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Cannonball Run 2 Cast - A Look Back At The Stars

Cannonball Run 2 (1984)

Jul 14, 2025
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Cannonball Run 2 (1984)

Remember that time when a bunch of famous faces got together for a wild cross-country race on film? Well, that was the idea behind a couple of movies, and the second one, "Cannonball Run 2," really brought in a collection of well-known entertainers. It was a time when big names could just show up, have a good time, and make a picture that people would talk about. You know, the kind of movie where you see someone pop up on screen and think, "Oh, look who it is!" It was a real gathering of talent, some folks you already knew and loved, and a few fresh faces too, all joining in on the high-speed fun.

The picture aimed to capture the same sort of playful spirit as its predecessor, bringing back many of the folks who made the first one a hit. It was, in some respects, like a big reunion party, but with cars going very fast and lots of silly things happening along the way. The people who put this film together really tried to make sure there was a familiar feeling, a sense of continuing the story with the same kind of energy. You could say it was an effort to give fans more of what they enjoyed, with the same kind of stars involved.

So, if you ever wondered about the folks who filled the screen in this particular car chase picture, you're in the right spot. We're going to take a closer look at the performers who made up the "Cannonball Run 2" cast, the people who brought those characters to life and helped create all the commotion. It's interesting to think about how all these individuals, with their different styles and ways of doing things, came together for this one big screen adventure. You'll find that it was quite a mix of personalities, all contributing to the movie's overall feel.

Table of Contents

Who Made Up the Cannonball Run 2 Cast?

When you think about "Cannonball Run 2," the first person who usually comes to mind is Burt Reynolds. He was, in a way, the central figure, the one who tied a lot of the different parts of the story together. His character, J.J. McClure, was the sort of fellow who always had a plan, even if that plan sometimes went a little bit sideways. He had this easygoing charm, you know, a way of making you feel like you were in on the joke with him. He was a big draw for audiences back then, and his presence really shaped the feeling of the film. It's almost as if the whole picture was built around his particular brand of on-screen personality, which was a mix of coolness and a bit of a wink to the camera. He was the kind of person who could make even a car race feel like a relaxed, fun time.

But it wasn't just Burt. The film brought back many of the familiar faces from the first go-around, which helped give it a sense of continuity. Dom DeLuise was another big part of that returning group. He played Victor Prinzim, J.J.'s sidekick, and their back-and-forth was a major source of laughs. Dom had a way of being very expressive, of showing all his feelings right there on his face, which made his character quite memorable. He was the one who often got into the most outlandish situations, and his reactions were usually priceless. Their pairing was, in some respects, a classic comedy duo, playing off each other with a natural flow that felt very real. You could tell they had a good time working together, and that feeling came through on the screen, making the "Cannonball Run 2" cast feel like a family of sorts.

Burt Reynolds and the Returning Faces of the Cannonball Run 2 Cast

Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. also made their return, playing Jamie Blake and Morris Fenderbaum, the two fellows dressed as priests. Their characters were a bit of a nod to their real-life personas, bringing a sense of showmanship to the proceedings. They had this cool, relaxed way about them, even when things were getting a bit wild on the road. Their presence added a certain kind of sparkle to the "Cannonball Run 2" cast, a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour mixed with the silly car chase antics. They weren't just actors; they were entertainers in the truest sense, and they brought that spirit to their roles, making their scenes quite enjoyable to watch. It was pretty clear they were having a good time, just being themselves on screen, which is always nice to see.

Frank Sinatra, a true legend, joined the group for this second film. His presence was, you know, a really big deal. He played a character named Don Don Canneloni, a mob boss who was after the money. Having him in the picture added a whole new layer of intrigue and, frankly, a lot of star power. Sinatra had this commanding way about him, even in a role that was meant to be a bit funny. He brought his unique charm and a sense of gravitas, which was a fun contrast to all the lighthearted chaos around him. It showed that the "Cannonball Run 2" cast was pulling out all the stops to get big names involved, making it a true collection of well-known entertainers from different areas of show business. He just had that way of making every scene he was in feel important, no matter what was going on.

Shirley MacLaine was another returning member, playing a character who was part of the whole wild journey. She had a way of bringing a bit of a grounded feeling to the madness, even while participating in it. Her performances always had a certain depth, even in a picture that was mostly about laughs and fast cars. She was a seasoned performer, someone who really knew how to hold her own on screen, and her inclusion in the "Cannonball Run 2" cast helped give the film a bit more substance. You could always count on her to deliver a moment that felt real, even when everything else was over the top. She brought a sense of wit and intelligence to her role, which was a nice addition to the general silliness.

The film also saw the return of Telly Savalas, playing the character of Hymie Kaplan, a fellow who had a knack for getting into scrapes. Telly had this unmistakable voice and a strong presence, which made him stand out. He was the kind of actor who could make a small part feel much bigger, just by the way he carried himself. His return helped maintain that familiar feeling for people who enjoyed the first movie. It was, basically, a chance to see more of these characters that audiences had already gotten to know. The "Cannonball Run 2" cast was, therefore, very much a continuation of what came before, bringing back the people who made the initial ride so much fun.

Jackie Chan also came back, playing a character named Jackie, one of the Japanese racers. His parts in these movies were often about his amazing physical skills, showing off his unique style of action and comedy. He had a way of moving that was truly one of a kind, and it was always a treat to see what he would do next. His inclusion added an international flavor and a different kind of excitement to the "Cannonball Run 2" cast. He was, in a way, a rising star at the time, and these films gave him a chance to show off his abilities to a wider audience. His scenes were always a highlight, full of unexpected moves and a lot of energy.

What Fresh Faces Joined the Cannonball Run 2 Cast?

Beyond the returning group, "Cannonball Run 2" brought in some new people to join the fun. This was a way to keep things interesting, to add a bit of a fresh feeling to the familiar setup. One of the notable new additions was Ricardo Montalbán, who played King Abdul Hamad. He brought a sense of regal authority to his role, even though the movie was, you know, pretty lighthearted. Montalbán had this very smooth, polished way of speaking, and his presence added a touch of class to the overall mix. It was a clever move to bring in someone with his particular kind of charm, as it made the "Cannonball Run 2" cast even more diverse in terms of the personalities involved. He had a way of making his character feel important, even in the midst of all the silliness.

Another new face was Susan Anton, who played Jill Rivers. She was a part of the group of women who were involved in the race. Her presence added to the visual appeal of the film and contributed to the light, fun tone. She was often seen in scenes that were meant to be a bit glamorous or just generally pleasant to look at. It was, in some respects, about adding more people to the mix, making the race feel even bigger and more crowded with interesting characters. The addition of people like Susan Anton helped to round out the "Cannonball Run 2" cast, giving it a broader appeal and more different kinds of characters for people to follow.

Catherine Bach, known for her role in a popular TV show at the time, also joined the crew. She played a character who was part of the general chaos, adding to the feeling of a big, sprawling adventure. Her inclusion was, basically, a way to bring in another well-known face from television, someone who audiences would already recognize and have a connection with. She had a certain kind of spirited energy that fit right in with the overall vibe of the picture. The "Cannonball Run 2" cast was clearly trying to pack in as many familiar and appealing people as possible, making it a star-studded affair that would catch people's eye. She was someone who could make her presence felt, even in a large ensemble.

Newcomers to the Cannonball Run 2 Cast

Art Carney, a very respected actor, also made an appearance. He played a character named Chief of Police. His role, while not a central one, added a touch of his unique comedic timing and warmth. Carney had a way of making even small parts feel memorable, just by his natural acting style. His inclusion showed that the filmmakers were serious about bringing in people with genuine acting skill, even for roles that were primarily there for laughs. It was, in a way, a sign of the quality of the "Cannonball Run 2" cast, showing that they weren't just relying on big names, but also on people who could really deliver a performance. He was someone who could make you smile just by being on screen.

Don Knotts, another comedic legend, was also part of the new group. He played a character who was, you know, a bit nervous and easily flustered. Knotts had a very distinct style of comedy, often involving physical humor and a kind of innocent bewilderment. His presence added another layer of laughs to the picture, fitting perfectly with the general tone of lighthearted chaos. It was, honestly, a treat to see him among the other famous faces. The "Cannonball Run 2" cast was really building up its roster of funny people, making sure there was a wide range of comedic styles on display. He was a master of making people laugh without even saying much, just with a look or a gesture.

The addition of people like Joe Theismann, a well-known football player, also showed the film's tendency to bring in figures from outside the usual acting world. He played a character named himself, a football player, which was a fun nod to his real-life fame. This kind of casting was, in some respects, a trend in films of that era, bringing in athletes or musicians to add a different kind of appeal. It made the "Cannonball Run 2" cast feel even more like a collection of various famous individuals, not just professional actors. It was a way to surprise the audience and add a bit of unexpected flavor to the mix. He was someone who could bring a different kind of energy to the screen, a sort of real-world celebrity vibe.

Even Sid Caesar, a pioneer in television comedy, had a role. He played a character who was part of the general mix of racers and chase participants. Caesar had a long history of making people laugh, and his appearance was a nice touch for those who remembered his earlier work. His inclusion added another layer of comedic experience to the "Cannonball Run 2" cast, showing the wide range of talent that was brought together for this project. It was, basically, a gathering of people from different generations of entertainment, all coming together for one big, silly movie. He had a way of making his presence known, even in a crowd of other famous people.

How Did the Cannonball Run 2 Cast Come Together?

Putting together a group of performers like the "Cannonball Run 2" cast is, you know, quite a task. It involves getting a lot of different schedules to line up and convincing many well-known people to sign on for the same project. Often, with films like this, the idea is to create a sort of "event" movie, where the sheer number of famous faces is part of the appeal. It's about creating buzz and getting people excited just by looking at the list of names. The director, Hal Needham, had a history of working with many of these actors, especially Burt Reynolds, so there was already a comfortable working relationship there. This made the process of bringing everyone back, or bringing new people in, a little bit easier, as there was a level of trust involved. It was, in some respects, like putting together a big party where everyone already knows each other.

The success of the first "Cannonball Run" film also played a big part. When a movie does well, it makes it much simpler to get people to agree to be in a follow-up. Actors and their representatives see the potential for a popular picture, and they are more likely to say yes. The idea of a cross-country race, filled with funny situations and car stunts, was also something that probably appealed to many of the performers. It wasn't a heavy, serious drama; it was a chance to have a good time and make something lighthearted. So, the appeal of the project itself, combined with the track record of the first movie, made it easier to assemble such a large and famous "Cannonball Run 2" cast. It was, basically, a chance for people to just enjoy themselves on screen.

The Assembly of the Cannonball Run 2 Cast

The producers likely made offers to a wide range of popular entertainers, aiming for a mix of returning favorites and fresh faces who were making waves at the time. The goal was to create a sort of variety show on film, where different segments would feature different stars, each bringing their own unique flavor. This approach meant that not every actor had to be in every scene, which could make scheduling a little less complicated for such a large group. It allowed them to bring in people for smaller, but still memorable, appearances. So, the assembly of the "Cannonball Run 2" cast was, in some respects, a strategic move to maximize star power and appeal to a broad audience. They were really trying to get as many big names as they possibly could into one picture.

The film's overall tone, which was very much about fun and not taking itself too seriously, probably also helped in attracting the talent. Many of these actors were known for their comedic timing or their ability to entertain in a lighthearted way. It was a project where they could just let loose and play around, rather than having to prepare for a very intense or demanding role. This kind of atmosphere can be very appealing to performers, offering a chance to do something a bit different and just enjoy the process. That, you know, relaxed vibe was probably a big selling point for many of the people who ended up joining the "Cannonball Run 2" cast. It was a chance to just hang out with friends and make a movie.

The influence of Burt Reynolds himself cannot be overstated. As a major star at the time, his involvement likely encouraged many others to join. When a big name like that is attached to a project, it often makes it more attractive to other performers. They might see it as a chance to work with a friend, or simply to be part of a picture that has a good chance of being seen by a lot of people. His personal connections within the entertainment world were, in some respects, a key factor in bringing together such a varied group of individuals. So, the "Cannonball Run 2" cast was, in many ways, a reflection of the relationships and networks that existed in Hollywood at that time. He was a magnet for other talented people, that's for sure.

Ultimately, the coming together of the "Cannonball Run 2" cast was a combination of good timing, the success of the previous film, the appealing nature of the project itself, and the personal connections of the people behind the scenes. It was a recipe for a film that was designed to be a spectacle of star power and lighthearted entertainment. The idea was to create something that would make people smile and just enjoy the ride, and having so many well-known faces certainly helped achieve that goal. It was, basically, a big group effort to make a movie that was all about having a good time, and that really shows when you watch it.

Was the Cannonball Run 2 Cast a Box Office Hit?

When "Cannonball Run 2" came out, it did manage to bring in a good amount of money at the places where movies are shown. It wasn't, you know, a massive, groundbreaking success that everyone talked about for years as a huge money-maker, but it certainly earned enough to be considered a decent performer. The fact that it had such a large and well-known "Cannonball Run 2" cast definitely helped to get people through the doors. People were curious to see all these famous individuals together on screen, and that alone was a draw for many. It was, in some respects, a film that relied heavily on the star power of its performers to attract an audience, and that strategy did pay off to a certain extent. You could say that the names on the poster were a big part of its appeal.

However, the general feeling about the film, from people who write about movies and from many who watched it, was a bit mixed. While the first film was seen as a fun, silly ride, the second one sometimes felt like it was trying a little too hard to repeat that success. Some people felt that the humor wasn't quite as fresh, or that the story was a bit too familiar. Despite the impressive "Cannonball Run 2" cast, the overall experience for some viewers wasn't quite as enjoyable as the original. This is something that often happens with follow-up films; it's hard to capture that first spark again. So, while it made money, the critical reception and audience sentiment were not universally positive, which is a common thing for sequels, really.

The Reception of the Cannonball Run 2 Cast's Work

The presence of so many stars in the "Cannonball Run 2" cast was a double-edged sword, in a way. On one hand, it brought in the crowds. On the other hand, it sometimes felt like individual performers didn't get enough time to shine, or that their talents were a bit underused. With so many famous people, it can be hard to give everyone a truly memorable moment. The film was, basically, a collection of bits and pieces, with each star getting their turn in the spotlight, but perhaps not enough room to truly develop their characters or contribute more deeply to the story. This is a challenge that often comes with putting together such a large group of well-known individuals in one picture.

Even with the mixed reviews, the film has found a kind of lasting life as a picture that people remember for its collection of famous faces. It's the kind of movie that pops up on television, and you might watch it just to see who shows up next. The "Cannonball Run 2" cast, despite the film's shortcomings in some people's eyes, created a memorable piece of entertainment that still holds a place in the minds of those who enjoy lighthearted, star-studded comedies. It’s a film that, you know, has a certain nostalgic appeal, especially for those who grew up watching these kinds of movies. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the performers themselves, even if the film around them wasn’t considered a masterpiece.

So, while it wasn't a runaway hit in terms of critical acclaim, the film did serve its purpose: it entertained a lot of people and made a fair bit of money. The "Cannonball Run 2" cast, with all its famous personalities, was the main attraction, and they delivered a picture that was, at its heart, about having a good time. It’s a film that people still talk about

Cannonball Run 2 (1984)
Cannonball Run 2 (1984)
Cannonball Run II Cast List: Actors and Actresses from Cannonball Run II
Cannonball Run II Cast List: Actors and Actresses from Cannonball Run II
Cannonball Run II (1984) - IMDb
Cannonball Run II (1984) - IMDb

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