Celebrity Info
If things had gone just a little differently, Lyman Ward might have become synonymous with two of pop culture’s most memorable father figures. As it turned out, Lyman Ward carved out his own niche as a familiar face in film and television, especially recognized for his role as the good-natured but somewhat oblivious dad in the classic 1986 teen comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The movie, written and directed by the legendary John Hughes, became a cultural touchstone—and Lyman Ward’s performance was a big part of its charm. Years later, in 1990, Lyman Ward got another shot at playing a beloved TV patriarch when he was cast as Jim Walsh, the warm-hearted father of twins Brandon and Brenda, on the hit series Beverly Hills, 90210. He actually filmed the pilot episode, bringing his signature sincerity to the role, but ultimately, the network decided to go in a different direction—his scenes were reshot with James Eckhouse, who would go on to become a series regular.
Even though that opportunity slipped through his fingers, Lyman Ward’s career has been anything but quiet. Since making his debut in 1971, he’s appeared in countless films and TV shows, building a solid and respected body of work over the decades. Interestingly, Lyman Ward’s path continued to cross with the world of John Hughes. He appeared in the 1987 holiday favorite Planes, Trains and Automobiles, another Hughes gem, and later starred in the short-lived but fondly remembered sitcom Weird Science, which was based on Hughes’s 1985 sci-fi comedy of the same name. And speaking of personal connections, it was during the filming of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that Lyman Ward met actress Cindy Pickett, who played his onscreen wife. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real life, and the two married in 1986. Though they eventually divorced in 1992, their time together remains a notable chapter in Lyman Ward’s life story. Through ups and downs, Lyman Ward has remained a steady presence in Hollywood—one whose contributions, while sometimes behind the scenes or under the radar, have left a lasting impression.
When it comes to Lyman Ward’s filmography, one standout performance that really shines is in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off from 1986—definitely Lyman Ward’s highest rated movie and a classic favorite among fans. On the other end of the spectrum, Lyman Ward appeared in Mikey back in 1992, which tends to be regarded as his lowest rated movie. While Lyman Ward brought depth to every role he took on, these two films mark the extremes in terms of critical reception. Still, Lyman Ward’s contribution to both remains a point of interest for movie enthusiasts exploring his career.
24
India
24
