Here’s a who’s who guide to the cast and characters of 2016 comedy Dirty Grandpa. Directed by Dan Mazer – best known for co-writing Sacha Baron Cohen films Borat and Bruno – Dirty Grandpa tells the tale of a recently widowed man who convinces his estranged grandson to join him on a road trip to Florida. That might sound like the start of a heartwarming family drama, but while Dirty Grandpa counts acting great Robert De Niro among its cast, it’s actually a raunchy comedy full of gross-out humor.
Critics weren’t too taken with Dirty Grandpa. In fact, many – including the likes of Richard Roeper and Mark Kermode – denounced Dirty Grandpa as both a career-low for Robert De Niro and the worst movie of 2016. And that’s in a year that saw the release of critically panned films like London Has Fallen and Gods Of Egypt. Nevertheless, Dirty Grandpa did decently at the box office, raking in over $100 million against a $25 million budget.
But who was in the Dirty Grandpa cast as well as Robert De Niro? Read on for a quick guide to the comedy’s cast and the characters they play.
Robert De Niro – Richard “Dick” Kelly
Robert De Niro plays the role of Richard “Dick” Kelly – the Dirty Grandpa of the title. Dick is a recently widowed 70-something and retired army veteran who persuades his grandson to drive him to Boca Raton, Florida under the guise of recovering from his bereavement. Actors including Jeff Bridges and Michael Douglas were also considered for the titular role.
Zac Efron – Jason Kelly
Zac Efron (Baywatch) plays Dick’s uptight grandson Jason. While busy preparing for his upcoming wedding, Jason is guilt-tripped into accompanying his wild grandfather on a road trip to Florida. Their trip just so happens to coincide with spring break and plenty of debauchery and hijinks ensue once they arrive.
Zoey Deutch – Shadia
Shadia is Jason’s former college classmate who he develops a crush on over the course of spring break. She’s played by Zoey Deutch of The Politician and Zombieland: Double Tap fame.
Aubrey Plaza – Lenore
Dick might be grieving the loss of his wife but that doesn’t stop him hooking up with Lenore – Shadia’s highly-sexed, grandpa-loving best friend. Aubrey Plaza (Parks And Recreation) is the actress behind the role.
Julianne Hough – Meredith Goldstein
Julianne Hough’s (Dancing With The Stars) Dirty Grandpa character is Meredith – Jason’s highly strung and controlling fiancée who doesn’t take too kindly to his impromptu road trip with Dick.