TORONTO — Eighties movie star Molly Ringwald and ’90s TV heartthrob Jason Priestley have signed on to star in The Wonderful Wayneys.
Production of the Family Channel series, created by Tom Saunders (Arrested Development) begins next week in Toronto and runs through to mid-November.
Ringwald, 47, and Priestley, 45, will play the titular parents — Paige and Wayne — in 26 episodes of the live-action comedy.
The couple’s five children will be played by Canadians Luke Bilyk (Degrassi), Katie Douglas (Defiance), Matthew Tissi (Call Me Fitz), Jake Sim (Arthur) and newcomer Simon Cadel.
The Wayneys are over-achievers and beloved in their community — but the youngest, Emmett, is different.
“What he lacks academically, athletically and artistically, he makes up for with relentless enthusiasm and curiosity,” reads a description of the show from DHX Television.
“Emmett knows that one day he’ll find his way, but in the meantime he’s determined to celebrate his C-average status in spectacular creative fashion – no matter how often his best laid plans threaten to destroy the family’s living space, reputation or sense of safety.”
Ringwald starred in the first season of The Facts of Life before breaking out in ’80s movies like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. Her recent credits include a starring role in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and the upcoming film Jem and the Holograms.
Ringwald is also an accomplished jazz vocalist.
Priestley is the B.C. native who found fame as Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 and recently starred in the Canadian series Call Me Fitz and Haven. He also directed the 2013 feature film Cas & Dylan.
The Wonderful Wayneys is scheduled to debut next spring.
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