Coffee Breakfast

Forget film history, it's nearly impossible to imagine what the culture of the '80s and '90s would have looked like without the work of John Hughes. The writer-director-producer, who tragically passed away earlier today, is responsible for some of the most memorable characters in cinematic teenage lore, not to mention some very disgruntled heroes as well.

In his honor, I've compiled a list of my five personal favorite characters written by the late, great John Hughes.

JOHN BENDER ("The Breakfast Club"): There's no shortage of beloved miscreants in "The Breakfast Club, " but John Bender decisively takes the crown for most memorable. Judd Nelson's portrayal as the smart-mouthed tough guy - with an apparent proclivity for popular redheads - is the shining spot in a movie filled with top notch performances from Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald and Paul Gleason.

Crowning Achievement: Bringing the phrase "eat my shorts" into popular culture, a saying that's been judiciously utilized by Bart Simpson ever since.

FERRIS BUELLER ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off"): Even Bender would have to bow down to the master of mischief, none other than Ferris Bueller himself. Easily Matthew Broderick's crowning achievement, Bueller practically wrote the book on how to drive your high school principal insane, all while enjoying a jam-packed day of hooky in windy Chicago.

Crowning Achievement: Bestowing the "clammy palms" trick to children everywhere. Speaking for myself, it worked every time.

PRINCIPAL ED ROONEY ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off"): You might not know Jeffrey Jones by name, but you'd certainly recognize him by that unmistakable red hair and mustachioed face. As Principal Ed Rooney in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off, " Jones proved himself to be one of the most watchable antagonists of the 1980s, offering poetic gems like "Pucker up, buttercup" and the sing-songy "Niiiine tiiiiimes." Ben Stein's "Buuuuueeeeller... Buuuuueeeeller..." may be more quoted, but it's Ed Rooney that we all love to hate.

Crowning Achievement: Helplessly shouting for his assistant ("Graaaace!") at the unwitting mercy of Mr. Bueller and one Cameron Frye. Also, being practically maimed in his pursuits of the same.