Mia Sara was just 18 when she became one of the most recognisable faces of 1980s cinema, thanks to her role as Sloane Peterson in John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Mia Sara became an iconic figure of 1980s cinema at just 18, starring as Sloane Peterson, the ultra-cool girlfriend in John Hughes’ classic film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986).
Fast forward nearly four decades, and Sara’s life has taken a turn. She’s largely stepped away from the limelight, now living on a farm in Surrey, England, where her days are filled with poetry, parenting, and a passion for horses.
Born Mia Sarapochiello on June 19, 1967, in Brooklyn Heights, New York, she was raised in an Italian-American Catholic family deeply rooted in the arts. Her mother, Diana, worked as a stylist and photographer, while her father, Jerome, was also a photographer and artist.
From a young age, Sara was attracted to performing. “Everyone who acts has a technique, whether it’s good or bad. I think acting comes to me naturally,” she reflected in a 1986 interview with a newspaper (as reported by Total Film).
Her first foray into acting was a minor part in the soap opera All My Children in 1983. By 16, she landed a role alongside Tom Cruise in Ridley Scott’s fantasy epic Legend (1985), portraying Princess Lili, reports the Mirror US.
Despite its initial lukewarm reception at the box office, the visually stunning movie has gained a dedicated following over time.
Sara, then a relative unknown, was selected by Scott in what she recalls as a serendipitous audition. Speaking to First for Women in 2024, she reminisced: “It was love at first sight. I believe in fate. And I think that’s what brought me and Ridley together. I read half a poem for him and he said that was all he needed. Something really clicked when we met”.
But it was her role in the iconic film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that catapulted Sara into the limelight. She played Sloane Peterson, the cool and chic partner of Ferris (portrayed by Matthew Broderick).
Crafted by John Hughes, the movie has become an all-time favourite teen comedy for many.
Nevertheless, despite the film’s massive success and her rise to fame, Sara recalls the production with ambivalence. “Of the main cast, I was the only actual adolescent,” she confessed during a candid 2010 interview with Total Film.
“So unfortunately for me it was like having your most awkward adolescent year forever memorialised… I wish I could say it was a lot of fun but it wasn’t for me.”
However, she does acknowledge the timeless charm of the film: “I just think it’s a great character and it’s such a satisfying rendition of that kind of heroic everyman. I think because John Hughes really had a great take on that kind of outsider/insider, cool-guy persona. They created this hyper-real, stylised world that doesn’t really date.”
Sara didn’t slow down after her breakout role; her career continued to flourish in both movies and TV. In 1987, she starred in ABC’s miniseries Queenie, adapted from a novel loosely reflecting the life of screen siren Merle Oberon, and in 1994, she earned a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Melissa Walker in Timecop alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, which was a box office hit.
One of her standout performances was as Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn in the WB’s Birds of Prey (2002–2003). “That was a blast – I would do that forever!” she enthused during her Total Film interview.
“I had a fantastic time making that – it was so sad that it wasn’t picked up. I love all that stuff – I’m just a sci-fi/fantasy/horror-type gal.”
However, Sara gradually stepped back from acting. Following appearances in Dorothy and the Witches of Oz (2012) and the short film Pretty Pretty (2013), she embarked on what turned out to be an extended break from the industry.
“Now I’m a mother with a really noisy, difficult house to maintain!” she shared. “I’m a poet, so for the last couple of years that’s what I’ve been focusing on.”
Since then, she has maintained a low profile, dedicating herself to her writing and family. Sara resides in Surrey, England, on a bustling farm where she tends to horses and other animals.
She wed Brian Henson, son of The Muppets creator Jim Henson, in 2010. Together they have a daughter, Amelia, who is now 19.
Sara also has a son, Dashiell, 27, from her previous marriage to actor Jason Connery, son of the legendary Sir Sean Connery. While Dashiell has tried his hand at acting, he generally shies away from public attention.
Sara has fully embraced her pastoral life in the English countryside. Her Instagram is peppered with images of her equine companions, serene pastures, and the odd family scene.
Although largely retired, Sara has decided to make a comeback on the silver screen with “The Life of Chuck,” inspired by Stephen King’s novella. Helmed by renowned horror director Mike Flanagan, the film received positive buzz at its Toronto International Film Festival premiere and is set for release in June 2025.
With stars like Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Jacob Tremblay, Nick Offerman, and Mark Hamill, the movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Sara will be seen in the role of Sarah Krantz, returning to acting after over ten years.
Sara took to Instagram on March 13, 2025, to announce the film’s release, posting: “Who is Chuck? From the hearts and minds of Mike Flanagan and Stephen King. THE LIFE OF CHUCK. In theaters June.”
Fans expressed their excitement online. “Looking forward to seeing you in a film again Mia! It’s been far too long!” one commented.
Another shared anticipation upon seeing the trailer: “Was just at the theater and saw the previews and your name in it! Can’t wait to watch it!”. A third comment captured the collective sentiment perfectly: “Looks wonderful. So glad to see you acting again.”
However, she maintains her fondness for a quiet life away from the glitz of Hollywood and continues to pursue her love for writing. “I’m a poet,” she revealed to Total Film.
According to her official website, which injects a bit of humor, “Mia Sara used to be an actress, but recovered her senses and now she writes.”