What The Cast Of 'A Different World' Is Doing Today -- And Who Voices The Green M&M (VIDEO)

What The Cast Of 'A Different World' Is Doing Today (One Voices The Green M&M!)
|

In the late '80s to early '90s, "A Different World" often pushed the boundaries of television. The "Cosby Show" spinoff about a group of Hillman College friends tackled a wide variety of provocative cultural issues from politics to sex, and enthralled audiences across the country. It's been more than two decades since the series finale aired, but show director and producer Debbie Allen thinks a modern reboot of "A Different World" would be just as successful today -- and may even happen, as she tells "Oprah: Where Are They Now?"

"I've actually been trying [to resurrect the show]," Allen says. "Bill Cosby wants me to do it. I mean, I've gotten hundreds of thousands of hits saying, 'Debbie, is it happening? We want to see it again.'"

Bringing back "A Different World," she adds, is about more than just a television show; it's about filling a critical void. "We don't have a show that gives the voice of young people who are about what's happening in the country," Allen says. "In a country where the young people are silent, that country is on its way down."

When she's not exploring the possibility of "A Different World" reboot, Allen keep busy with a multitude of other projects -- and her former costars are no different. Since appearing together on the revolutionary series, the cast members have each taken on [passion projects and exciting pursuits], which they each share with Oprah in the above video.

Debbie Allen (director and producer)
"I'm doing a lot of directing. I'm doing 'Scandal,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' Lee Daniels' new show ['Empire'], 'Jane the Virgin,'" says the former dancer. "But I think my big heart and soul is the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. I have just committed a whole other aspect of my life and my heart to giving young people the opportunity of arts that can help stimulate their creativity. And just change the world."

Jasmine Guy ("Whitley")
"I just got a show with Tyler Perry [called 'If Loving You Is Wrong']," she says. "I'm the First Lady and I have a fine-ass son! My God."

Kadeem Hardison ("Dwayne")
"I'm doing 'K.C. Undercover,' a Disney Show with Zendaya," he says. "I play her father."

Darryl M. Bell ("Ron")
"I'm producing with Mr. Bill Cosby. He and I are producing partners," Bell says. "We just did his first stand-up special in 30 years for Comedy Central last year. We've got probably another half a dozen projects in development."

Dawnn Lewis ("Jaleesa")
"I'm still composing. I just composed another film project that I've just finished called 'Shaker Point' and released another film a couple of months ago called 'The Divorce,'" Lewis says. "And [I'm] still back in the studio singing and composing for other projects I'm working on."

Cree Summer ("Freddie")
"I started doing cartoons when I was 12 years old and I still do cartoons. I work for Nickelodeon and Disney -- I'm on about six different shows right now," she says. "I'm the green M&M, for 20 years."

Sinbad ("Coach Walter")
"I've been doing stand-up since 1983. I ain't never stopped," he says. "I've got a band. I play music... We do funk and comedy. And, you know, I think my best stuff is ahead of me."

Flashback: Watch Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison and Sinbad appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1990.

"Oprah: Where Are They Now?" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

QUIZ: How Well Do You Know 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'?
QUESTION 1(01 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which comedian did Oprah let rub his fingers through her hair after he said he suspected it wasn't all hers?A. Robin WilliamsB. Jon StewartC. Chris RockD. Jim Carrey (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Chris Rock(02 of22)
Open Image Modal
Oprah chatted with comedian Chris Rock while he was on the show promoting his very funny documentary "Good Hair." "I knew this was the hair show, so I said, 'I'm going to wear my own hair,'" Oprah told him."You got a little extra piece right here, though," Chris said."I do not," Oprah declared -- and then she flipped her head down so Chris could see for himself. Watch Chris' hilarious response to Oprah's extension-free hair. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 2(03 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which Oscar-nominated actor zip-lined onto the "Oprah Show" stage from the top of the Sydney Opera House?A. Hugh JackmanB. Leonardo DiCaprioC. Tom CruiseD. Johnny Depp (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Hugh Jackman(04 of22)
Open Image Modal
During "Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure," Aussie actor Hugh Jackman was set to soar over the crowd to the stage, but things didn't go as planned. Watch Hugh's less-than-perfect entrance. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 3(05 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which Hollywood actor requested to meet a fan for a second time on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" after being smitten upon his first encounter?A. Matt DamonB. Robert Downey Jr.C. Matthew McConaugheyD. Tom Cruise (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Tom Cruise(06 of22)
Open Image Modal
It was one of the funniest surprises in "Oprah Show" history when Oprah's cameras showed up at the doorstep of Nancy, one of Tom Cruise's biggest fans, back in 2001. When Nancy was invited back in 2008, Tom presented her with flowers and a framed, signed photo of the two of them from their first meeting. See Nancy's exuberant reaction to her first invitation. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 4(07 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which diva inspired Oprah to wear a wig styled in the diva's signature 'do? A. CherB. Tina TurnerC. Diana RossD. Aretha Franklin (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Tina Turner(08 of22)
Open Image Modal
In 1998, Oprah packed up her show and followed Tina Turner around the country. Oprah wore a wig designed to look like Tina's signature hairstyle to complete what she calls the "ultimate groupie story." Watch Oprah defend her hair experiment. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 5(09 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which British-born actress told Oprah -- just moments before the interview began -- that she wouldn't talk about her famous relationships?A. Kate BeckinsaleB. Catherine Zeta-JonesC. Elizabeth TaylorD. Emma Thompson (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Elizabeth Taylor(10 of22)
Open Image Modal
Oprah has called her 1988 interview with Elizabeth Taylor her worst, and "painful to watch." It was Liz's first appearance on the show, and the old-Hollywood actress gave short answers to all of Oprah's questions. Oprah later learned that Liz had been in excruciating back and hip pain at the time of the interview. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 6(11 of22)
Open Image Modal
Who set a Guinness World Record for holding his breath underwater on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"?A. Criss AngelB. David CopperfieldC. David BlaineD. Scott Hammell (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: David Blaine(12 of22)
Open Image Modal
In 2008, illusionist David Blaine held his breath underwater for 17 minutes, 4.4 seconds, setting a Guinness World Record. The current record is 22 minutes. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 7(13 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which actress danced onto Oprah's stage in a cranberry bikini during a very public weight loss battle?A. Carrie FisherB. Drew BarrymoreC. Renée ZellwegerD. Kirstie Alley (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Kirstie Alley(14 of22)
Open Image Modal
After months of grueling sessions with her fitness trainer, Kirstie sauntered onto Oprah's stage on November 6, 2006, in a sexy cranberry bikini, shocking millions of viewers. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 8(15 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which blockbuster movie superstar locked lips with Oprah during their 2005 interview?A. Brad PittB. Will Smith C. Johnny DeppD. Tom Hanks (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Will Smith(16 of22)
Open Image Modal
Will got fresh with Oprah while promoting his hit romantic comedy "Hitch" in 2005. See the moment he leaned in for the smooch in this roundup of wild "Oprah Show" moments. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 9(17 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which celebrity chef dropped a glass ramekin in a mixer, sending shards flying onstage during a cake-making demonstration?A. Rachael RayB. Cat CoraC. Curtis StoneD. Paula Deen (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Paula Deen(18 of22)
Open Image Modal
Paula's memorable mixer blooper kept the audience laughing for 68 seconds of airtime. Watch the chaos unfold with Oprah and Paula. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 10(19 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which actor taught Oprah dance moves from his films twice on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"?A. John TravoltaB. Antonio BanderasC. Christopher WalkenD. Kevin Bacon (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: John Travolta(20 of22)
Open Image Modal
John danced his way onto Oprah's set for the first time in 1996. He came back to teach her some moves from his hit musical "Hairspray" in 2007. But those were just two of many memorable moments John Travolta and Oprah had together in his 11 appearances on the show. (credit:Getty)
QUESTION 11(21 of22)
Open Image Modal
Which comedian leaped offstage to dance with an audience member?A. Robin WilliamsB. Adam SandlerC. Chris RockD. Jim Carrey (credit:Getty)
ANSWER: Jim Carrey(22 of22)
Open Image Modal
When Jim Carrey was on the show, you had to expect the unexpected. See Jim gyrate, spin and dip -- and other wild "Oprah Show" moments -- by clicking here. (credit:Getty)