Matthew Broderick reveals career struggles after ‘Ferris Bueller’: ‘The 90s were hard’

Being a child star does not guarantee a smooth-sailing career later down the line — and it was no different for “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” star Matthew Broderick.

The actor was propelled to global stardom after landing the leading role in the hit 1986 film but Broderick said what followed was a dry spell in successfully securing other roles.

“I did have nice early success. But it’s not easy to maintain that first flush,” the 61-year-old told The Guardian. “It’s always a hard adjustment for child actors, young actors. People see the kid out of ‘Leave It to Beaver’ grown up and they don’t buy it — they want to see little Beaver.”

“People associated me with younger roles, but I wanted them to come with me and get used to the fact that I’m wrinkly. And it was hard. The ’90s were hard. Lots of ups and downs. But I always tried to keep at it, keep my heart in it. Hopefully that keeps you in the game,” he shared.

Broderick would later star in films such as “Godzilla,” “The Cable Guy,” and “Inspector Gadget” while he also had a role in “The Lion King,” where he voiced adult Simba throughout the 90s.

And when asked to define his legacy, Broderick, who is married to Sarah Jessica Parker, responded, “Well, I’m Ferris Bueller, I suppose. I have to accept it. And I like it. I’ve made my peace with it.”

The actor also opened up about his marriage to Sarah Jessica Parker, saying the pair keep their relationship out of the spotlight for the sake of their three kids.

The couple, who tied the knot in 1997, share three children together: son James, 20, and 13-year-old twins Tabitha and Marion.

“Well, it’s nothing we ever sat down and discussed. But I think it evolved and I think it’s important,” Broderick said when asked why he and Parker rarely discuss their relationship in public.

“Once you start talking about your relationship and your feelings in public you’re in trouble. Also, we have children. I don’t want to have my kids reading about our relationship.”

“We try to keep some privacy, a circle around the family, so we can all have as normal a life as possible,” he added.

The pair recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in May, with the “Sex and the City” alum, 58, marking the special occasion with a heartwarming post on Instagram.

“Happy 26th anniversary my husband,” she captioned an image of a champagne cork. “That sure was a nice celebration and a real nice bottle of Champagne. And a gorgeous walk home. Oh the miles we have strolled together. I love you.”