30 years ago, a little-known, oddball cult comedy called D.C. Cab came out. The movie, which was filmed and is set in and around Washington, follows the hijinks of a failing cab company as they face a litany of issues around the city. It is perhaps the greatest film ever made in D.C. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the movie, DCist is dedicating a whole week of posts to the greatness that is D.C. Cab.
When D.C. Cab was released 30 years ago today, it featured a loaded ensemble of soon-to-be stars. It was one of the first starring roles for a young Adam Baldwin, as well as a young Bill Maher. The raunchy comedy was also controversial for being a departure for Mr. T’s child-friendly image. But beyond these three stars, D.C. Cab featured a whole cast of up-and-comers as well as some seasoned veterans. Though some broke out and experienced a successful career after the film, not all did. Here, DCist takes a look at the storied cast of D.C. Cab to see where they are now.
(Universal Pictures)
Adam Baldwin (Albert Hockenberry): D.C. Cab proved to be a good move for the young Baldwin, who starred as Albert Hockenberry. Baldwin—who is not one of Alec’s brothers—went on to star in a series of critically acclaimed and beloved films, including Full Metal Jacket and Predator 2 (OK, that one may not be critically acclaimed). But he’s perhaps best known for his roles on the cult TV series Firefly and Chuck. Oh yeah, he’s also an outspoken and sometimes obnoxious libertarian.
(Universal Pictures)
Mr. T (Samson): Mr. T has made a career out of pitying the fool. You can book him for your party or event for a cool $100,000, where he’ll presumably pity you into giving him an extra $5,000.
(Universal Pictures)
Charlie Barnett (Tyrone Bywater): Charlie Barnett—who played the rambunctious but subversive cabbie Tyrone—passed away in 1996 from HIV, contracted from heroin abuse. He was 41. After D.C. Cab, Barnett had a notable recurring role on Miami Vice and starred in various films until his death. Read this nice remembrance from Splitsider to learn more about his career as a comedian.
(Universal Pictures)
Bill Maher (Baba): Playing the obnoxious, fast-talking, loud-mouthed cabbie Baba proved to be a successful career move as Maher went on to play the obnoxious, fast-talking, loud-mouthed Bill Maher on HBO, with his show Real Time With Bill Maher.
(Universal Pictures)
Gary Busey (Dell): Gary Busey has made a career out of crazy. Sometimes he acts. Never forget.
Whitman Mayo (Mr. Rhythm): Whitman Mayo—who played D.C. Cab’s resident music-obsessed wise guy—starred in many films and TV shows, but he was best known for his role as Grady Wilson a decade early on Sanford and Son. Mayo died of a heart attack in 2001 at age 70.
(Universal Pictures)
Peter and David Paul (Buddy and Buzzy): Twin brothers Peter and David Paul—better known as the Barbarian Brothers—were body builders and TV personalities who had a brief film career. D.C. Cab is perhaps their biggest film role to date, other than their starring role in this ’80s gem. Nowadays, Peter runs a personal training business, while David is a professional photographer. They’re both presumably still jacked.
(Universal Pictures)
Max Gail (Harold Oswelt): Max—who played the bohemian owner of D.C. Cab—is best known for his role as Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz on Barney Miller. He’s been acting continually ever since, with small roles in films here and there, but he mostly devotes his time to his documentary production company, Full Circle.
Gloria Gifford (Miss Floyd): Gloria has made a career as an actor and acting teacher, starting her own acting conservatory called the Gloria Gifford Conservatory. Some of her notable roles include Halloween II and This Is Spinal Tap.
Marsha Warfield (Ophelia): Warfield played Ophelia, another cabbie in the fleet, and went on to take smaller roles in a variety of films and TV shows, although she hasn’t been in anything since 1999.
Joel Schumacher (Director):Joel Schumacher went on to put nipples on George Clooney’s Batman suit in the 1997 film Batman & Robin. His career has never recovered.
