes of Charles in Charge, Diagnosis: Murder, See Dad Run and his own reality TV series, Scott Baio Is 45…and Single. The show saw Scott explore his issues with commitment before proposing to his girlfriend, Renée Sloan. A follow-up to the show followed Scott and Renée as they prepared to welcome their first child. Scott later adopted Renée’s daughter from a previous relationship.

One of his old flames was Pamela Anderson, whom he briefly proposed to. Reflecting on the moment, he once confessed: “Don’t ever take a shower with a woman, because you’ll probably end up proposing to her… I literally had an out-of-body experience. There was a lot of soap and I was making a speech, but my entire being was going, ‘What are you doing? Shut up!’ But I didn’t stop.”

Jodie is now a major Hollywood star

Jodie Foster

Jodie played Talullah in Bugsy Malone, a former flame of Bugsy’s and the current ‘gun moll’ of Fat Sam. The star was just 13 when she filmed the iconic movie, although she had already carved out quite an impressive career beforehand, including playing Becky Thatcher in 1973’s Tom Sawyer.

The actress has since scooped two Academy Awards for her roles in The Accused and Silence of the Lambs, as well as winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance in True Detective: Night Country. Other notable credits include Nell, Nyad and Taxi Driver.

Jodie kept several details of her personal life under wraps, but between 1993 and 2008, she was in a relationship with producer Cydney Bernard, with the couple welcoming two children. Jodie is the pair’s biological mother, and the former couple hasn’t made the father’s identity public. In 2013, she met actress Alexandra Hedison, and the pair married in 2014.

John left acting behind

John Cassisi

John was 13 when he starred in Bugsy Malone as Fat Sam, a mobster and friend of the title character. John followed this up with roles in Barney Miller, Fish and Gemini, but in 1982, he left the world of Hollywood behind him.

The former child star subsequently started working in the construction industry, but he ran into legal issues in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme. He was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $500,000.

John and his wife share three children, but the couple sadly faced tragedy after their eldest son, Robert, died from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 26.

Florrie didn’t dream of becoming an actress

Florrie Dugger

Florrie was 13 when she starred as Blousey Brown, an aspiring Hollywood star who steals the heart of Bugsy. The film ended up being Florrie’s only role, and she instead chose to follow in the footsteps of her family by joining the military, becoming a medical administrator on various military bases. She has since started working for an ophthalmology practice.

Speaking to the Independent in 2015, Florrie, who now takes the surname Garland, said: “I enjoyed the acting, and the camaraderie and the joy of memorising roles. But I didn’t want to do it professionally. I’m very happy I didn’t go into acting. I love what I do and what I’ve done with my life.”

Martin suffered from ME during his life

Martin Lev

Martin played the villainous Dandy Dan in the classic film, a rival gangster muscling in on Fat Sam’s territory. However, the film would be Martin’s final role, after the child actor previously appeared in The Day After Tomorrow and NBC Special Treat. However, he continued with an incredible stage career, acting in the likes of On The Razzle and The Taming of the Shrew.

During his life, Martin suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome. The actor was one of the founders of Action for ME, a charity that helps people with the condition. He sadly died by suicide on 11 March 1992, aged 32.

Paul has stepped back from the limelight

Paul Murphy

Paul played Leroy Smith, a man noticed by Bugsy for his boxing ability and who ultimately joins the crew. Paul didn’t pursue an acting career, only appearing in 1998’s Viewer Discretion Advised following the release of the gangster film.