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A Different World was first released in 1987 and became a favourite among audiences. The series followed students at a fictional Black university in Virginia. It started as a spinoff of The Cosby Show but eventually found its own identity.
The show ran for six seasons until 1993 and introduced viewers to unforgettable characters navigating friendships, college life, and romance.
What made the show stand out was its portrayal of Black students in higher education. Something which was not often seen on television in that era. The cast members brought these characters to life with heart and humor. Years later, fans still remember the series fondly.
Many wonder what happened to the actors who made A Different World so memorable. The questions revolve around their current whereabouts.
Here are the journeys of the talented cast members who made this groundbreaking sitcom a cultural phenomenon.
What happened to Lisa Bonet after the first season of A Different World?
Lisa Bonet portrayed Denise Huxtable, who was first introduced to viewers at Hillman College. However, she only appeared in the premiere season of A Different World. Bonet got pregnant with her daughter, Zoë Kravitz, and left the series shortly after. However, she returned to The Cosby Show before taking an extended break from the screen.
Movies like High Fidelity and Enemy of the State marked her comeback. She was initially married to musician Lenny Kravitz, and years later, she married actor Jason Momoa after divorcing Kravitz. She had two kids from her second marriage until she and Momoa got divorced.
Whitley Gilbert turned into the heart of the show
After Bonet left, A Different World shifted its emphasis to other characters. Jasmine Guy's Whitley Gilber became central to the show's storyline. Whitley was a fashionable Southern belle with compelling wit. Her relationship with Dwayne Wayne, portrayed by Kadeem Hardison, became one of television's most beloved romances. Guy appeared in each episode and won six NAACP Image Awards.
Hardison's Dwayne was the beloved math nerd with signature flip-up glasses. Together, their continuous romance kept audiences coming back season after season.
The whereabouts of the lead stars
Guy continued with shows like The Vampire Diaries and Harlem. She also became active in Atlanta's theater scene. Guy was married to Terrence Duckett from 1998 to 2008. They share a daughter. Hardison continued to appear in shows, including K.C. Undercover, where he also directed episodes. He was also featured in movies like White Men Can't Jump and continues to work in the entertainment industry.
What about the other major cast members?
Dawnn Lewis portrayed Jaleesa Vinson Taylor, a mature student coming back to college. She was featured in the first five seasons and also wrote the series' theme song.
Lewis went on to win a Grammy Award for her singing career. Darryl M. Bell played Ron Johnson, who was Dwayne's goofy best friend. Bell has been in a long-term relationship with actress Tempestt Bledsoe for thirty years. Charnele Brown portrayed Kimberly Reese, Whitley's studious roommate. She now runs an acting academy in Houston.
Who else made the show memorable?
Cree Summer was featured as Freddie Brooks, a free-spirited activist. Summer built an impressive voice acting career, leading her voice to over 300 projects. Sinbad portrayed Coach Walter Oakes, bringing comedy to the campus. He continued his stand-up career and appeared in family films.
Unfortunately, he suffered a stroke but made a virtual appearance during the cast's reunion tour. Lou Myers played Vernon Gaines, the grumpy owner of the Pit. Myers continued acting until his death in 2013. Glynn Turman won an Emmy for his acting in In Treatment.
Also See: A Different World reboot? Debbie Allen talks possibilities and the power of storytelling
Did any cast members get a big break?
Marisa Tomei was part of the first season as Maggie Lauten. She later won an Academy Award for her role in My Cousin Vinny. She has played Aunt May in Spider-Man movies. Loretta Devine was also a first-season cast member who went on to win an Emmy and appeared in Grey's Anatomy.
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A Different World demonstrated Black excellence in education while tackling complex issues. The cast reunited a year ago for a sold-out tour, proving that the series continues to inspire fans.
Also See:Netflix gives A Different World sequel a full series order: Here's all about it
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