THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'The Proposal' 11 years later

Publish date: 2024-08-09
2020-07-26T13:45:00Z

In June 2009, Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds teamed up for a rom-com titled "The Proposal."

Bullock and Reynolds, who starred as unlikely love interests named Margaret and Andrew, were already established stars when they appeared in the movie. The film also included legendary actress Betty White and "The Office" star Oscar Nuñez.

Here's what the cast has been up to since the movie was released 11 years ago. 

Sandra Bullock starred as Margaret Tate, the editor-in-chief at a book publishing company in New York.

Sandra Bullock in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

At the start of the film, Margaret, a Canadian, learned that she was in danger of being deported due to an expired work visa.

Bullock executive produced and starred in Netflix's 2018 thriller "Bird Box."

Sandra Bullock in January 2020. Chris Pizzello/AP

After "The Proposal," Bullock starred in more comedies like "All About Steve" and "The Heat."

She won her first Oscar in 2010, for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the drama "The Blind Side." The sports film was based on a book titled "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" by Michael Lewis.

A few years later, Bullock earned another Oscar nomination for her role as Ryan Stone in Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity."

She also voiced a character in 2015 the animated movie "Minions" and portrayed Debbie Ocean (the younger sister of George Clooney's con-artist character Danny Ocean) in "Ocean's Eight." The star-studded cast included Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, and Anne Hathaway. 

Bullock filed for divorce from husband Jesse James in 2010. That same year, the actress adopted a baby boy named Louis. She adopted a daughter named Laila in 2015.

Ryan Reynolds portrayed Andrew Paxton, Margaret's assistant who was blackmailed into marrying her so she could stay in the US.

Ryan Reynolds in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

Margaret told Andrew that she would promote him to an editor position if he went along with her plan. They originally faked their relationship but fell in love and got engaged for real at the end of the movie. 

In recent years, Reynolds has portrayed Marvel antihero Deadpool.

Ryan Reynolds in December 2019. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Reynolds has starred in a variety of movies since 'The Proposal," but has primarily established himself as an action star. 

He portrayed DC comics character Hal Jordan/Green Lantern in the critically panned 2011 movie "Green Lantern." Though the movie wasn't a success, it introduced him to future wife Blake Lively, who played his love interest. 

The couple wed in South Carolina in 2012 and have three daughters: James, Inez, and another whose name they have yet to reveal. 

Green Lantern isn't the only comic-book character Reynolds has played. He made his debut as Wade Wilson/Deadpool during a brief appearance in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which was released the same year as "The Proposal."

The film also introduced him to Hugh Jackman, who he's maintained a friendship and fake feud with since being costars. 

Reynolds starred in his first standalone "Deadpool" movie in 2016. He reprised the role for a sequel that was released two years later. 

The 43-year-old actor has also appeared in action films like "The Hitman's Bodyguard" and "6 Underground," and had a cameo in "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw."

More recently, Reynolds voiced the iconic titular character in 2019's "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" and had a cameo in Taylor Swift's star-studded music video for "You Need to Calm Down."

Betty White was a scene-stealer as Andrew's grandmother named Annie.

Betty White in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

She had a memorable scene in the woods with Bullock's character, as the two chanted and danced around a fire. 

After "The Proposal," White starred on her own show called "Hot in Cleveland."

Betty White in September 2018. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

The TV Land sitcom lasted for six seasons between 2010 and 2015. White also guest-starred on shows like "30 Rock," "Community," and "Bones."

In addition, the 98-year-old actress voiced a tiger-shaped teething toy named Bitey White in the 2019 movie "Toy Story 4."

Mary Steenburgen portrayed Grace Paxton, Andrew's mom.

Mary Steenburgen in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

The Paxtons owned most of the businesses in Sitka, Alaska.

Steenburgen stars as Maggie on NBC's musical series "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist."

Mary Steenburgen in September 2019. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision for the Television Academy/AP

The show premiered in January 2020 and got renewed for a second season

The Oscar-winning actress has appeared in plenty of movies and shows since "The Proposal." This includes roles in "The Help," "30 Rock," "Orange Is the New Black," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Craig T. Nelson starred as Joe Paxton, Andrew's dad.

Craig T. Nelson in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

He criticized Andrew for being in a relationship with Margaret. 

Nelson stars as Dale Ballard on "Young Sheldon," a spin-off prequel to the hit show "The Big Bang Theory."

Craig T. Nelson in June 2018. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Nelson went on to star as Zeek Braverman on the show "Parenthood," which lasted for six seasons. He also guest-starred on series like "Hawaii Five-0" and "Monk."

In 2018, Nelson reprised his role as Mr. Incredible for the "Incredibles" sequel. 

He and "Proposal" costar Steenburgen also reunited for the 2018 rom-com "Book Club."

Malin Akerman played Gertrude, Andrew's ex-girlfriend.

Malin Akerman in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

Their relationship didn't work out because she wanted to stay in Alaska and Andrew wanted to move to New York. 

Akerman more recently starred on shows like Showtime's "Billions" and Hulu's "Dollface."

Malin Akerman in November 2019. Mark Von Holden /Invision/AP

Akerman also guest-starred on "How I Met Your Mother" and appeared in the 2012 movie "Rock of Ages," which starred Tom Cruise and was based on a Broadway musical of the same name. 

You may have also seen the actress on shows like "The Comeback" and "Children's Hospital."

Akerman has a son from her previous marriage to musician Roberto Zincone. She's been married to actor Jack Donnelly since 2018. 

Oscar Nuñez's Ramone had a job as an exotic dancer, among other gigs, in Sitka.

Oscar Nunez in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

At Margaret's bachelorette party, he danced to "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. 

Nuñez is known for his role as Oscar Martinez on NBC's hit show "The Office."

Oscar Nuñez nez in July 2019. Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

He portrayed the character throughout the show's nine-season run from 2005 to 2013. 

The actor has guest-starred on shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "New Girl," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and "Shameless."

He also played a councilman in the 2017 "Baywatch" movie, which starred Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. 

Nuñez and wife Ursula Whittaker welcomed their first child together, a daughter named August, in 2012. 

Denis O'Hare played an immigration investigator named Mr. Gilbertson.

Denis O'Hare in "The Proposal." Touchstone Pictures

He was skeptical of the legitimacy of Andrew and Margaret's relationship. 

O'Hare appeared as Ira Farber on season two of HBO's "Big Little Lies."

Denis O'Hare in September 2019. George Pimentel/Getty Images for TIFF

You may have also seen O'Hare on shows like "Brothers & Sisters," "True Blood," "The Good Wife," and "American Horror Story."

O'Hare is a three-time Emmy nominee thanks to his roles on "AHS" and "This Is Us."

The actor married Hugo Redwood in 2011 and they have an adopted son named Declan

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