One of the most iconic and haunting scenes in movie history is the moment the Grady twins appear in the hallway in The Shining.
Their eerie line — “Come play with us, Danny…” — has lived rent-free in the minds of horror fans for decades. But where are the Grady twins from The Shining now?
Lisa and Louise Burns, who played the creepy twins in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror masterpiece, are still very much a part of the horror fan community — and 45 years later, they’ve shared what their lives have been like since their unforgettable screen debut.
The Grady Twins Only Had One Scene — But Made Movie History
Although the twins appeared in just one scene, the image of them standing side by side in matching blue dresses has become a lasting symbol of The Shining and of horror cinema overall. The Burns sisters were only 11 years old when they filmed their role, but the impact of that single appearance has followed them into adulthood.
Over the years, Lisa and Louise have kept fans updated through their shared Facebook page, The Shining Twins. They still look strikingly similar, but their lives took very different paths than many might have expected after such a high-profile film debut.
Why the Grady Twins Chose Not to Pursue Acting
Despite landing what many would consider a dream role, the Grady twins opted not to continue acting. In a 2015 interview with the Daily Mail, Lisa revealed she became a lawyer, while Louise pursued a career in science and is now a published researcher.
Their decision to leave the spotlight didn’t stop them from engaging with horror fans and embracing their place in film history.
The Grady Twins’ Legacy in Pop Culture
In Stephen King’s original novel, the Grady children weren’t actually twins — they were aged eight and ten. The film changed this detail, turning them into identical twins for visual impact, making the scene even more disturbing.
That creative decision paid off, as the Grady twins have been referenced and parodied countless times across pop culture, from Halloween costumes to major films and TV shows.
Even decades later, Lisa and Louise remain active in the horror convention circuit and on social media. Their love for the genre and appreciation for the film’s legacy have kept them connected to fans who still revere The Shining as a horror classic.
