Jerry O'Connell Says He Was Called the 'Fat Kid From Stand By Me' For Years! (Exclusive)

Jerry O'Connell and Corey Feldman chat with ET's Matt Cohen about the legacy of 'Stand by Me' for its 35th anniversary. O'Connell says the coming of age classic from 1986 is now a 'badge of honor' for him. Both actors recall filming iconic scenes and remember late co-star River Phoenix. It's also revealed the cast remembers O'Connell being the biggest troublemaker on-set!
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[@avrilpeters]

When Corey says he misses River and Jerry looks down at the ground you can just tell he misses him too😢💔

[@castawayonthemoon]

RIP River Phoenix

[@randomrecognizer3409]

🙏🏻

[@martinsmith6342]

My Mother, who passed away two weeks ago, took me to see this film when it came out!A great film, a classic, my Mother also loved the title song by Ben E. King!Love you Mom!

[@buyerofsorts]

Bless Mom my friend. :)

[@Lexyvil]

Sorry to hear about your loss. She'll always be with you when you think of the memories you formed together.

[@sjkingoz]

Sorry to hear about your mother 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@kimwestwood8840]

Very sorry for your loss. Losing mom is the hardest ..God bless

[@dennisjr77]

Bless you my friend, may you be with her again someday.

[@jasminesavard3761]

Is it just me or i start to get emotional everytime they mention River

[@71579musiclover]

I loved him. Damn he was so beautiful

[@kallen868]

So talented. I have no doubt he would have had a major career.

[@jasminesavard3761]

@@kallen868 yeah and a big heart to. It's rare these days and it's sad

[@jacqueline8307]

I get that feeling as well.

[@jacqueline8307]

I get that feeling as well.

[@DeepFakeCulture]

RIP to the late great River Phoenix

[@wendaltvedt4673]

I was close to their age the time they filmed the movie. So glad I got to experience that era at that age. The 80s is a time period I'll always cherish.

[@olivervanburen704]

Same here for me. I was close to their ages also. The 80's I think, had better movies and music than today.

[@alexkx8599]

@@olivervanburen704 Pst! DUH! 😂

[@Tracy-Lee-Staton]

I was 11 when Stand By Me came out in ‘86. This was my coming of age film, well this and The Outsiders. The camaraderie between Gordy, Chris, Teddy and Vern along with their adventure is pure magic. River Phoenix was wise beyond his years. His energy was deep. We miss you River.

[@phildodson6141]

I was 11 too then in 1986....i miss my youth. This movie and goonies ...every 80s kid can relate!

[@Tracy-Lee-Staton]

@@phildodson6141 oh cool, same age! Right on! Life was a simpler time then, a time filled with adventure for us kids. Whether it was camping out in the backyard with your friends, staring at the stars, playing hide and seek just as it was getting dark and the fireflies being our guiding lights, playing in creeks, riding bikes, watching TBS Night Tracks in the early to mid 80s, egging cars, if you were a heathen like me, haha, swimming in the summers or sneaking into the theater to see R rated movies like Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984 at age 9 which I did or Porky’s Revenge in 1985 at age 10 which I also did 😂 everything we did just seemed so extra, so special ya know. We were all building special friendship bonds and making magical memories that will last the rest of our lives! We were The Outsiders, The Goonies and it was our time! It’s our time down here! I’m still down in that well picking coins because my heart is still young; it’s the body that’s all grown up now. Sad to long for the past, but if the 80s hadn’t been so freaking awesome, none of us Gen X kids would be longing for it. Cheers!

[@moisemensah8233]

I happened to be born in 1991 but it definitely shaped me given the similar trajectories me and some friends of mine followed and the tragic fates some close friends had. The final scene of the movie is eerily reminiscent of my final conversation with a former childhood friend two months before he died at 28 in December 2018 from acute alcohol poisoning. Even though Boyhood is my favorite coming of age movie of all time, SBM did have an everlasting impact on who I am today.

[@Tracy-Lee-Staton]

@@moisemensah8233 Stand By Me was certainly one of those coming-of-age movies that we all felt we were living out in real time. It made such an impact on all of us youths. I’m really sorry to hear of your friend’s passing. So tragic. My friends and I also had a very eerie, very traumatic loss almost identical to the fate of character Chris Chambers after he had grown up. SBM talks about how Chris went on to become a lawyer and was in a restaurant trying to break up a fight when he was stabbed in the neck, dying almost instantly. Our best friend Jerry loved SBM and we all used to watch it religiously from 1986-1991. Our friend Jerry was murdered in 1991 by getting stabbed in the neck with a bowie hunting knife while he was asleep. It was the exact way Chris Chambers was killed in SBM, so it took years before any of us could bare to watch it again. Weird how we both had similar experiences with that movie. Gives me chills. Boyhood is a great coming-of-age film. 👍🏻 Cheers my friend!

[@joejacobs3537]

I was 11 myself...This movie got alot of publicity when it was released...

[@olivergarrick672]

Timeless was my part of childhood such a good movies it heartbreaking every time they mention river I want to cry😢 RIP river.

[@buyerofsorts]

Hundreds of thousands of people die every day on this planet. Why are you so butt hurt over him? Are actors so much more important than the rest of us?

[@Josh-kt6jh]

@@buyerofsorts not at all, it’s just always tragic watching someone with lots of potential die so young and then have the death story manipulated and changed

[@buyerofsorts]

@@Josh-kt6jh Everyone has so much potential. And what did he have potential in anyway? Acting and making millions of dollars for it? Big deal....

[@Josh-kt6jh]

@@buyerofsorts I do not condone the idolisation of celebrity’s, I think it’s pathetic and pointless. But I do think certain people are worth showing respect too, based on what they complished and what kind of influence they’ve had on human beings. There’s tens of thousands of gay lesbians and bi sexual people who came out after watching my own private idaho, not to mention all the people who were introduced to vegan diets by River, etc he had some good impacts on people and potential to carry on influencing people and also making brilliant artistic movies.

[@buyerofsorts]

@@Josh-kt6jh Well I have to agree with you about the Vegan diet thing. When famous people rally for a good cause then I'm all for it. Too bad most of them hate this country. BUT... that's another topic in itself right? :)

[@Lfly7]

Oh River!!! I can't watch this movie ever without crying my eyes out!!!😭😭😭

[@gbecks3672]

We all miss you river ❤️❤️

[@jonathandewberry289]

He was a rich privileged kid who was being a hedonistic party pleasure seeker.

[@Jennifahh]

@@jonathandewberry289 he wasn't

[@jonathandewberry289]

@@Jennifahh at exclusive Hollywood clubs among Hollywoods coolest actors and insiders where parties take place and he used drugs that provide pleasure. You: "he wasn't"

[@shellyjane8305]

im so glad corey wil & jerry are still friends :)

[@paulicoronel]

Thank for celebrating the anniversary of such an iconic fillm as Stand by me. 35 years already. River just takes my breath away, no words. He was the best actor and he will always be the best. No one compares to him.

[@The3rdGunman]

Can we just stop and appreciate Corey Feldman's smile here. The man has been through hell and back. To see him share something fun, joyful, and pleasant about his "childhood" is great to see.

[@marsoblivi0n945]

He ain’t been through shit. He’s lied and made a mockery of everyone around him. Look into it..

[@The3rdGunman]

@@marsoblivi0n945 Well I know people beleive he lied, I think he's got no reason to. And even if he did doesn't change the fact his best friend in Corey Haim is dead. My best friend died early this year so I will give him compassion. Think what you want...

[@marsoblivi0n945]

@@The3rdGunman I have no compassion for someone who victimized lots of woman. Even to this day with the angels he’s hired. He also shits all over haims name for profit. There is no question all he does is lie about allegations and the people he try’s to expose. Your just not educated on the subject. As I can see. Dudes a joke.

[@marsoblivi0n945]

@Blia Yang no it’s facts. Your just unaware and uneducated. Go read or watch videos on coreys countless victims.

[@The3rdGunman]

@@marsoblivi0n945 That's fine, and yes I do know some of the things going on. But Haim's sister and mom not likely Feldman and denying some things doesn't make absolute evidence even if they'er right. And it doesn't change the fact that Corey's parents took a lot of his film money before he was 18. Regardless. He's had a tough life, I can have compassion for anyone. Did his album suck...yeah, is he weird yeah, but I don't hate the guy.

[@sherriewilson2020]

One of the best movies of my childhood!!! RIP River- you are missed by many and will be forgotten by few!! Fly with the Angels!!!

[@joyj1219]

Love Jerry’s candor about being called a fat boy. He’s grown leaps and bounds over the years.

[@FunnyHaHa420]

I wonder if it would make him happier that I always think of him as "that guy from Sliders"?

[@kathyturman1118]

He’s the hottest one in the group now.

[@nitab1971]

A classic with good reason. This film was so well done in every respect. We all miss River. BTW, if you want a River Phoenix classic: I Love You to Death- 1990. It's hysterical!

[@johnhenry1834]

Your right I love you to death is hysterical

[@strangerboi101]

Okay thanks for the recommendation

[@elonmusk8603]

Explorers

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Thanks, I hadn't heard of that one. Will check it out! Did you ever see Dog Fight? That was a beautiful little film River did that seems to have been forgotten.

[@katie.e.g.]

I actually watched it the other day, it’s really good! Disappointing ending though in my opinion

[@shannenspence3318]

R.I.P.River......I LOVE this movie..... This was so sweet how the boys helped each other and were just friends...plus-revealing their inner issues. They don't make movies like this anymore....I miss the 1980's and the movies.

[@nytekeeper6861]

"When will they stop talking about Stand By Me?" Uh... never? Yeah, never works for me. This movie was/is an integral part of my life, and even though I can recite it word for word, I will never tire of watching it. Also, I still get the same emotions at the same points - the lump in my throat here, the fist pump, there... it will never go away. I still miss River. I was totally "in love" with him... you could just tell that he was a sweet and gentle soul. I hope he was able to find the peace on the other side, that he couldn't attain in this realm.

[@jones2277]

Corey looks great here. You can tell he's having a good time, and he had Jerry have a genuine friendship and good memories.

[@bsx121]

Such a perfect movie and reading the book now. "Youll never have friends like the ones you had when you were 12"

[@ronyro3270]

i watched the movie today,22.8.2021.. classic immortal movie and River was just phenomenal,if he was still alive he would be a star like Di Caprio or Johnny Depp

[@mariettaborders1647]

River was actually the lead in “Basket Ball Diaries” but when he passed away they gave it to Leo there are actually quite a few movies he was already signed to do including Christian Slaters part in “Interview with a Vampire”

[@DizzyKizzy64]

@@mariettaborders1647 I read Titanic also

[@rickiwarren4015]

Teacher showed us this movie in class when I was 11 instead of school work best teacher ever.

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

Today 8/23 is River Phoenix's 51st bday.❤ Unreal kinda. His energy very much vibrant. 🎀

[@4seeableTV]

O'Connell turned out to be the guy that has it the most together.

[@twinkletoes6290]

How is the movie 35 years old?!?!? Omg how did I get so old?!?!? Ahhhh. Absolutely love this movie, still one of my absolute favs!! RIP River Phoenix....I had such a crush on him!! 🙊

[@MrBlueBot5]

1986 was a whole different time back then compare to now in 2021....the last 35 years have been normal....sort of

[@slotuck]

I Met Jerry over 20 years ago while Sliders was being filmed, nice guy.

[@kenlompart9905]

My buddy had lunch with him in the 80s when he was an extra on his show called My Secret Identity, he said him and the rest of the cast were very nice.

[@killwalker]

I loved Sliders. Until Jerry left.

[@urpp]

Such a classic , The movie is timeless and will always be remembered in film history for ages to come.

[@ErwinTipton]

I auditioned 2 times for the movie , They said it was going to be filmed Brownsville Oregon . They asked for a 3rd audition and then my dad wouldn't let me go .

[@MisterMister5893]

What role were you reading for?

[@TheSeanpatrickobrien]

Your dads gay

[@paranormalexpo6984]

@@TheSeanpatrickobrien why would you say that. You don't even know him. You are a rude person.

[@TheSeanpatrickobrien]

@@paranormalexpo6984 coz he didn't let him go

[@kallen868]

One of the best Summer movies ever!

[@heidiavera5071]

RIP River, great movie

[@todds.6028]

Corey has always seemed super down to earth to me.

[@riverizumi13]

I used to watch this movie all the time when i was a kid and I still love it

[@i_CARLYYYYY]

I was obsessed with Stand by me in middle school. I had it on DVD & would make everyone watch it. I cried at the end every single time. If only River Phoenix were here today.. 🥺

[@daphnelambert7822]

If only, If only 😔.

[@jasoncutshaw8401]

River Phoenix would be the best actor today of all times

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

He still is.

[@ThatNateGuyOnYouTube]

YES! I had such an amazing time this year filming all the Stand By Me locations in Oregon for my channel!!

[@worer850]

Can u post the link ?

[@flouncey1977]

cool, i just subbed to your channel

[@SupermanForever1979]

Shameful attempt at plugging your youtube channel. Lol.

[@fezzik7619]

You’re pathetic dude.

[@kenlompart9905]

Did you upload it yet? I looked on your site but couldn't find it, I would love to see it.

[@outlawaz1266]

This and OUTSIDERS IS MY FAVORITE

[@fezzik7619]

Are my favorites*

[@kenlompart9905]

I have both and watch them often, two of my favorite movies also.

[@strangerboi101]

The Outsiders is a great one! I'm actually gonna be reading the book for class/school

[@Thatguy55595]

Rumble Fish can’t be forgotten

[@DanksSativa]

Sliders was iconic and one of my all time favorite shows, I'd love to see a reboot with Jerry O'Connell again

[@karenvickery6070]

I love that show too, I watched it all again about 3 years ago, I might start it again. I’m in lockdown sounds like a great idea.

[@BigHairyDwarf]

@@karenvickery6070 already into the fourth season myself.

[@bentstrider]

Some weird, triple crossover where O'Connell (the Slider) and Wheaton (the Traveler) have to save Feldman from some unseen menace!!

[@savage1469]

Corey was in both of my coming of age films. Stand by me and The lost boys.

[@whiskybooze]

I grew up watching these movies along with all the other bests. I miss those days but cherish them. When I see these movies I'm reliving my childhood, they bring back such good memories.

[@kyranajera17]

I love these men and I love this movie!!! They are just…everything. Such an iconic movie and cast..yes I teared up especially when they talked about River ❤️❤️

[@antosaavedra5166]

thank you for this

[@DouglasJohnson.]

It's good to see them in good spirits. Great movie, great cast.

[@unknownname1681]

Corey was also on a great episode of Sliders with Jerry 😃

[@elonmusk8603]

I have to look this up

[@uptown3636]

From the "fat kid in stand by me" to "the singing guy from scream 2."

[@kenlompart9905]

I love this movie because it reminds me so much of what me and my friends were like at that age, I have it and watch it often. Jerry O'Connell will now be known as Sheldon Cooper's brother for years to come.

[@yolandajane61]

I just watched it for the first time. And loved it. !!!

[@devildriver9615]

To see The Goonies on cinema with Corey would be something else!

[@danzig159]

Huge movie, I've seen it so many times in my 46 years. I literally just watched it again last week. Gotta watch it at least once a year.

[@jasobres]

I _still_ refer to him as "The Fat Kid from Stand by Me".

[@annsandberg2199]

One of the best movies ever!!! One of my favorites!

[@casperleegrace2161]

Man, I miss Rio so much. Much love to him🤍 Peace+Love *edit* LOL, i love how most of these comment are about River.

[@stacyscooby8488]

My cousin and i used to perform to that song for a dance performances.

[@kalzyoung]

Feldman was on “Sliders” and they did the skin hand sliding thing randomly

[@warrickmcinerney7899]

I watched it in about 1990 with my three best friends. We were twelve at the Time. After watching it, we knew things were going to be similar to the characters in that we were kind of at a high point with our friendships and that we would eventually drift apart. It felt very bitter sweet even then. There are not many films that make such an impact, although another one that moved me was Dead Poets Society.

[@redstarr2179]

It was a happy surprise when I saw Matt Cohen in this video! I miss him soo much as Dr. Griffin Munro on General Hospital! RIP River Phoenix!!!

[@crystalrusmisel1832]

I loved this interview

[@CyeOutsider]

Jerry O'Connell's was so great as Vern. Such a crucial ingredient to making that ensemble work so well.

[@evelynmenil6450]

35 yrs .. wow. Timeless

[@avkr4074]

My favorite movie so iconic and actually teaches you something

[@armondo22]

Good to see these guys, but where is the rest of the cast

[@krystalarmstrong3181]

Own the movie, and watch it often❣💖 R.I.P River💔

[@joelisatorres4277]

Man ive watched this movie like a million time since i was a kid .im 40 now

[@itsyaboy4209]

This made me so happy! :D

[@championsoundrecords]

Love this! Top 3 Favourite films of all time in my list

[@doomhead2332]

oh my god i love these guys the fact corey right away said kangaroo jack! love that movie! lost track on how many times i've watched it!

[@lolabrini3758]

i love them both🥰

[@edwardandrade4390]

Great times. I remember this back then. Very cool

[@Dustin-eh5go]

Saw this in the theatre first, then watched it 20 or 30 times on worn out VHS tapes. As 11 or 12 year old boys, this wasn't just a favorite movie but an integral part of our childhood.

[@kathyspanner3755]

This was one good movies nice to see a group of guys bond like that rest in peace river you are missed

[@demonocusmetalocus3558]

Cory has barely aged , he must have got bit by 1 of those vampires in the lost boys and now hes immortal.

[@xenafletcher8442]

Classic all time favorite movie tragedy always surrounds perfection unfortunately river may not be here physically he will forever be remembered each time I watch stand by me and I too will reflect on my childhood memories and friends I haven't seen since childhood there are times when I'm feeling down and all I have to do is close my eyes and clear my thoughts itz as if I'm replaying the days in my head dont remember all the names but th faces are very clear and the events are so vivid it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time .I now know and realize more than ever what dad use to say dont be in such a rush to grow up once this part is over you'll be yearning for those days the older you get RIP river gone but not forgotten

[@jeffstein3267]

I always relate Jerry to the series of “sliders”. Used to look forward to each episode every week.

[@zzzroxyzzz]

I always thought he was the funny one, he played his character so freaking well.

[@davidigleniec2483]

When guys just bond it's like, it's not hard to explain, it's just the best feeling ever. Chilling with the boys is essential, having your Family is Essential. Having both is a good pair. Guys bullshit but we don't lie. Love You Man.

[@acepc2]

great cast! love these guys

[@casperleegrace2161]

1:28 When Chris cries to Gordie. And the whole campfire scene. Actually, no, i just love the entire more. Lmao, I have a tattoo of them😂. Literally my comfort movie. 1:35 HAHAHAH I LOVE HOW I ACTUALLY NOTICED THAT TOO.

[@kcadventures1454]

One of my all time favorite films!

[@dennisjr77]

Ahhh nostalgia!!! Memories!!

[@mikefit3343]

Who would’ve known back then that the fat kid teddy spatted water on, would be more relevant now in Hollywood, than Cory himself.

[@simonpenum]

- And more grounded. Jerry seems like an all round good dude. I feel sad for Corey, he just doesn't seem like a well person these days mentally

[@fezzik7619]

Spat*

[@mikefit3343]

@@simonpenum in Coreys mind? He never left the 80’s or the 90’s era that’s his real problem while the rest of child stars back then had moved on with their careers.

[@RUNTHROUGHDATAPE]

@@mikefit3343 H ewas the one guy from that era I never liked. just something about him seems off or fake.

[@mikefit3343]

@@RUNTHROUGHDATAPE I know what you mean. I liked him best in “Stand by me, Rock in roll high school and the goonies. He’s so childish and awkward to be a 50yr old man.

[@davidgray2845]

This made me smile.

[@raybrower3180]

Can't believe it's been so long so fast

[@fezzik7619]

All credit to the great director Rob Reiner for this film. To think he made this classic then a year later he made the incomparable Princess Bride, then When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men and many other great films.

[@carlosmolina6415]

You gotta love Jerry !! My Secret Identity was one of my favorite shows!

[@MrJohnnyshakes]

My nephew's saw this and it hit him in the feels. I was so proud

[@muteddeer]

i remember the first time i watched this movie so well

[@annetteslife]

What an awesome movie! Lets hope it is not rebooted

[@The3rdGunman]

Stand by She

[@TubbyJ420]

@@The3rdGunman instead of looking for a boys body, they'll be looking for a boys cut off frank and beans

[@The3rdGunman]

@@TubbyJ420 HAHAHA

[@Nebulation]

@@The3rdGunman best comment ever

[@chongsfury4358]

Stand by they/them

[@tinasanders7054]

River Phoenix is so missed😢!!!

[@gundanout11]

Jerry O'Connell the voice of Superman in the DC Aminated Movie Universe.

[@curtiswood2013]

I just watched stand by me and followed it with Kangaroo Jack! Love these movies and love you guys, great actors all of you! God bless and stay safe.

[@MerryJ2024]

I'm really sorry these guys suffered such. But I absolutely loved that movie. ❤️

[@shereesetz6690]

Classic movie favorite!:) I loved all those boys, great men now! River Phoenix, always with us:)

[@angelaphilpott9563]

Absolutely love this movie, my hubby does too always a fav

[@ignaciomayenthegoldenrule9618]

Playing Frank Cushman in Gerry Maguire must have been a big motivator for him. We used to call my brother Vern because he was fat back in 1986.

[@ertfgghhhh]

I am 47, and I am today years old when I found out Jerry was that character.

[@themasterofallmoviesprestwood.]

Fun to see all four for my angle baby face River it’s like I don’t have a heart anymore I know so much feel the pain in me crying out to him. Corey jerry will they so amazing I in love the movie I grew up this movie

[@tinasanders7054]

I was such a a fan of Corey Feldman back then love the movie Stand by me!!

[@Fireman9ify]

The film reminds of being young, I was about 12 when the film came out

[@TheFenwayman1912]

One of my top 5 favorite movies

[@rodzandz]

It's a miracle Corey Feldman's is still alive. The drug abuse hit that guy like a sledgehammer.

[@alyssahanwell8210]

Yes it did he saved himself

[@80s90smovies.]

Loved Jerry in sliders