Cary Elwes. Universal Pictures; 20th Century Fox; Getty Images; BI

By

2026-05-13T15:30:01.255Z

Cary Elwes' star-making turn in Rob Reiner 's classic swashbuckling love story "The Princess Bride" would eventually become one of his most iconic roles. But after the movie premiered in 1987, the young Elwes wasn't exactly booked and busy.

"I spent a year not working after 'Princess Bride,'" Elwes told Business Insider.

While the movie performed modestly at the box office, it wouldn't reach a wider audience until it hit VHS a year later. In the meantime, Elwes was only getting offered roles as swordsmen and pirates, which he declined.…