Michael Schoeffling’s Wife and Family: Inside the Quiet Life of the ‘Sixteen Candles’ Star

Michael Schoeffling’s change in profession gave the former actor more control over how he lived his life. He was chiefly known for his role as the protagonist’s love interest in the ’80s controversial classic “Sixteen Candles.”

The John Hughes teen rom-com, “Sixteen Candles,” marked its 38th anniversary in 2022 since its release in 1984. Though it depicts controversial issues that were acceptable in those times, the film is still beloved by many even decades later.

Many of the cast members’ acting careers catapulted afterward. However, Michael Schoeffling, who played Molly Ringwald’s love interest, Jake Ryan, walked away from the Hollywood spotlight in the early 1990s.

Michael Schoeffling is pictured sitting on a fence in a scene from the movie “Sylvester,” circa 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Schoeffling’s success in the entertainment industry was notable, and the former actor was said to resemble Matt Dillon in his roles. He took on a few more after “Sixteen Candles” while he worked as a model.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on December 10, 1960. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Temple University, where he majored in Liberal Arts. Schoeffling started modeling for GQ around the same time he starred in “Sixteen Candles.”

He also took acting classes, paid for by photographer Bruce Weber, at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Manhattan. Although he remained in the film and TV industry for a short while, Schoeffling transitioned to a different, more hands-on art form that allowed a more private life with his family.

Michael Schoeffling looks on in a scene of the movie “Sylvester,” circa 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Michael Schoeffling Left Hollywood to Make Furniture

Schoeffling had appeared in a few TV and film roles before then, including 1985’s novel-based romantic drama “Vision Quest” and the family drama “Sylvester.” He played Lance in a single episode of “The Hitchhiker” on the show’s first season in 1986 and starred in “Slaves of New York” three years later.

The former actor also co-starred with Winona Ryder in 1990’s “Mermaids” and secured his last film credit in the romantic drama “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken.” He was still chiefly recognized for his role in “Sixteen Candles” and reportedly turned down several “Where Are They Now?” segments in the past years.

Though it’s unclear when exactly, Schoeffling transitioned from acting to carpentry. He currently runs a successful woodworking business in his home state, where he lives with his wife and kids.

Despite missing some benefits of being a Hollywood star, he felt he could still “live like a king” as a carpenter. The former model was content with his decision to change professions because he spent his time doing something in which he was in complete control, as he explained:

“The thing about furniture that’s much better than acting is that it’s just me. There’s no director, no script – the concept is me unless a client wants something. In film work, you do the best you can under the given circumstances, but you don’t have control. At least, I don’t.”

Since this transition, Schoeffling became a hard man to find. Even his former modeling agency, GQ, struggled and failed to track him down in 2002. That was until eight years later when a blogger wrote about a brief and warm exchange with Schoeffling after meeting him in his furniture shop.

Michael Schoeffling Married Valerie Robinson, Whom He Met through Modeling

In the same way Schoeffling has kept his life private, his relationship timeline with model Valerie Robinson also eludes public knowledge. The couple met while working at the same modeling agency called Zoli. It is believed they are currently married, though it remains to be known when that union became official.

Michael Schoeffling Has Two Kids, One of Whom Follows in His Footsteps

Molly Ringwald‘s former co-star first welcomed his son, Zane Schoeffling, reportedly 33 as of this year, and had a daughter, Scarlett, two years later. Though it’s unknown what career Zane decided to lead, Scarlett became a model and actress who regularly posts old photos of their family.