Clerks, released in 1994, was far from a typical Hollywood blockbuster. Filmed in black and white with a modest budget, this indie gem marked the directorial debut of Kevin Smith and quickly achieved cult status.

Shot mostly after hours at the New Jersey convenience store where Kevin himself worked in the daytime, the film’s authentic dialogue and candid scenes offered a compelling depiction of working-class life. It also introduced audiences to the iconic stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, who would feature in numerous interconnected films over the next three decades.

This film kickstarted what came to be known as the ‘Askewniverse’, with Smith creating a series of interlinked movies featuring characters from Clerks. These included Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001).

Clerks also served as a launchpad for a host of then-unknown actors who brought the film’s memorable characters to life. The franchise has since expanded to include two sequels – Clerks II in 2006 and Clerks III in 2022.

But what became of the original cast members? Let’s take a look at their journeys since Clerks, more than 30 years on.

At the tender age of 23, Kevin Smith was merely a convenience store employee when he took the bold step to create Clerks, funding it by selling his cherished comic book collection and maxing out credit cards. The film’s triumph at the Sundance Film Festival propelled him into the limelight as an indie film sensation.

Now aged 54, Kevin champions mental health, veganism, and weight loss, particularly after enduring a near-death experience from a heart attack in 2018. He remains active in directing, with his latest film, The 4:30 Movie, hitting screens last year.

In addition to filmmaking, he’s established a podcasting powerhouse through his SModcast Network, hosting shows such as Hollywood Babble-On, FatMan Beyond, and Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. His directorial skills extend to episodes of The Flash and he’s also dabbled in comic book writing. In 2025, he’s teaming up with Archie Comics for Archie Meets Jay and Silent Bob, a crossover slated for release in July.

Brian O’Halloran brought to life the main character Dante Hicks. Brian has sustained a consistent acting career, often joining forces with Kevin in the View Askewniverse films and reprising his role as Dante in both Clerks sequels.

Although he hasn’t quite ascended to Hollywood‘s A-list, he also participates in theatre productions and independent films and is a familiar face at comic conventions. In early 2025, he made an appearance on the Fox game show The Floor, leading viewers to recall his role in Clerks.

Jeff Anderson, who portrayed Randal Graves, took a step back from acting following the release of Clerks II in 2006. He cited creative differences with Kevin and an interest in pursuing other ventures.

Their relationship was strained for years, leaving fans questioning their status. However, they eventually reconciled, leading to Jeff reprising his role in Clerks III in 2022 – a project that Kevin acknowledged was significantly shaped by their rekindled friendship. Now largely retired from acting, Anderson leads a private life away from the limelight.

Jason Mewes, known for his role as Jay, one half of the stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, quickly became a fan favourite. His personal life, however, was fraught with struggles with drug addiction and multiple relapses.

Thanks to intervention from Kevin, who involved him in projects like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II, Jason found a route to recovery. He celebrated 14 years of sobriety in June 2024.

Jason continues to act and made his directorial debut with Madness in the Method in 2019. He frequently appears at fan conventions and has amassed a following on TikTok, where he shares skits and insights into his life as a husband and father.

Marilyn Ghigliotti, who played Veronica, Dante’s girlfriend in Clerks, didn’t return for the sequel but did feature in the latest instalment, Clerks III. Nowadays, Marilyn is involved in various aspects of the film industry, including roles as a makeup artist, director and producer.

She continues to engage with the Clerks fanbase, attending comic conventions and fan expos, and recently revealed her plans to relocate from Los Angeles to be nearer to her family.

Lisa Spoonauer portrayed Caitlin Bree, Dante’s former girlfriend in the film. She was only 22 when she landed the role, having been spotted by Kevin Smith in a local acting class. Post-Clerks, Lisa largely withdrew from the acting scene.

In 1998, she tied the knot with her co-star Jeff Anderson, but their marriage dissolved a year later. She transitioned into restaurant management and event planning in New Jersey, while raising her daughter, Mia.

Sadly, Lisa died on May 20, 2017, at just 44 years old. As per an Extra report, her death was due to an accidental overdose of the painkiller hydromorphone. It was reported that she had been grappling with several health challenges, including cancer, anemia, lung disease, and immune system complications.