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Then and now

It’s been 20 YEARS since Matilda hit cinema screens… and here’s what the cast looks like now

Now this is definitely going to make you feel old

Matilda

IT’S been 20 YEARS since the release of classic family film Matilda.

That’s two whole decades since Bruce overcame Miss Trunchbull’s punishment in the cake eating scene.

If that’s not enough to make you feel old, the cast members are a lot different now.

And here’s what they’re up to…

Mara Wilson as Matilda

Matilda
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Mara decided to keep her adorable brown bobCredit: Sky Box Office

The 28-year-old American starlet still resembles her Matilda alter-ego, as she continues to rock her famous brunette bob and cheeky grin.

Since her 1996 starring role, Mara continued to pursue her acting career.

The year after Matilda was released, Mara featured in kids’ fantasy film A Simple Wish.

Matilda
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The child star has remained in the spotlight for decadesCredit: PA:Press Association

She’s also appeared in Batman of the Future and TV series including Broad City, Demo Reel and BoJack Horseman.

It’s not just acting that Mara has a flair for, as she’s written a Broadway play, called Sheeple, and hopes to break into young adult novels.

Mara Wilson
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Mara Wilson also works as a talented writer

In September, Mara is set to release her memoires, Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame.

In the book, which is released in September, the screen actor has written candidly about working with Robin Williams on the 1993 comedy, Mrs Doubtfire.

Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey

Embeth Davidtz starred the much-loved Miss Honey from 90s film Matilda
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Embeth Davidtz starred the much-loved Miss Honey from 90s film MatildaCredit: TriStar Pictures

Embeth Davidtz played the endearing and sweet teacher, who protected her students from the terrifying Miss Trunchbull as well as adopting Matilda away from her cruel family.

Twenty years later, the actress, who is now 50, still looks as youthful as she did back then – and still enjoying a successful career in the industry.

20 years on, Embeth is still an absolute knock-out!
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20 years on, Embeth is still an absolute knock-out!Credit: Instagram

Since Matilda, Embeth’s had roles on popular TV shows like Citizen Baines, Mad Men, Californication, and In Treatment.

The American-South African actress was also Peter Parker’s mum in The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Embeth has two children with Jason Sloane
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Embeth has two children with Jason SloaneCredit: Getty

She’s happily married to entertainment lawyer Jason Sloane since 2002, and they’ve recently celebrated their anniversary.

The pair have two children, Charlotte Emily, 14, and Asher Dylan Sloane, 11, and it her parenting is anything like her portrayal of Miss Honey, her kids must have the best mum ever.

Jimmy Karz as Bruce Bogtrotter

Everyone rooted for Brucey in this iconic scene
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Everyone rooted for Brucey in this iconic sceneCredit: TriStar Pictures

In one of Matilda’s most iconic scenes, highly-feared movie villain, Miss Trunchbull, forces Bruce to eat a staggeringly huge chocolate cake.

The young actor who played Bruce, Jimmy Karz, is now aged 31 and looks completely different to how he did during his cake-eating days.

Jimmy’s curly locks and chubby cheeks are nowhere to be seen as he now looks dapper with chiselled features and manly stubble.

Although Los Angeles-born Jimmy hasn’t done much acting since his 1996 role, he did make brief appearances in The Wedding Singer and TV series ER.

Jimmy Karz keeps quite a low profile on social media
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Jimmy Karz keeps quite a low profile on social mediaCredit: Facebook

Impressively, he’s ditched a life in the limelight for medical training, working towards a qualification at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Pam Ferris as Miss Trunchbull

Miss Trunchbull has plagued children's nightmares for years
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Miss Trunchbull has plagued children's nightmares for yearsCredit: TriStar Pictures

When Pam Ferris took up the role of Roald Dahl’s most notorious villain, she left children quaking in their boots for decades.

Luckily, in real life Pam doesn’t look (or act) anything like her on screen alter-ego.

Pam's character in Harry Potter isn't dissimilar to Miss Trunchbull
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Pam's character in Harry Potter isn't dissimilar to Miss Trunchbull
Pam Ferris
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Pam is set to star in Ethel & Ernest later this yearCredit: Getty

The 68-year-old actress has continued in the world of showbiz, featuring in Where The Heart Is and playing Sister Evangelina in Call The Midwife.

In 2004, she even appeared in the film adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as obnoxious aunt Marge.

Later this year, Pam will be featuring in TV series Ethel & Ernest as the character of Mrs Bennett.