The Cast of ‘Life or Something Like It’: Where Are They Now?
In 2002, Angelina Jolie starred in her first romantic comedy, Life or Something Like It, a film directed by Stephen Herek. The movie follows Seattle reporter Lanie Kerrigan, played by Jolie, who appears to have it all – a superstar boyfriend, a stunning apartment, and a shot at a big promotion. However, her perfect life begins to unravel when Prophet Jack, played by Tony Shalhoub, predicts that she will die within a matter of days.
According to an article by People, Jolie took on the challenge of playing Lanie Kerrigan head-on, despite initially finding her character unlikable. In an interview with the Associated Press in 2002, Jolie stated, "I like the essence of the story, [but Lanie] offends me … she’s everything that I can’t stand in a person." (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Angelina Jolie as Lanie Kerrigan
Angelina Jolie played the lead character, Seattle reporter Lanie Kerrigan, in Life or Something Like It. Shortly after the film premiered, Jolie traded Lanie’s blonde bob for Lara Croft’s signature brunette braid in Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003). Her next few projects included Alexander (2004), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005), and Wanted (2008). Jolie was previously married to Jonny Lee Miller from 1996 to 1999 and Billy Bob Thornton from 2000 to 2003. She now shares six kids with Brad Pitt, whom she split from in 2016 after two years of marriage. They officially divorced in 2024.
As reported by People, Jolie’s career has been on an upward trajectory since her role in Life or Something Like It. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Edward Burns as Pete
Edward Burns played Pete, Lanie’s obnoxious cameraman-turned-love-interest in the 2002 film. Life or Something Like It kicked off Burns’ romantic comedy era. He appeared in 2006’s The Holiday, 2008’s 27 Dresses, and 2011’s Friends with Kids. Burns is also a talented writer and director, best known for Purple Violets (2007). The actor is married to model Christy Turlington, and the couple, who wed in 2003, share two kids.
According to People, Burns’ role in Life or Something Like It marked a turning point in his career. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Tony Shalhoub as Prophet Jack
Tony Shalhoub played Prophet Jack, a psychic who predicted that Lanie would die within a week. While Shalhoub had already found success before starring in Life or Something Like It, his next role solidified his place in Hollywood. USA Network’s Monk premiered three months after the rom-com was released, which became a fan-favorite series and ran for eight seasons. Monk earned Shalhoub countless accolades, including three Emmys and a Golden Globe. Most recently, he won an Emmy in 2019 for his role on Amazon Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
People notes that Shalhoub’s performance in Life or Something Like It was a precursor to his success in Monk. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Christian Kane as Cal Cooper
Christian Kane played Lanie’s famous baseball player boyfriend, Cal Cooper. He’s best known for his roles in Just Married (2003) and the TV series Leverage, which ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2012. Fans might also recognize the actor from his self-titled rock band, Kane. The last time he released new music was in 2015, per his Spotify.
As People reports, Kane’s role in Life or Something Like It was one of his early notable performances. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Max Baker as Vin
Max Baker played Vin, another member of Lanie’s camera crew. He went on to play minor roles in various projects, including two films written and directed by his Life or Something Like It costar Edward Burns: Purple Violets (2007) and Newlyweds (2011). Most recently, he appeared in two episodes of Leverage: Redemption, which stars Christian Kane – another castmate from the 2002 rom-com.
People provides an update on Baker’s career after Life or Something Like It. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Melissa Errico as Andrea
Melissa Errico played Lanie’s best friend, Andrea, in the 2002 rom-com. While the actress has continued working in film and TV, Errico is best known for her performances on Broadway. She earned a Tony nomination in 2013 for her role in Amour, and even has a caricature hanging on the wall at the Theater District restaurant, Sardi’s. Errico and former tennis player Patrick McEnroe have been married since 1998, and the pair have three daughters.
According to People, Errico’s role in Life or Something Like It was one of her notable performances. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
Stockard Channing as Deborah Connors
Stockard Channing portrayed Lanie’s broadcast news idol Deborah Connors in Life or Something Like It. Channing, whose name will forever be synonymous with Rizzo from Grease, went on to appear in Must Love Dogs (2005), 69 episodes of The West Wing, and 21 episodes of Out of Practice. More recently, she played Wendy Whipple in the 2024 mini-series Knuckles. The actress has been married and divorced four times to Walter Channing Jr., Paul Schmidt, David Debin, and David Rawle.
People provides an update on Channing’s career after Life or Something Like It. (People, "Where Is ‘Life or Something Like It’ Cast Now? – 11716321")
