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The *Hangin' With Mr. Cooper* Cast: Where Are They Now? 7 Stars And Their Surprising 2024 Updates

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Few '90s sitcoms captured the heart and humor of a generation quite like *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*, the beloved ABC comedy that ran from 1992 to 1997. The show, which followed former NBA player-turned-substitute teacher Mark Cooper, was a staple of the iconic TGIF lineup, delivering laughs and life lessons from its Oakland, California setting. More than three decades later, the show’s blend of comedy, family dynamics, and a groundbreaking ensemble cast continues to resonate with fans, solidifying its place as a classic Black sitcom.

As of late 2024, curiosity about the cast’s current lives and careers has peaked, especially with one major star making a shocking revelation about her time in Hollywood and another actively pitching a series reboot. From stand-up stages and Hallmark movies to major animated roles and entrepreneurial ventures, the stars who brought Mark Cooper’s world to life have remained incredibly busy. This deep dive reveals the latest, most up-to-date information on the main cast, detailing their careers, personal lives, and surprising projects today.

The Complete *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* Cast: Where Are They Now (2024 Updates)?

The core cast of *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* experienced significant changes over the show's five-season run, but the central figures remain iconic. Here is a comprehensive look at what the key stars are doing now, including their most recent 2024 projects and biographical highlights.

Mark Curry (Mark Cooper)

  • Role: Mark Cooper, the titular character—a former basketball player who becomes a substitute teacher and coach at Oakbridge High.
  • Born: June 1, 1961 (Age 63 as of 2024)
  • Hometown: Oakland, California
  • Career Post-*Cooper*: Stand-up comedian, actor, and television host. He hosted the game show *Don't Forget the Lyrics!* and had roles in *The Secret Life of the American Teenager* and *See Dad Run*.
  • 2024 Update: Mark Curry remains a powerful force in the comedy world. In 2024, he has been actively touring, including opening for fellow comedy icon Katt Williams on his "The Dark Matter Tour." He also hosts the award-winning podcast series, "BACKSTAGE CURRY," which recently won a fundraising award from the theatrical charity, ACTING FOR OTHERS.

Holly Robinson Peete (Vanessa Russell)

  • Role: Vanessa Russell, a sharp-witted and ambitious roommate who eventually becomes Mark's wife in the series finale.
  • Born: September 18, 1964 (Age 60 as of 2024)
  • Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Career Post-*Cooper*: Prolific actress, author, and philanthropist. She starred in *For Your Love* and *21 Jump Street* and is a staple on the Hallmark Channel.
  • 2024 Update: Holly Robinson Peete is thrilled to be "back in the mix" at the Hallmark Channel, with her new movie *Hats Off to Love* premiering in May 2024. She and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, are prominent advocates for autism awareness and Parkinson's disease research through their HollyRod Foundation. She is also the most vocal advocate for a *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* reboot, actively pitching the idea to networks.

Raven-Symoné (Nicole 'Nicky' Newman / Olivia Kendall)

  • Role: Olivia Kendall, a precocious young cousin who moves in with Mark and Vanessa after the first season (replacing the character Nicole Newman).
  • Born: December 10, 1985 (Age 39 as of 2024)
  • Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Career Post-*Cooper*: One of the most successful child stars of her generation, starring in *That's So Raven*, *The Cheetah Girls* franchise, and the Disney Channel spin-off *Raven's Home*. She is also a singer and director.
  • 2024 Update: In a shocking and widely reported interview in October 2024, Raven-Symoné revealed that she "never really liked" acting, a surprising admission from a multi-award-winning performer. Despite this, she continues to work as a director and voice actress, maintaining a powerful presence in the entertainment industry.

Dawnn Lewis (Vanessa Russell)

  • Role: Vanessa Russell (Season 1), Mark's original roommate and best friend. She left the show after the first season.
  • Born: August 13, 1961 (Age 63 as of 2024)
  • Career Post-*Cooper*: Best known for her role as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor on *A Different World*, Lewis is an accomplished singer and voice actress.
  • 2024 Update: Lewis is highly active in voice acting, most notably lending her voice to Captain Carol Freeman in the animated series *Star Trek: Lower Decks*. In 2024, she was recognized with a Silver Telly Award and received multiple Emmy nominations for her work, highlighting her continued success in the industry.

Omar Gooding (Earvin Rodman)

  • Role: Earvin Rodman, Mark's goofy, basketball-loving student and later an assistant coach.
  • Born: October 19, 1976 (Age 48 as of 2024)
  • Hometown: Los Angeles, California
  • Career Post-*Cooper*: Actor and rapper, known for roles in *Smart Guy*, *Deadwood*, and Bounce TV's *Family Time*. He is the younger brother of Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
  • 2024 Update: Gooding continues to balance his acting and comedy careers. In 2024, he starred in the full-length drama film *Rock* and the film *It's All Or Nothing*, released in August. He also performs stand-up comedy across the country.

Marquise Wilson (Tyler Foster)

  • Role: Tyler Foster, the young neighbor and student who often sought advice from Mark.
  • Born: July 16, 1977 (Age 47 as of 2024)
  • Career Post-*Cooper*: Wilson has largely stepped away from the spotlight, transitioning into the business world.
  • 2024 Update: Since the show’s end, Marquise Wilson has established himself as a businessman, including launching his own clothing line. He has chosen a path outside of mainstream acting, focusing on entrepreneurial ventures.

Nell Carter (Principal P.J. Moore)

  • Role: Principal P.J. Moore, Mark's boss at Oakbridge High School, known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude (Seasons 1-2).
  • Born: September 13, 1948
  • Died: January 23, 2003 (Age 54)
  • Legacy: A Tony Award-winning actress and singer, Carter was a long-established performer before joining the sitcom. Her role as Principal Moore was a fan favorite, and her passing left a void in the entertainment community.

From Oakland to Hollywood: The Enduring Legacy of the Show

The success of *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* was not accidental; it was a carefully crafted piece of 90s television that built upon the foundation laid by previous trailblazing Black sitcoms. The show’s premise—a charismatic Black man navigating the world of education and co-habitating with attractive female roommates—was a fresh take on the classic ensemble comedy format. The show was a reliable performer on ABC’s TGIF block, a programming staple that introduced a generation to sitcoms that balanced humor with genuine heart.

The series is credited with influencing future sitcoms by successfully blending over-the-top comedy with important life lessons, often tackling topical issues relevant to its young audience. The show’s setting in Oakland, a major urban center, provided an authentic backdrop for conversations about community, responsibility, and growing up. The dynamic between Mark and Vanessa, which evolved from platonic roommates to a married couple, provided a rare and compelling long-form relationship arc for a Black couple on network television. This focus on strong, relatable characters and a positive portrayal of the Black family and community is a key part of its enduring legacy and topical authority.

The series also served as a major launching pad for its young talent. Raven-Symoné’s success post-*Cooper* is a testament to the show's ability to nurture future stars. Her transition from a breakout child star to a Disney Channel icon and director is a direct reflection of the platform the sitcom provided. Similarly, the work of Dawnn Lewis and Holly Robinson Peete in subsequent projects, including Peete’s extensive charitable efforts, demonstrates the cast's commitment to using their platform for positive influence.

Reboot Buzz: Will We Be *Hangin'* Again?

In the current television landscape, which is dominated by reboots and revivals of beloved 90s properties, the possibility of a *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* return is a topic of intense discussion. Unlike many other sitcoms, the buzz around this show is not just fan speculation; key cast members are actively trying to make it happen. Holly Robinson Peete has been the most vocal proponent, confirming in recent interviews that she is pitching a reboot concept to various networks.

The proposed reboot would likely explore the lives of Mark and Vanessa as they navigate middle age, potentially with their own children, while still dealing with the unique challenges of the Oakland community. A revival would tap into the deep sense of nostalgia for the TGIF era and provide a new generation of viewers with the same blend of humor and heart that made the original a hit. The fact that the main cast members—Mark Curry, Holly Robinson Peete, and possibly others—are enthusiastic about returning is a major factor in the potential success of a new series.

While no official announcement has been made as of late 2024, the consistent chatter and active pitching from the stars themselves suggest that fans should keep their hopes high. The enduring chemistry between Curry and Peete, combined with the timeless themes of the show, makes a *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* reboot a compelling prospect for any streaming service or network looking for a guaranteed hit.

The cast of *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* has clearly moved on to diverse and successful careers, from stand-up comedy and acting to business and philanthropy. Their latest 2024 updates—from Mark Curry’s comedy tour to Raven-Symoné’s candid revelations and Holly Robinson Peete’s reboot pitch—prove that the stars of the iconic sitcom are still very much in the public eye. Their collective journey is a testament to the lasting power of a show that taught a generation how to hang in there, no matter what.

hangin with mr cooper cast
hangin with mr cooper cast

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