The musical comedy-drama film Mr. Holland's Opus was released in 1995 and was received extremely well, grossing over $100 million at the box office, and it remains one of the most beloved films of the decade. The film follows the story of Glenn Holland, a composer and high school music teacher, as he teaches and develops through the years.
At the heart of the film is its incredible cast, which includes Richard Dreyfuss as the titular Glenn Holland, Glenne Headly, who plays his wife Iris, and Jay Thomas as the quirky principal, Mr. Jacobs. While the three main actors were already well established in the industry, some of the supporting cast members were relative unknowns at the time.
William H. Macy as Bill Meister
William H. Macy plays Bill Meister, the father of Holland's student Gertrude Lang. Macy was an up-and-coming actor at the time of the film's release, and he would go on to star in films such as Fargo and Magnolia. His performance in Mr. Holland's Opus was a defining moment in his career, and it helped to launch his stardom.
Joanna Gleason as Mrs. Jacobs
Joanna Gleason plays Mrs. Jacobs, the wife of the principal. She was an established actress at the time of the film's release, having starred in films such as The Fisher King and Heartburn. Her performance as Mrs. Jacobs was warm, funny, and endearing, and she was praised by critics for her work.
Alicia Witt as Gertrude Lang
Alicia Witt plays Gertrude Lang, one of Holland's students. Witt was an up-and-coming actress at the time of the film's release, and she would go on to star in films such as Urban Legend and Two Weeks Notice. Her performance as Gertrude Lang was nuanced and earned her praise from critics.
Jean Louisa Kelly as Rowena Morgan
Jean Louisa Kelly plays Rowena Morgan, one of Holland's students. Kelly was an up-and-coming actress at the time of the film's release, and she would go on to star in films such as Uncle Buck and The Fantasticks. Her performance as Rowena Morgan was endearing and earned her praise from critics.
Terrence Howard as Mr. Hollister
Terrence Howard plays Mr. Hollister, the father of Holland's student Leonard Hollister. Howard was an up-and-coming actor at the time of the film's release, and he would go on to star in films such as Ray and Hustle & Flow. His performance as Mr. Hollister was lauded by critics and earned him a nomination for an Academy Award.
Alfre Woodard as Mrs. Hollister
Alfre Woodard plays Mrs. Hollister, the mother of Holland's student Leonard Hollister. Woodard was an established actress at the time of the film's release, having starred in films such as Cross Creek and Star Trek: First Contact. Her performance as Mrs. Hollister was powerful and earned her praise from critics.
Richard Masur as Mr. O'Connor
Richard Masur plays Mr. O'Connor, the father of Holland's student Michael O'Connor. Masur was an established actor at the time of the film's release, having starred in films such as The Thing and Risky Business. His performance as Mr. O'Connor was subtle and earned him praise from critics.
Margo Martindale as Mrs. O'Connor
Margo Martindale plays Mrs. O'Connor, the mother of Holland's student Michael O'Connor. Martindale was an established actress at the time of the film's release, having starred in films such as Places in the Heart and Fried Green Tomatoes. Her performance as Mrs. O'Connor was endearing and earned her praise from critics.
Conclusions
Mr. Holland's Opus was a critical and commercial success, thanks in large part to its incredible cast. The film brought together some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as some up-and-coming actors, and all of them delivered powerful performances. The film remains one of the most beloved films from the 1990s, and its cast is a major reason why.
