Age at Film Release and Key Context
Demi Moore was 30 years old when A Few Good Men premiered in U.S. theaters in December 1992. She was born on November 11, 1962, and the film entered production in 1991 while she was in her late twenties. This detail situates her performance within a period of significant professional momentum, following notable roles in Ghost (1990) and preceding her high-profile work in the mid-1990s. Clarifying her age at the time corrects common misremembering and reinforces how central she was to the film’s dramatic momentum and romantic tension alongside Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.
Film Timeline and Release Context
Production Schedule and Pre-Release Timeline
A Few Good Men began principal photography in April 1991 and wrapped that summer, with a December 1992 wide release. Moore was 29 during much of filming and turned 30 close to the premiere. The timeline is well documented in studio press materials and contemporary trade reporting, reflecting a period when she was among Hollywood’s most bankable leading women. Understanding this chronology helps distinguish enduring performances from time-sensitive cultural moments.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Demi Moore’s Birth Date | November 11, 1962 | Biographical reference, public records |
| Principal Photography Dates | April–Summer 1991 | Production records, studio filings |
| Theatrical Release Date | December 11, 1992 (U.S.) | Trade announcements, studio press kit |
| Moore’s Age at Premiere | 30 years old (turning 31 in November 1992) | Calculated from confirmed dates |
Career Context at Time of Release
Leading Roles in the Early 1990s
In 1992, Demi Moore was transitioning from rising star to established box-office draw. A Few Good Men arrived between her breakthrough in Ghost (1990) and her cultural moment in Disclosure (1994). The film showcased her ability to hold her own in an ensemble legal drama dominated by heavyweight male actors, reinforcing her versatility and drawing attention to nuanced dramatic work beyond romantic leads.
Critical and Commercial Reception
The movie was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $400 million worldwide and multiple Academy Award nominations. Moore’s performance, while not the top-billed role, contributed to the film’s tension and emotional stakes. Industry coverage at the time highlighted her as a formidable presence capable of anchoring complex, high-stakes narratives.
Common Misconceptions and Memory Gaps
- Some recall Moore being older, partly because her role and demeanor project maturity and gravitas beyond her years.
- Confusion sometimes arises with later films in which she played older characters, but in 1992 she was in her early 30s.
- The film’s prestige and Nicholson’s powerhouse performance can overshadow Moore’s age at the time, yet it was precisely her grounded presence that balanced the story’s confrontational dialogue.
Enduring Legacy of the Film
A Few Good Men remains a touchstone in courtroom drama and military-themed storytelling, frequently referenced in pop culture and political discourse. For Moore, it represents a pivotal project during a prolific period in her career, demonstrating range and resilience. The film’s quotes, iconic scenes, and themes continue to resonate, while accurate details about production—such as Moore’s age—support a reliable understanding of her trajectory and the film’s lasting influence.