If you're a Gen X-er and don’t know Diane Franklin, you might just be living under a rock! In the 1980s, Franklin was a teen star and an integral part of some of the decade's most iconic films, including The Last American Virgin, Better Off Dead, and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
Beyond her film career, Franklin has shared her story through memoirs. In 2012, she published Diane Franklin: The Excellent Adventures of the Last American, French Exchange Babe of the 80s, followed by her second memoir, Diane Franklin: The Excellent Curls of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s, in 2017. That same year, she achieved another milestone, graduating with a degree in education from California State University, Northridge.
When I met Diane Franklin, her warmth and friendliness immediately put me at ease. She was kind, approachable, and genuinely excited to connect with fans. Here's a glimpse into our Q&A during her appearance at The Hollywood Show.
Ruchel: What excites you most about being part of this fan convention, the Hollywood Show?
Diane: What I love about this convention is the incredible lineup of people—actors and public figures—who’ve made such an impact. I find myself thinking, Wow, I’d come to see them too! The Hollywood Show focuses on the stars who’ve touched our lives, and that’s such a wonderful thing.
I understand the emotions fans feel because I’ve experienced the same. When I meet someone whose work I love, I get excited—it’s nostalgic and meaningful. That’s what I try to bring to this convention: memories and emotions tied to my career. I even put thought into how I dress because I want to bring people back to those times and spark something special for them.
Not everyone gets the chance to have a career that resonates across decades. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of people’s childhoods and to see that reflected in their love for my work.
Ruchel: Can you share a personal memory of meeting someone who impacted you?
Diane: Absolutely! I remember the first time I met Marlo Thomas. I grew up watching That Girl and seeing her in person was phenomenal. I was raised on TV, so meeting someone I admired made such an impression on me. That’s what I try to give back to fans—those magical, unforgettable moments.
I’ve also reflected on my identity in entertainment through my books. Writing them helped me realize that I represented something unique: I was the “crush” for so many. Everyone has their own identity in Hollywood—whether it’s the bad guy or the funny character—and I embrace mine with gratitude.
Ruchel: Better Off Dead has become a beloved cult classic. What was it like working on that set with John Cusack, and did you ever expect the film to gain cult status?
Diane: First of all, I absolutely love Better Off Dead. It holds such a special place in my heart that I even wrote a book about it, The Excellent Adventures of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s. I poured two years into writing that book because the film means so much to me.
Working with John Cusack was an absolute blast. He was so kind and full of energy, and it was early in his career. I feel like I got to see him at his best—just having fun and being so enthusiastic about the work. Everyone on set was amazing, and we spent a lot of time joking around. To this day, I’m still friends with some of my castmates, like Aaron Dozier. Our friendships started on that set and have only grown stronger over the years.
As for the film becoming a cult classic—wow, that’s been an incredible journey. Here’s the thing: Better Off Dead wasn’t a big hit when it first came out. It wasn’t considered a popular movie at the time. But what’s fascinating is how it’s grown over the years through word of mouth. It’s like an underground movement of fans who absolutely adore it.
And you know what’s funny? I always say that if you love Better Off Dead, you’re probably a nice person, because the people who connect with this film are genuinely kind and passionate. Seeing how people—kids and adults alike—still relate to it today is so rewarding. The quotes! Oh my gosh, people still quote the lines, and it brings me so much joy.
I’m incredibly proud of this film. Some actors dream of Oscars and Emmys, but for me, Better Off Dead is my Oscar. It’s my legacy, and knowing that it continues to resonate with people makes me feel like I’ve truly done my job.
Ruchel: The Last American Virgin was such a defining role for you. How did you approach playing Karen, and what do you think makes the movie resonate with audiences decades later?
Diane: Honestly, it’s still a shock to me that we’re sitting here talking about The Last American Virgin after all these years! When I first got the script, there was no guarantee the film would even be made. It was one of those indie projects where you just didn’t know if it would ever see the light of day. Back then, not every film, especially independent ones, got completed or distributed.
When I read the script, I was drawn to the depth of Karen’s character. I wanted audiences to see and feel her complexity, to understand her beyond just the surface. Boaz Davidson, the director, made a bold choice with the film’s ending, and it’s one of the reasons the movie has stayed with people for so long. Without giving anything away, the ending was so unexpected and raw that we thought, Surely, they’re going to change this. But they didn’t—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
The ending resonates because it’s real. It reflects how life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect, and sometimes, it isn’t fair. That truth is uncomfortable but also comforting because it validates the emotions people feel when they go through heartache. Viewers can look at the story and think, Wow, I’m not alone. Someone else has felt this too.
Over the years, I’ve had so many people tell me how deeply the film impacted them. Whether they experienced something similar or knew someone who did, it’s a story that connects on a human level. Even for me, when I watched it again later in life, I found myself thinking, Wow, Karen! What were you doing? (laughs).
And let me tell you, it’s always fun meeting fans at conventions. It’s very cute and a testament to how this film continues to touch generations.
Diane Franklin’s journey through iconic 80s films like The Last American Virgin, Better Off Dead, and others showcases her unique ability to connect deeply with audiences across generations. Her passion for storytelling, both on-screen and through her memoirs, highlights her love for her craft and her fans. Whether she’s reflecting on the unforgettable endings of her films or sharing heartfelt moments at conventions, Diane’s charm and authenticity continue to make her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Her work reminds us of the power of cinema to evoke emotions, spark nostalgia, and create lasting connections. Diane’s legacy isn’t just about the roles she played but the lives she touched, proving that her "excellent adventures" are far from over.
