Unrecognizable: The Rare NYC Stroll of an '80s Horror Icon
Hollywood Royalty Unveiled: Griffin Dunne's Wild Ride
Imagine strolling through downtown Manhattan, effortlessly gliding past skyscrapers and quaint shops, while sporting a stylish jacket, shorts, Nike trainers, and AirPods – all while juggling your dog and a bright red bicycle. Sounds like the epitome of laid-back cool, right? Well, that's exactly what 70-year-old Hollywood veteran Griffin Dunne was up to on Thursday.
Dunne, son of the late producer Dominick Dunne and nephew of celebrated writer John Gregory Dunne (who, incidentally, was married to the incomparable Joan Didion until his passing in 2003), has had a career that's been nothing short of spectacular. With an impressive resume spanning acting, directing, producing, and writing credits, this family man has seen it all – from horror comedies to Oscar-winning dramas.
Let's take a step back, shall we? Griffin's breakthrough role came in the 1981 classic, An American Werewolf in London (which he still fondly recalls as his "big break"). Directed by the legendary John Landis, this iconic film catapulted Dunne into stardom and showcased his knack for comedy. Who could forget that unforgettable scene where our hero is attacked by a werewolf? (Don't worry; it's not as gruesome as it sounds – more hilarious than frightening.)
Fast-forward to 1987, when Griffin found himself co-starring with none other than the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, in the comedy Who's That Girl. He confessed to Closer earlier this year that working with Madonna was a "real treat" – and we can only imagine the laughs they shared on set! The excitement surrounding her films at the time was palpable, with helicopters hovering above whenever they shot outside (talk about extra security!). Dunne recalled: "She took it all in stride. Most people, including myself, would have had a nervous breakdown."
But Griffin's talents don't stop there. As a director, he's helmed several notable films, including Fierce People (starring Diane Lane) and Addicted to Love with Matthew Broderick and Meg Ryan. And let's not forget his work behind the camera – Practical Magic (1988), which starred Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, remains one of his crowning achievements.
However, Griffin's most impressive feat might just be his dedication to family. His memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club, is a testament to the impact his relatives have had on him. He credits his aunt Joan Didion with being an inspiration – "a brutal honesty about themselves and the people around them" is how he describes her writing style (not that he'd ever aspire to be as tough as she was).
But there's another side of Griffin that few know: the tragic loss of his younger sister, Dominique. In 1982, at just 22 years old, she was tragically murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Their father, Dominick Dunne (a renowned crime writer and journalist), went on to pen a critically acclaimed piece for Vanity Fair about her murder.
And in a heartwarming twist of fate, Griffin's current wife, Anna Bingemann, has been his rock ever since 2009. The couple shares a love for life's simple pleasures – just like their leisurely stroll through Manhattan.
As our favorite leading man continues to thrive in Hollywood (he'll be appearing in the upcoming Caught Stealing, alongside Austin Butler), it's clear that Griffin Dunne is more than just an accomplished actor and director – he's a true Hollywood royalty, with a career spanning decades and a family legacy that speaks for itself.
