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1. “A Different World” Cast

A Different World Source:Getty

Whether you’re an 80s, 90s, or 00s baby, you’re familiar with the Hillman College crew from the hit television show, “A Different World.” The sitcom premiered 32 years ago and over the course of six seasons, the whole gang became a household favorite and a model about college life. Even if you weren’t old enough to enjoy “A Different World” during it’s six year run, you can recall the rocky relationship of Whitley and Dwayne, the smoothness of Dwayne’s sidekick Ron and the wittiness of Mr. Gaines and Coach Oakes. While we’re taking a trip down memory lane, let’s see just what Whitley, Dwyane, Denise, Mr. Gaines, Ron and the whole crew have been up to since the show’s cancellation.

2. THEN: Whitley Gilbert (a.k.a Jasmine Guy)

A Different World Source:Getty

Jasmine Guy exploded on the screen playing the bourge Whitney Gilbert on “A Different World”. During the show’s run, the Boston native released her first and only album; self- titled “Jasmine Guy” in 1990. Although her music career was short lived, her ties to the music industry were extremely strong, as she became good friends with the late rapper, Tupac Shakur, through her co-star, Jada Pinkett- Smith.

3. NOW: Whitley Gilbert (a.k.a Jasmine Guy)

Kenny Leon's 2016 True Colors Gala Source:Getty

4. THEN: Dwayne Wayne (a.k.a Kadeem Hardison)

A Different World Source:Getty

How could you not love Dwayne Wayne? With his corky glasses, nerdy yet charming personality and cute relationship with Whitley, Dwayne Wayne a.k.a Kadeem Hardison was one that definitely stole the show. After the conclusion of “A Different World,” Kadeem found himself playing Fantasia Barrino’s father in her Lifetime movie, “Life Is Not A Fairytale.”

5. Dwayne Wayne (a.k.a Kadeem Hardison)

38th Annual NAACP Image Awards - Arrivals Source:Getty

6. NOW: Coach Walter Oakes (a.k.a. Sinbad)

Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XXII - Red Carpet Source:Getty

7. NOW: Lena James (a.k.a Jada Pinkett Smith)

47th NAACP Image Awards Presented By TV One - Red Carpet Source:Getty

8. NOW: Winifred “Freddie” Brooks (a.k.a. Cree Summer)

2006 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour Source:Getty

9. NOW: Ronald “Ron” Johnson (a.k.a. Darryl M. Bell)

Comedy Central, TVLand, Nick and Nickelodeon Summer 2006 TCA Press Tour - Panel Source:Getty

10. NOW: Denise Huxtable (a.k.a Lisa Bonet)

2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Arrivals Source:Getty

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.