Where Is the Cast of 'A Different World' Now—30+ Pics

Decades after this classic American sitcom ended, its cast has taken many paths. Some found lasting fame, others shifted focus, and one cast member has died.

More than 30 years after its 1987 debut, "A Different World" remains one of the most culturally significant sitcoms of its era. With its groundbreaking stories and standout ensemble, the series left a lasting mark on television.

The series centered on student life at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black university. The show began with Denise Huxtable as she left home to start college.

Over time, the focus shifted to other students, including Whitley Gilbert, Dwayne Wayne, Winifred "Freddie" Brooks, Jaleesa Vinson, Ron Johnson, Kimberly Reese, and Maggie Lauten.

The show also highlighted university staff members such as Coach Walter Oakes, dorm director Lettie Bostic, cafeteria manager Vernon Gaines, and Colonel Brad Taylor.

Since the series ended in 1993, its cast has taken many different paths. Here's a look at the stars — then and now.

Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable

After leaving "A Different World" early in its run, Lisa Bonet continued to build a steady career in both film and television.

She appeared in high-profile movies such as "Enemy of the State" (1998), "High Fidelity" (2000), and "Biker Boyz" (2003), and took recurring roles in "Life on Mars" (2008–2009) and "Ray Donovan" (2016).

In 2017, she starred in the visually striking short film "Jellywolf." Also in that year, Bonet married actor Jason Momoa. The couple had two children, Lola Iolani and Nakoa-Wolf, before divorcing in 2024. Bonet also shares a daughter, actress Zoë Kravitz, with musician Lenny Kravitz.

Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert

Jasmine Guy brought depth and charm to Whitley Gilbert, creating a character who was both sharp and vulnerable. In a 2021 Variety interview, Guy recalled being surprised by Whitley's romance with Dwayne but embraced it, saying, "but I liked it because I knew what a beast [Jasmine] was at work. I was in awe of her most of the time."

She spoke to NPR in 2009 about the show's cultural impact: "I didn't realize the power of the show." She reflected on how the series inspired young people to attend college and introduced many viewers to historically Black colleges and universities.

On Red Table Talk in 2022, Guy opened up about filming during a breakup with co-star Dominic Hoffman (Julian Day). Their off-screen relationship at times mirrored the show's emotional themes. "But we were always professional and didn't let things affect the work, but we were going through things," she said.

In 2009, Guy filed for bankruptcy. According to Black America Web, she was later hit with a $27,523.86 tax lien related to unpaid federal taxes from 2008 and 2012, reportedly tied to her divorce from Terrence Duckett.

Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne

Kadeem Hardison became a fan favorite for his portrayal of the charismatic and brainy Dwayne Wayne. In a 2018 appearance on "The Real Daytime," he was asked if he and Jasmine Guy ever wanted to be more than friends. He said, "I can admit easily that I had a crush on Jasmine the minute I saw her."

In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hardison reflected on the show, saying they were simply trying to do their best while making it. It wasn’t until after it ended that he realized how important it had been. "I saw the void," he said, adding that it showed how well the show was written, planned, and performed.

His charm clearly left a lasting impression, as fans still show him love online. One wrote, "Omg! That voice! I've been I. Love with that voice since I was a preteen." Another commented, "You're still handsome as ever 😍."

A third added, "What up Dwayne still looking young my dude even with the grayness peace and blessings my BK brother." Someone else declared, "You are still a heartbreaker!!!!"

Outside of acting, Hardison is a proud father to his daughter, Sophia Hardison, now 29.

Dawnn Lewis as Jaleesa Vinson Taylor

Dawnn Lewis played Jaleesa Vinson Taylor, a confident and career-focused student who brought wisdom and balance to Hillman life. In a 2023 interview with People, Lewis reflected on the show's lasting impact and its representation of diverse Black experiences on screen.

She noted that the series featured people of color with a range of backgrounds, skin tones, and levels of social and financial awareness. "We painted a palette where there was someone for everyone, whether you were a seasoned citizen like Mr. Gaines, who saw the value in continuing to speak into the lives of young people," she added.

Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson

Darryl M. Bell, who played the smooth and ambitious Ron Johnson, stayed active in both television and film after "A Different World" ended. In the 1990s, he landed a leading role alongside Flex Alexander in the sci-fi comedy series "Homeboys in Outer Space," which aired from 1996 to 1997.

He later made guest appearances on shows like "Are We There Yet?" in 2012 and HBO's "Insecure" in 2018. Bell also appeared in the independent film "The Dark Party" (2013). In 2006, he returned to his role as Ron in the mini-series "Hillman College Reunion Week," reconnecting with fans of the show.

Charnele Brown as Kimberly Reese

Charnele Brown portrayed Kimberly Reese, a pre-med student known for her discipline and determination. After her run on "A Different World," Brown continued acting with appearances in shows like "Girlfriends," "My Wife and Kids," and "5th Ward."

She has also been active in film, with roles in "Dilemma" (2022), "The Reading" (2023), "Sundown" (2024), and most recently, "Trouble" (2025).

Cree Summer as Winifred 'Freddie' Brooks

Best known on screen as the free-spirited and socially conscious Freddie Brooks, Cree Summer continued building her career while raising a family. She met musician Angelo Pullen at age 40, and together they had two daughters: Brave Littlewing, born in 2011, and Hero Peregrine, born in 2013, according to Essence in 2022.

After nearly a decade together, the couple separated. Reflecting on that time, Summer called becoming a single mother the "Greatest fear of my life."

Through it all, she continued working and built a successful voice acting career. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, she revealed she has voiced over 700 characters. Her standout roles include Elmyra in "Tiny Toons," Susie Carmichael in "Rugrats," and Princess Kida in "Atlantis: The Lost Empire."

Sinbad as Coach Walter Oakes

Sinbad, whose real name is David Adkins, played the lovable Coach Walter Oakes. Outside of "A Different World," he’s known for starring in films like "Houseguest" and "Jingle All the Way," as well as headlining his own sitcom, "The Sinbad Show."

In 2020, his family announced that he had suffered a stroke. "Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many generations. While he is beginning his road to recovery, we are faithful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon," they said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lou Myers as Vernon Gaines

Lou Myers, best known for playing Hillman's sharp-tongued but wise cafeteria manager Vernon Gaines, passed away in February 2013.

According to TMZ, the president of Lou’s non-profit said that Lou died in Charleston, West Virginia, after a heart-related emergency. He was 77.

Glynn Turman as Colonel Brad Taylor

Glynn Turman has enjoyed a decades-long career in film, television, and stage since "A Different World ended." He remains one of the most respected actors of his generation, known for his powerful performances and steady onscreen presence.

His recent work includes roles in "Black Cake" (2023), "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" (2023–2026), "The Big Cigar" (2024), and "Rustin" (2023). Earlier credits include standout roles in "The Wire," "Queen Sugar," and "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom."

Marisa Tomei as Maggie Lauten

Before winning an Oscar for "My Cousin Vinny" (1992), Marisa Tomei appeared in Season 1 of "A Different World" as Maggie Lauten.

Since then, she has built a celebrated career with standout performances in films like "The Wrestler" (2008), "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021), "She Came to Me" (2023), and "Upgraded" (2024).

Loretta Devine as Stevie Rallen

Loretta Devine, who played dorm director Stevie Rallen, has worked nonstop across stage and screen. Her credits include "Waiting to Exhale" (1995), "Crash" (2004), "P-Valley" (2020–2022), "The Carmichael Show," and "Family Reunion" (2019–2022).

She has also voiced characters in "The Proud Family" and "The Loud House." Born in Houston in 1949, Devine remains an award-winning and beloved force in the industry.

From breakout roles to personal milestones, the cast has taken many paths since their Hillman days. While their journeys have varied, their legacy remains strong in the hearts of fans who grew up watching and still celebrate the world they helped create.