Michelle Meyrink isn’t an A-list celebrity, but she was a low-key staple of 1980s cinema, known for her quirky charm and ability to bring eccentric characters to life. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Meyrink pursued her passion for acting at a young age, quickly making a name for herself in Hollywood (via The Biography). She began with small but memorable roles in films like The Outsiders and Valley Girl, but her big break came with the 1984 cult classic Revenge of the Nerds, where she played Judy, a lovable “female nerd.”
Meyrink’s career continued to thrive with roles in films like Real Genius, where her portrayal of the hyperactive genius Jordan Cochran became one of her most celebrated performances. Though she left acting in the late ’80s, her roles in movies like One Magic Christmas and Permanent Record showcased her versatility, leaving a lasting impression on the cinema of the decade. And Meyrink hasn’t left acting behind — in 2013, she opened an acting school in her native Vancouver, called Actorium.
10 Joy Of Sex (1984)
Leslie Hindenberg
Paramount Pictures
In Joy of Sex, Michelle Meyrink plays Leslie Hindenberg, a quirky and eccentric high school student in this raunchy teen comedy. Loosely based on the best-selling sex manual of the same name, the film tries to capture the awkwardness of teenage sexuality and the humor that comes with it. Meyrink’s character becomes embroiled in the various antics of high school life as students navigate their desires and relationships. Despite its racy premise, the film struggled with critical reception and failed to resonate with a broader audience.
Meyrink’s portrayal of Leslie added a dose of her signature offbeat charm, but the film didn’t offer her the screen time she deserved. While it was a small stepping stone in her career, Joy of Sex remains one of Meyrink’s lesser-known works. The film’s failure to find lasting popularity has caused it to fade into obscurity, but it allowed Meyrink to develop her comedic style, which she would later refine in more successful projects.
9 Nice Girls Don’t Explode (1987)
April Flowers
New World Pictures
In Nice Girls Don’t Explode, Michelle Meyrink stars as April Flowers, a young woman convinced by her overprotective mother that her emotions could cause her to literally explode. This offbeat comedy plays into Meyrink’s natural ability to take on quirky roles, with her character embodying innocence mixed with absurdity. April’s interactions with potential romantic interests drive the story, and Meyrink shines in moments of comedic timing as she navigates bizarre situations.
The film’s unusual premise and Meyrink’s charming performance make Nice Girls Don’t Explode a unique cinematic experience, though it didn’t achieve mainstream success. Fans of ’80s comedies remember the film for its quirky concept, and Meyrink’s portrayal of April stands as an example of her skill in handling unconventional material. Despite its limited appeal, the film holds a special place among viewers who appreciate oddball humor.
8 Tonight’s The Night (1987)
Steffi
In Tonight’s the Night, a made-for-TV romantic comedy, Michelle Meyrink plays Steffi, a character entangled in the romantic mishaps and misunderstandings typical of the genre. The movie aired in the late 80s, offering a feel-good, lighthearted story centered on the lives of quirky, lovable characters. Meyrink’s role as Steffi provided her with an opportunity to bring her signature charm to television. The plot revolves around the comedic miscommunications between couples, allowing Meyrink to deliver moments of warmth and levity.
While Tonight’s the Night didn’t achieve the success or acclaim of Meyrink’s theatrical works, it paired her with several seasoned TV actors, including Belinda Bauer and Ken Olin. The film may have flown under the radar as a made-for-TV production, but it still offered Meyrink a platform to flex her comedic chops in the rom-com genre. For fans of ’80s television, this is a lesser-known gem, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
7 Permanent Record (1988)
M.G.
Paramount Pictures
In Permanent Record, Michelle Meyrink delivers a dramatic turn as M.G., her final film role before stepping away from Hollywood. The film, centered around the tragic suicide of a high school student and its aftermath, allowed Meyrink to showcase a more serious, emotional performance. Her character, a part of the grieving community, adds to the emotional depth of the film, contrasting with her earlier comedic roles.
Permanent Record was praised for its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter, and featured a very underrated performance by a young Keanu Reeves as outsider Chris Townsend, but the movie didn’t achieve widespread box office success. Meyrink’s departure from acting after this role left many wondering what direction her career might have taken had she continued. Nonetheless, her performance in Permanent Record remains a significant part of her filmography, showing her range as an actress.
6 Valley Girl
Suzi Brent
Atlantic Releasing
In the ’80s teen rom-com, Valley Girl, loosely based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Michelle Meyrink plays Suzi Brent, a friend of the main character, Julie (Deborah Foreman). The film, which tells the story of a love affair between valley girl Julie and Randy (Nicolas Cage in one of his first film roles), a punk from Hollywood, became a defining piece of ’80s pop culture. Meyrink’s character provides comic relief and adds to the vibrant teenage ensemble that drives the film’s popularity.
Though not a central role, Suzi Brent remains memorable for fans of the film, and Valley Girl continues to be celebrated for its portrayal of ’80s teen culture, music, and fashion. Meyrink’s small but significant part in the film cemented her as a beloved character actor of the era. And while teen movies became less and less respected by film critics, Valley Girl sits at an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.
5 One Magic Christmas (1985)
Betty
Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Michelle Meyrink portrays Betty, a supporting character in One Magic Christmas, a holiday film about a family rediscovering the magic of Christmas. The movie stars Mary Steenburgen as Ginny Grainger, a mother struggling with financial and emotional burdens, who learns to believe in Christmas miracles once more with the help of an angel. Meyrink’s role as Betty adds to the ensemble, contributing warmth and support to the storyline.
While the film didn’t become a massive commercial success, it has remained a beloved holiday classic for families who enjoy nostalgic Christmas movies. Working alongside accomplished actors such as Harry Dean Stanton and Mary Steenburgen, Meyrink’s softer, more sentimental role offered her a departure from her usual comedic fare. While some find it heavy and think of One Magic Christmas as one of the sadder Christmas movies, it still has a message of hope and its depth cements it as a holiday classic.
One Magic Christmas Where to Watch
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Gideon, a Christmas angel, is sent by Santa Claus to help Ginny Grainger, a tired and skeptical woman who hates Christmas. Ginny is going through great difficulties, which makes it even more difficult to get her to believe in invisible things.
Cast Mary Steenburgen , Gary Basaraba , Arthur Hill , Harry Dean Stanton , Elisabeth Harnois , Elias Koteas , Michelle Meyrink , Wayne Robson , Jan Rubes Director Phillip Borsos Release Date November 22, 1985 Runtime 89 minutes
4 Family Ties (1982-1989)
Jane – Season 2, Episode 13 “M is for the Many Things” (1984)
In her one-episode appearance on the iconic sitcom Family Ties, Michelle Meyrink played Jane, a minor character in an episode from season 2. Family Ties was one of the most popular TV shows of the 1980s, starring Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton, a conservative young man often at odds with his more liberal family. The show balanced comedy with heartfelt family moments, and Meyrink’s brief role added to the charm of the episode in which she appeared.
Although her appearance was small, working on a show as beloved as Family Ties contributed to Meyrink’s growing portfolio of television roles during the 1980s. Acting alongside stars like Michael J. Fox and Meredith Baxter gave Meyrink the chance to participate in one of the era’s most iconic series. Her role on Family Ties is a testament to her versatility as an actress, contributing to the rich tapestry of ’80s television history.
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Family Ties is a sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1989, focusing on the Keaton family, blending comedic elements with social and political commentary. The show stars Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton, a young conservative with liberal ex-hippie parents, played by Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross. Family Ties highlights generational conflicts and the dynamics of a family navigating the cultural shifts of the 1980s.
3 The Outsiders (1983)
Marcia
Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
In The Outsiders, Meyrink played Marcia, a friend of Cherry Valance (Diane Lane) and one of the “Socs”—the wealthy, popular group in contrast to the working-class Greasers. While Marcia is not one of the central figures in the film, her role is pivotal during the interactions between the rival cliques, particularly in scenes where the class divide becomes most apparent. The film, based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, explores the tension between these two groups of teenagers.
The Outsiders featured an all-star cast, including Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe, among others, many of whom went on to become Hollywood legends. Being part of this ensemble allowed Meyrink to share the screen with future stars, even if her role was smaller in comparison. The Outsiders has become a cultural touchstone of the 1980s, and Meyrink’s participation in such an iconic film was a major achievement in her career.
The Outsiders PGCrimeDrama Where to Watch
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The Outsiders is Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age drama novel. Two teen gangs, the Socials and the Greasers find themselves at irreconcilable odds when one of the Social’s boys is killed in a brawl. Following the event, the Greasers head into hiding while some of them seek redemption for their past crimes.
Cast Diane Lane , Ralph Macchio , Rob Lowe , Emilio Estevez , Matt Dillon , Patrick swayze , C. Thomas Howell , Tom Cruise Director Francis Ford Coppola Release Date March 25, 1983 Runtime 91 minutes
2 Real Genius (1985)
Jordan Cochran
Real Genius remains one of Michelle Meyrink’s most famous and beloved roles, as she portrayed Jordan Cochran, a hyperactive genius at a prestigious technical university. Jordan is one of the film’s most memorable characters, thanks to Meyrink’s portrayal of her quirky, socially awkward personality. The film centers on a group of young geniuses who develop a laser technology that is intended to be weaponized by the government. Meyrink’s energetic performance as Jordan perfectly complements the film’s offbeat humor and eccentric story.
Meyrink was in good company in Real Genius, starring alongside the likes of Val Kilmer. Kilmer’s comedic performance as Chris Knight was enhanced by Meyrink’s dynamic portrayal of Jordan, and their scenes together became some of the most memorable in the film. Real Genius remains a fan favorite among ’80s comedies, and Meyrink’s ability to balance humor with heartfelt sincerity has ensured her portrayal of Jordan continues to resonate with audiences.
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1 Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
Judy
Meyrink’s role as Judy in Revenge of the Nerds is one of her most iconic performances. Judy is the “female nerd” who becomes romantically involved with Gilbert (Anthony Edwards), helping to humanize the nerdy group while adding heart and humor. The movie follows a group of outcast nerds at Adams College as they stand up to a bullying fraternity of jocks. Meyrink’s character brings charm and awkwardness to her role, providing comedic relief in a film filled with moments of underdog triumph.
Revenge of the Nerds became one of the defining comedies of the 1980s, cementing its place as a cult classic. Meyrink had the opportunity to work alongside notable actors such as Edwards, Robert Carradine, and Curtis Armstrong, all of whom helped make the film a success. The blend of humor, feel-good moments, and unforgettable characters has kept Revenge of the Nerds relevant for decades. Meyrink’s performance remains a standout, and Judy is fondly remembered as one of the film’s most endearing characters.
Revenge of the Nerds RComedy
Revenge of the Nerds is a comedy about a group of social outcasts who band together to form a fraternity to fight against the jocks who bully them. The 1984 film, starring Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, and Timothy Busfield, spawned a four-movie franchise.
Cast Robert Carradine , Anthony Edwards , Timothy Busfield , Andrew Cassese , Curtis Amstrong , Larry B. Scott , Brian Tochi , Julia Montgomery Director Jeff Kanew Release Date August 10, 1984 Runtime 90 Minutes