What Are the Cast Members of ‘A Different World’ Up to Today? Catching Up on Their Lives Now

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Almost 40 years since it first aired, A Different World continues to be celebrated as a significant sitcom in American television history.

The innovative series was broadcast on NBC from 1987 to 1993 and is currently accessible for streaming on Netflix. It originally emerged as a comedic offshoot of The Cosby Show, chronicling the experiences of Denise Huxtable (played by Lisa Bonet) and her fellow students at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college located in Virginia.

Following the departure of prominent cast members such as Bonet, Marisa Tomei, and Loretta Devine after its inaugural season, the show underwent a significant transformation led by Debbie Allen that redirected its focus onto Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison), all the while highlighting the cultural and social dynamics of Black youth as they navigated their college experiences.

Reflecting on the show’s impact, Hardison remarked in a 2017 interview with NBC News, “We had never seen Black kids in college on television. This show caught viewers at a pivotal moment, guiding them through high school and into higher education, and it fostered a generation that values education and wants to pass that legacy down.”

In 2024, the ensemble cast came together for a 10-city tour of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which quickly expanded due to popular demand.

Darryl M. Bell, who played Ron Johnson, relayed in a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, “It’s phenomenal, a striking occurrence. The warmth of our camaraderie is always palpable as we intentionally prioritize spending time together.”

The following sections explore what the cast of A Different World has accomplished since the show’s conclusion.

Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable

Lisa Bonet gained recognition for her portrayal of Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992. In the spinoff series, A Different World, she portrayed Denise as a college freshman at Hillman College.

However, Bonet only featured in the series for its first season, departing after announcing her pregnancy with Lenny Kravitz in May 1988.

Following the birth of their daughter, Zoë Kravitz, in December 1988, Bonet briefly returned to The Cosby Show as a regular in its sixth season before leaving permanently.

After stepping away from the limelight to concentrate on motherhood, Bonet re-emerged in films such as 1998’s Enemy of the State alongside Will Smith, and 2000’s High Fidelity, in addition to guest roles in popular shows like Girls and Ray Donovan.

In her personal life, Bonet and Kravitz divorced in 1993 after a marriage that began in 1987. She later married Jason Momoa in a secret ceremony in 2017.

The couple has two children together, daughter Lola and son Nakoa-Wolf. In January 2022, Bonet and Momoa announced their separation, which culminated in a finalized divorce in January 2024.

Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert

Jasmine Guy initially auditioned for the role of Jaleesa during the initial casting for A Different World; however, she ultimately secured the role of Whitley when the character roster expanded in the show’s second season. Whitley became a standout figure known for her fashion sense, artistic flair, and dynamic love story with Dwayne Wayne.

Guy’s contributions extended beyond acting, as she wrote multiple episodes and received six NAACP Image Awards for her outstanding performance.

In addition to her role on A Different World, Guy appeared in films such as Harlem Nights, and had guest roles on series including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Moving forward, she continued to act in successful series like Dead Like Me and The Vampire Diaries, while also being an active participant in Atlanta’s thriving theater circuit.

More recently, she has taken on roles in the Wesley Christmas movies and the series Harlem.

Jasmine was married to Terrence Duckett from 1998 to 2008, and they share a daughter, artist Imani Guy Duckette.

Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne

Before landing his iconic role as Dwayne Wayne, Kadeem Hardison made a brief appearance on The Cosby Show. Dwayne, known for his quirky flip-up sunglasses, redefined the image of a math geek while enjoying romantic escapades with Whitley.

Hardison had actually been filming School Daze alongside his future co-stars when he attended an early taping of A Different World, which primarily focused on Denise and a few other characters at the time.

Describing his audition experience, Hardison shared that it gave him newfound confidence to embrace his own personality and nerves, integrating that energy into Dwayne’s character.

After the series wrapped, Hardison continued acting with guest spots on shows like Between Brothers and K.C. Undercover, where he also took on directing duties.

He co-wrote and directed the film The Dark Party in 2013 and made appearances in films such as White Men Can’t Jump and Drive, with upcoming work slated for Criminal.

Kadeem was married to singer Chanté Moore from 1997 to 2000 and they have one daughter, Sophia Hardison.

Dawnn Lewis as Jaleesa Vinson Taylor

Dawnn Lewis transitioned from performing in Broadway’s The Tap Dance Kid to securing her role as Jaleesa Vinson Taylor, a character she portrayed throughout the first five seasons of A Different World.

Lewis initially faced obstacles due to a scheduling conflict between the stage play and screen audition; however, she eventually impressed casting directors. Jaleesa’s backstory involved her returning to college after a divorce, highlighting the show’s themes of resilience and empowerment.

After departing A Different World in 1992, Lewis starred in Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper and had guest appearances on series such as Better Call Saul.

Beyond acting, Lewis achieved recognition as a Grammy Award-winning singer and was honored with induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.

She was married to former NBA player Johnny Newman during the mid-2000s.

Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson

Darryl M. Bell’s breakthrough arrived in Spike Lee’s film School Daze, where he collaborated with co-stars Hardison and Guy.

Bell portrayed Ron Johnson, a jovial ROTC student and musician, upholding a close friendship with Dwayne. Despite competing for the same role at one point, the two cultivated a strong off-screen bond.

Bell’s first appearance on A Different World was as an unnamed student, but the producers created the character of Ron to better utilize his chemistry with Hardison.

He expresses pride in the show’s legacy, noting its ability to address difficult subjects while maintaining a humorous approach. “We tackled serious issues, but we always infused humor into them,” he shared with PEOPLE in 2024.

Post-show, he starred in Homeboys in Outer Space and made appearances in Brother and the voice role of Bravo Leader in the video game X2: Wolverine’s Revenge.

Bell has been in a committed relationship with Cosby Show alum Tempestt Bledsoe for over thirty years. The couple participated in the 2009 reality series Househusbands of Hollywood.

Charnele Brown as Kimberly Reese

Charnele Brown portrayed Kimberly Reese, the studious pre-med roommate of Whitley Gilbert, in her first significant television role in season 2 of A Different World.

Brown has continued to thrive in her career, with guest appearances on shows such as Living Single and Girlfriends, as well as starring roles in films like Drop Squad.

In addition to acting, Brown has embraced writing and producing, contributing to projects like the TV movie BKS, Best Kept Secret in 2020, and Changes in 2021.

She resides in Houston, Texas, where she runs the Charnele Brown Acting Academy at Yates High School, an initiative she began in 2000.

Cree Summer as Winifred “Freddie” Brooks

Cree Summer joined the ensemble in season 2, portraying Winifred “Freddie” Brooks, the free-spirited roommate of Jaleesa.

Following the series, Summer flourished in voice acting, accumulating over 300 credits in various video games and animated series, including Vampirina and Abbott Elementary.

Summer, who shares two daughters with her ex-husband Angelo Pullen, has described their relationship as a fulfilling journey.

Sinbad as Coach Walter Oakes

The actor and comedian known as Sinbad, born David Adkins, gained popularity for his role as Coach Walter Oakes on A Different World, having previously appeared as a guest on The Cosby Show.

As an active presence in the show, Sinbad’s character coached multiple sports while managing touring obligations with notable artists. Ultimately, he left during the fourth season to focus on sectors beyond television.

He would later headline his own show in 1993, The Sinbad Show, and continue his film tenure with features like Jingle All the Way and Good Burger.

Recently, Sinbad has made guest appearances on contemporary shows, while also overcoming challenges presented by a stroke he suffered in 2020.

He expressed gratitude towards fans during a virtual appearance in 2024, thanking them for their support throughout his recovery.

Lou Myers as Vernon Gaines

Lou Myers is widely recognized for his role as Vernon Gaines, the owner of the Pit and a memorable character that contributed to the show’s charm.

Post-A Different World, Myers had a successful acting career, appearing in major films and series, and even continued his Broadway presence.

His last role was in the film Dreams in 2013, following a notable life that ended with his death due to pneumonia at the age of 77.

Myers is survived by his son and grandchildren.

Glynn Turman as Colonel Brad Taylor

Glynn Turman, who portrayed Colonel Brad Taylor, entered the cast in season 2, playing a math teacher who later became romantically involved with Jaleesa.

Post-series, Turman’s career continued to flourish with recurring roles on critically acclaimed shows like The Wire and How to Get Away with Murder, culminating in an Emmy win in 2008.

His film appearances include key roles in Men of Honor and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with his last projects airing in 2024.

He is a father of four and has shared his life with his third wife, Jo-Ann Allen, since 1992.

Marisa Tomei as Maggie Lauten

Marisa Tomei captivated audiences with her portrayal of Maggie Lauten in A Different World, albeit only for its first season.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Tomei expressed the memorable experience, although she humorously noted the challenging hairstyle of her character.

Rising to star status, she won the Academy Award for her leading role in My Cousin Vinny and continues to be active in Hollywood, with appearances in major films and theater.

Notably, she has positioned herself in the Marvel cinematic universe as Aunt May in the Spider-Man films and remains a celebrated figure in film and theatre.

Loretta Devine as Stevie Rallen

Loretta Devine’s significant accomplishments include a successful career in theater prior to her role in A Different World. She originated a role in the Tony-winning musical Dreamgirls.

Although her stint on the show was limited, Devine’s subsequent work in television has garnered her acclaim in series such as Grey’s Anatomy.

In her later years, Devine reflects on her journey while embracing hobbies in knitting and crocheting, often mentioning her unique personality and love for crafts.

Source
people.com