The A Different World Cast: Then And Now - A Look Back at the Beloved TV Show

The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of some of the most iconic television shows in history, and one of them was undoubtedly "A Different World." This popular sitcom, which aired from 1987 to 1993, followed the lives of a group of college students as they navigated love, friendships, and academic challenges at the fictional Hillman College. The show was known for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and social commentary, which resonated with audiences of all ages. In this article, we'll take a look at the cast of "A Different World" and see how they've changed over the years.

During its seven-season run, "A Different World" featured a talented young cast that included Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, and Marques Houston, among others. The show was a launching pad for many of these actors, providing them with valuable experience and exposure in the entertainment industry. In this article, we'll explore what the cast was like back then, and how they've changed over the years.

The Original Cast: Then

When "A Different World" first premiered in 1987, the cast was made up of a group of talented young actors who were relatively unknown at the time. Lisa Bonet, who played the lead role of Denise Huxtable, was one of the most recognizable faces on the show. Born in New York City, Bonet had already appeared in several off-Broadway productions and had a small role in the 1983 film "The Cosby Show." Kadeem Hardison, who played Whitley Gilbert, was a Broadway actor who had appeared in several productions, including "Pippin" and "Hair." Jasmine Guy, who played Dwayne Wayne, was a seasoned actress who had already appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Cosby Show" and "A New Kind of Family." Marques Houston, who played Dwayne's friend DJ Simmons, was a child actor who had appeared in several films and television shows, including "A Different World" and "Martin."

The Cast's Early Years

• Lisa Bonet was born on December 16, 1964, in New York City and grew up in Los Angeles.
• Kadeem Hardison was born on April 8, 1965, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in New York City.
• Jasmine Guy was born on January 27, 1961, in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Los Angeles.
• Marques Houston was born on May 4, 1974, in Los Angeles and grew up in Inglewood, California.

The Cast's Rise to Fame

During its five seasons, "A Different World" gained a large and dedicated following, thanks in part to the talents of its cast. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of college life and its tackling of social issues, such as racism, sexism, and police brutality. The cast's chemistry on screen was undeniable, and their characters quickly became beloved by audiences.

Critical Acclaim

• "A Different World" won several awards during its run, including two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.
• The show was also praised by critics, with many praising its realistic portrayal of college life and its tackling of social issues.

The Cast's Post-Show Careers

After "A Different World" ended its run in 1993, the cast went on to pursue a variety of careers in film, television, and theater. Lisa Bonet, who had been a major star of the show, went on to appear in several films, including "Angel Heart" and "Matlock." Kadeem Hardison, who had also been a major star of the show, appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Nutty Professor" and "Martin." Jasmine Guy, who had been a talented actress and singer, went on to appear in several films and television shows, including "House of 1000 Corpses" and "The Resident." Marques Houston, who had been a child actor, went on to become a successful R&B singer and songwriter.

Recent Work

• Lisa Bonet has appeared in several films and television shows in recent years, including "The Simpsons" and "The Mindy Project."
• Kadeem Hardison has appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Blacklist" and "How to Get Away with Murder."
• Jasmine Guy has appeared in several films and television shows, including "NCIS: New Orleans" and "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta."
• Marques Houston has continued to pursue a career in music, releasing several albums and singles in recent years.

The Cast's Personal Lives

Over the years, the cast of "A Different World" has led relatively private personal lives. Lisa Bonet has been married to actor Lenny Kravitz since 1987, and the couple has two daughters together. Kadeem Hardison has been married twice, first to actress Kelli Phedeler from 1995 to 2004, and then to actress Darian Harvey in 2015. Jasmine Guy has been married to actor Anthony Geary from 1983 to 2000, and the couple had a son together. Marques Houston has been married to singer Zola Jones since 2014.

Family Life

• Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz have two daughters together, Zoe Kravitz and Lisa Bonet's son, Boris Kravitz, was adopted in 2002.
• Kadeem Hardison has two daughters, Nina and Tierra, with his first wife, Kelli Phedeler.
• Jasmine Guy has a son, Seth, with her ex-husband