Revisiting “A Different World”: A Groundbreaking Sitcom That Redefined College Life

"A Different World" aired 1987 to 1993. Having been a loyal viewer of American TV sitcoms since the late 50s, I can state unequivocally that this TV show presented a different world to the US audience.

Before Bill Cosby’s “fall from grace”, he had a popular TV show, and I was a faithful viewer. Lisa Bonet played the part of Denise Huxtable, one of his daughters. Her character was so popular that they created a brand new TV show about her days in college. She attended Hillman College, an HBCU.

HBCU = historically black colleges and universities. At one time during the period of segregation in the USA, blacks attended so-called “separate but equal” educational institutions. But these days, anybody who wants to can attend, no matter their background. Hey! They are really good schools! Our former US vice-president Kamala Harris attended an HBCU.

The show started with Lisa Bonet in the spotlight, i.e., the main character. However, the character “Whitley” played by Jasmine Guy almost instantly took the spotlight. The viewing audience really liked her. I think it was “her accent”. LOL. 😄 If you ever saw the show, you would understand that joke about Whitley’s accent. Lisa Bonet left the show after the first season.

In June 2021, the cast got together to discuss “the good old days”, and the article was published in Vanity Fair. “A Different World” ran from September 24, 1987, to July 9, 1993. I was not a regular viewer. It was light comedy but often tackled serious topics.

• A Different World’: Cast Members and Crew Tell the Oral History | Vanity Fair

To borrow a quote from the article:

“Fans remember the show as much for its cultural relevance as they do for its laugh-out-loud comedy and talented cast.”

That’s true. I distinctly remember one episode where they addressed the link between sexual promiscuity and AIDS. It was definitely relevant to the times, and it presented a world that was different from any of the other popular TV sitcoms during that same time period. The real plus or takeaway from the program is that, in real life, the show actually encouraged a lot of young people of color to attend colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Lisa Bonet left the entertainment industry and replaced it with motherhood. That’s not a bad tradeoff. She was first married to Lenny Kravitz, and then to the actor Jason Momoa. She focuses on family and personal wellness and prefers to avoid being in the public eye. Even so, she still has fans and admirers who are inspired by her free-spirited elegance and strong sense of self.

Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert from "A Different World") had a productive acting career in film and on stage, and also tried her hand at music. She also worked behind the scenes, producing and directing. Currently, she appears in the TV series "Harlem". In addition to acting, she has embraced motivational speaking and remains a dedicated mother to her daughter.

Where Is Jasmine Guy Now? Thriving on Screen and Stage | Splatterly

Below is a link to an article and YT video that discusses two other actors in this sitcom who won the hearts of the viewers.

• Kadeem Hardison who played lovable and nerdy Dwayne Wayne
• Cree Summer played free-spirited, hippie Winifred "Freddie" Brooks

Even though the article published via Nicki Swift, an entetrainment website, is dated 2020, it's still a fun read. What The Stars Of A Different World Are Up To Now

The vidoe is almost as much fun to watch a the TV show.

Looper. “What The Cast Of A Different World Looks Like Today.” YouTube, Video, 27 July 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URVw3utjgvQ.

Thanks for reading.

♦ [Content previously published: Original Source]