Which actor played the role of John Bender in "The Breakfast Club"?

Judd Nelson played John Bender in The Breakfast Club.

Released in 1985, John Hughes's coming-of-age film follows five Shermer High School students serving Saturday detention. Bender is the rebellious “criminal” of the group, and Nelson's aggressive, sarcastic performance became one of the film's defining elements.

Nelson was not the only actor considered for the role. John Cusack was initially cast, while Nicolas Cage and Alan Ruck also reportedly auditioned or received consideration. Hughes ultimately chose Nelson because he brought the intimidating presence the character required. Nelson joined Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall in a cast later associated with the “Brat Pack.”

A common mix-up is confusing Nelson's character with the film's other students: Emilio Estevez played athlete Andrew Clark, Anthony Michael Hall played brainy Brian Johnson, Molly Ringwald played Claire Standish, and Ally Sheedy played Allison Reynolds. The film was added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2016.