Tina Caspary is an American actress and dancer, who is known for her role in the films "Can’t Buy Me Love" and “Mac and Me”.
Caspary was born on December 28, 1970, in Downey, California and discovered her passion for dance at a young age. She shared this passion with her younger brother, Dewitt “Dee” Caspary, who also went on to become a choreographer and dancer.
Early Career
She began her career as a child actress in the 1980s and first appeared in the 1982 movie, Annie, where she played a dancer. She went on to have small apearences on Silver Spoons, News at Eleven and Growing Pains.
In 1987, Caspary was cast as ‘Kelly Bundy’ in the television show “Married… with Children”, however the show’s producers decided to replace her with Christina Applegate as they believed her acting was a better fit for the role. In the same year she would find better luck after being cast as Barbara in the teen romantic comedy film ‘Can’t Buy Me Love.’
The movie starred Patrick Dempsey as Ronald Miller and Amanda Peterson as Cindy Mancini. Dempsey’s character, Ronald, is a high school student who pays Cindy, the popular cheerleader, to pretend to be his girlfriend.
“Can’t Buy Me Love” was a commercial success at the box office. The film grossed approximately $31.6 million domestically in the United States, while having a modest budget of around $1 million. The movie’s popularity has endured over the years, and it has become a beloved cult classic among fans of ’80s teen comedies.
Caspary would follow up the succes of "Can’t Buy Me Love" with one of her most notable and unforgettable role.
Mac and Me
“Mac and Me” was released in 1988 and was directed by Stewart Raffill. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Eric Cruise, played by Jade Calegory, who befriends a friendly alien creature named Mac.
Caspary played the character named Courtney in the movie “Mac and Me” (1988). In the film, Courtney is the older sister of Debbie, portrayed by Lauren Stanley.
Released in 1988, it was intended to be a family-friendly science fiction adventure film similar to “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” However, it received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The film suffered from weak acting, a disjointed plot, and heavy-handed product placement, primarily for McDonald’s. Additionally, its special effects and production values were subpar, leading to its reputation as a low-quality and unintentionally funny film.
Despite its negative reception, “Mac and Me” has gained a cult following over the years, with some appreciating it for its unintentional humor and nostalgic value. She would star in the movie alongside Jade Calegory.
Caspary would round out the 80s with roles in Teen Witch and My Mom’s a Werewolf. Her last credited role came in 1994 on the television series, Valley of the Dolls.
Where is Tina Caspary Now?
Since the 1990s, Caspary has transitioned away from acting and focused more on her dance career. She has became a successful professional dancer and choreographer.
Caspary has worked in various capacities within the dance industry, including as a teacher and a judge for dance competitions. She has also choreographed for television shows, music videos, and live performances.
For 10 years she owned and operated Studio C, a dance studio located in Downey, CA. During her tenure, she nurtured and trained numerous talented dancers, ballerinas, and choreographers who have since become prominent figures in their respective fields.
Following her studio ownership, Tina has spent the past two decades as a globetrotting teacher and choreographer, spreading inspiration and guiding aspiring dancers worldwide to embrace and pursue their fullest potential.
Caspary also started her own clothing brand called Ktrna, which specializes in high-quality activewear inspired by dance. Ktrna has been a beloved choice for dancers for over two decades.
Most recently Caspary has been involved teaching dance for Radix, a renowned dance convention and competition platform. It offers a comprehensive program that combines workshops, classes, competitions, and performance opportunities for dancers of various ages and skill levels. Radix focuses on providing a well-rounded dance experience by offering training in various dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and more.
Personal Life
Tina is married to Ryan Cyphert, a dance instructor and fitness enthusiast. They have two children together, who are also in the dance community.
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