Saved By The Bell Cast Then And Now

By Aaron Love 1 year ago

Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris) Then

Image Source: The List
Zack Morris was one of the main characters at Bayside High and often broke the fourth wall, speaking to us, the audience and freezing the other characters around him using his catchphrase 'Time Out'. He was often scheming (unsuccesfully) leading to numerous amusing outcomes.

Mark-Paul Goselaar (Zack Morris) Now

Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Since 1993, when Saved By The Bell concluded, Goselaar continued his career within acting; including further spin-offs including the 2020 reboot where he reprised his role as Zack Morris. Beside this, his highlight roles have come as Paul Johnson in the sitcom Mixed-ish and Peter Bash in TNT's Franklin and Bash. He has even competed in and won track cycling events! A truly talented man.

Mario Lopez (A.C Slater) Then

Image Source: People
A.C Slater was the resident Jock at Bayside High, and one of Zack Morris' best friends during their time at high school. You would have regularly seen him in his sports attire as he was the the quarterback of the football team and he was even seen to be part of the basketball team on occasion. He engages in an on and off relationship with Jessie Spano throughout the various seasons and spinoffs.

Mario Lopez (A.C Slater) Now

Image Source: CNN
As with Goselaar, Lopez continued to reprise his role in the various Saved By The Bell spinoffs. He continued his heartthrob type role across two seasons of Pacific Blue as Bobby Cruz and Christian Ramirez in The Bold and the Beautiful during 2006. Beside guest appearances in shows like Magnum P.1 and Brooklyn 99, Lopez also appeared as a contestant of Dancing With the Stars, coming second in 2006. Most recently, you will find him hosting Access Hollywood.

Elizabeth Berkley (Jessie Spano) Then

Image Source: Good Housekeeping
Jessie Spano was always the most intelligent of everyone's favourite Bayside High friendship group. She was introduced early in season one as Zack's Neighbour as he would regularly climb through her bedroom window. Despite this, she was engaged in a relationship with Slater (a true smart girl dumb boy relationship arch). At the end of the original run Jessie is seen to attend Columbia university, despite her long expressed to desire to actually attend Stanford or other ivy league universities.

Elizabeth Berkley (Jessie Spano) Now

Image Source: CelebMafia
Just three years on from her exit as good girl Jessie Spano, Berkley took on the racy role of Nomi Malone in Showgirls, which unfortunately flopped. She has since featured in guest appearances on shows such as Law & Order and CSI: Miami, as well as in sitcoms Melissa & Joey and New Girl. Surprisingly, Berkley also appeared on Dancing with the Stars, although she struggled to match Lopez's second place, finishing in 6th place. Notably, Berkleys outspoken stance on vegetarianism has led to her being named the Sexiest Vegetarian of the Year on numerous occasions. I'm sure she's very proud.

Tiffani Thiessen (Kelly Kapowski) Then

Image Source: Glamour
Kelly Kapowski was the popular cheerleader who often had boys crawling at her feet, including Zack Morris. She even had Morris and Slater at war, albeit very briefly. She was also the captain of the volleyball, softball and swim teams! Eventually, disappointing thousands (even though it was kayfabe) Kapowski and Morris eventually got together which ended with marriage (and kids in the spinoff).

Tiffani Thiessen (Kelly Kapowksi) Now

Image Souce: Celebwell
Alongside her role as Kapowski, Thiessen also had another popular role in teen sitcom Beverly Hills, 90210 as Valerie across 136 episodes. Since this, she has appeared in Fastlane as Billie Chambers, and Elizabeth Burke for 5 seasons of White Collar. Most recently, she reprised her role in the 2020 reboot, and she also plays the mother of the Mendoza family in Netflix's Alexa & Katie.

Dustin Diamond (Screech Powers) Then

Image Source: Rolling Stone
Samuel Powers, or Screech as he was more affectionately known was the geeky member of the main group of friends. He was seen to be somewhat intelligent, but struggled with his common sense, often misunderstanding jokes, or taking things just a little too literally. This led to him being the butt of a number of jokes, affectionately of course. He often tried his luck with Lisa Turtle, although this never paid off!

Dustin Diamond (Screech Powers) Now

Image Source: Daily Star
Following Saved By the Bell, Diamond took on stand-up comedy, touring on and off for years.  Unfortunately, fame seemed to hamper Diamond and controversy followed him. In 2006 he released a Saved by the Bell titled sex tape; and in 2009 he published 'Behind The Bell' which detailed some dirty laundry from behind the scenes of the show. Understandably this caused some bad blood between himself and the other cast members. Sadly, Diamond died in 2021 as a result of Lung Cancer.

Lark Voorhies (Lisa Turtle) Then

Image Source: Glamour
Lisa Turtle was often seen a the well-dressed, wealthy student (thanks to her parents), and gathered the attention of Screech, whom she eventually garnered a soft spot for. It is mentioned throughout that her dream is to become a fashion designer, something she is mentioned to have reached in the 2020 spinoff.

Lark Voorhies (Lisa Turtle) Now

Image Source: Los Angeles Times
Following Saved By the Bell, Voorhies took up the role of Wendy Reardon in popular medical drama Days of Our Lives and then added soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful to her resume. Since the turn of the century, Voorhies has largely been away from our television screens, except for some small budget films and guest appearances. Following the 2020 reboot, she wasn't invited back to the show, something she was openly disappointed with; ultimately though she made three guest appearances in the second season.

Dennis Haskins (Mr Belding) Then

Image Source: TheaterMania
Mr Beldins was the resident authority figure at Bayside High, the principal. You may remember his regular use of the catchphrase 'hey, hey, hey what is going on here' and that dreaded high pitched laugh. He was often involved with Zack and the group, sometimes as a friendly face who helped them and at other times someone who needed to put them in their place.

Dennis Haskins (Mr Belding) Now

Image Source: ABC News
Dennis Haskins continued to play Mr Belding for 10 years including the spinoffs. Throughout the 2000's Haskins has mostly boosted his resume with bit-part roles in shows like The West Wing, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and How I Met Your Mother.

Ed Alonzo (Max) Then

Image Source: Irish Mirror
Max owned the very snazzy hangout The Max, where the group spent much of their time talking (and eating!) He was often seen giving them brief bits of advice mixed in with the most random moments with magic tricks.

Ed Alonzo (Max) Now

Image Source: WCCB Charlotte
Following the show, Alonzo made a few guest roles on shows Full House and Murphy Brown. More recently, Alonzo has been using his magician skills on Masters of Illusion. He has also made brief appearances on How I Met Your Mother and Modern Family. Crazily, he was part of the crew working on Michael Jackson's This Is It in the rehearsal the night before his death. He features in 5 episodes of the reboot where he pays tribute to Screech who died off-screen.

Leah Remini (Stacey Carosi) Then

Stacey is introduced when the gang are at the Malibu Sands Beach Club, and is the only regular across these episodes who isn't seen to be working at the establishment. Originally her eastern toughness is shown as she seems disgusted by Zack's west coast lifestyle although they later become romantically attached. The relationship ultimately ended when she had to return to New York following the summer.

Leah Remini (Stacey Carosi) Now

Image Source: Us Weekly
Following her seven-episode stint on the show, she made a singular appearance as a guest in Friends, but her next major role was opposite Kevin James in the sitcom The King of Queens where she played Carrie for almost 10 years. Remini was a part of the Church of Scientology from childhood but left in 2013; following this she released a tell-all book 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology' and also co-hosted and produced a documentary surrounding the same topic.

Tori Spelling (Violet Bickerstaff) Then

Image Source: People
Violet Bickerstaff was introduced as another person who Screech had set his sights on. He managed to convince her that a person she was dating was treating her poorly, and ultimately they ended up dating themselves. Despite some issues on a date which involved her parents demanding they split it didn't end too badly.

Tori Spelling (Violet Bickerstaff) Now

Image Source: TV Shows Ace
Alongside her role on the show, Spelling was also appearing as Donna Martin on the massively popular Beverly Hills, 90210 where she continued starring for 10 years. Beside this, her only other main starring role within Television was alongside her 90210 co-star Jennie Garth in ABC's Mystery Girls.

Leanna Creel (Tori Scott) Then

Image Source: Best Life
Tori Scott was introduced to the show in season four as Kelly and Jessie were IRL away from the show for a portion of the season. You will likely remember Tori as the tough girl who was always wearing her leather jacket and riding her motorcycle. She originally argued with Zack but they eventually hooked up for a small period.

Leanna Creel (Tori Scott) Then

Image Source: Tell-Tale TV
Leanna Creel is amazingly one of a set of identical triplets! She has mostly been away from our screens following Saved By The Bell, going 17 years between appearances on The Cell in 2000 and for a one-time appearance on Ned and Stacey in 2017.  She now runs a production company that specialise in content surrounding food and travel.

Ernie Sabella (Leon Carosi) Then

Image Source: theretronetwork.com
Leon Carosi appears at the same time as his daughter Stacey. He is originally seen as quite a gruff businessman who his very protective of his daugther, especially when it comes to her lovelife. Although he seems grumpy, he ultimately ends up becoming a bit of a father figure for Zack too.

Ernie Sabella (Leon Carosi) Now

Image Source: SeatGeek
Although you might not know it based on his looks, you have all heard Sabella's voice countless times. He actually voices Pumbaa in the Lion King franchise, from the original film in 1994 through to The Lion Guard series in 2019. Beside this he has made guest appearances in shows like Blue Bloods and The Good Wife.

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras (Ginger) Then

Image Source: Pushkin
Ginger Baldwin appears during season four as a recurring character and potential love interest of Zack Morris, albeit, briefly. Throughout their date Zack came to realise that despite her looks, there wasn't much going on behind the eyes and she was only focused on her appearance (particularly her teeth!).

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras

Image Source: Port.hu
You may recognise by her last name that Bridgette is married to former champion tennis player Pete Sampras! In terms of her acting career, following Saved By The Bell, Wilson-Sampras appeared in a few films, including opposite Adam Sandler in 1995's Billy Madison. If you're a fan of the Mortal Combat series you may recognise her as Sonya Blade from the 1995 movie and as the voice of the same character in the 2019 video game.

Eddie Garcia (Johnny Dakota) Then

Johnny Dakota appeared ine one episode as a Hollywood actor who came to Bayside to film an anti-drug commercial. In what could be described as a little creepy, he became infatuated with Kelly and also became friendly with Zack, resonating with his behaviour.

Eddie Garcia (Johnny Dakota) Now

Image Source: Broadway Dance Company
Garcia's acting career never really took off following the show only making a handful of other appearances on our screens; and often with characters who didn't carry much weight in the project. His most notable appearance would have to be in 2010's Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief.

Kirsten Kemp  (Rhonda Robistelli) Then

Image Source: Apple
Rhonda was seen to be the tall tomboy of Bayside High, and became infatuated with Zack Morris early on. In fact, she is the first person that Zack is seen to have kissed on the show. She attempted to join the cheerleading sqaud with Jessi and Kelly but her height kept causing her too many problems!

Kirsten Kemp (Rhonda Robistelli) Now

Image Source: Becker Studios
Following Saved By The Bell, Kemp didn't feature on our screens too often, making a handful of singular appearances on 90's TV in Dave's World and The Simple Life. Eventually, in 2005 she began hosting Property Ladder for TLC and then Hope for Your Home on the same network!

Now For The Cast Of 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air'... Will Smith (Will Smith): Then

Image Source: Entertainment Weekly
Master Will, Big Willy, Or Just Will, is the titular character featured in the Fresh Prince series. Born and Raised in West Philadelphia but forced to Bel Air by his mother to live with his aunt and uncle. He originally seems a little rude and boisterous, often angering his Uncle but he, and all the others eventually come to love Will. Will is always seen to be dressed in vibrant colours and is always cracking jokes, especially at the expense of Carlton. Oh, and those fire dance moves as well!

Will Smith (Will Smith) Now

Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Let's not discuss that infamous slap shall we? The Fresh Prince was Will's breakout role and he provided the comedy on the show for 6 years. As we all know, Will has gone on to make an excessive number of appearances in huge films and won countless awards. This includes his Best Actor award at the academy awards for King Richard the night of the slap. Oops. To list off all his roles would be impossible but a brief overview would include: Independence Day, I Am Legend, Men in Black, Hitch, I, Robot, Bad Boys, Hancock and The Pursuit of Happiness. Phew. He also makes music, where he likes to get jiggy with it.

Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks) Then

Image Source: Vanity Fair
The character that spawned one of the most famous television dances of all time. It's clear early on the Phil and Vivian are very proud of Carlton, and he is seen to be respectful and caring, but often cocky in nature. This is particularly evident when at odds with Will, despite the fact they eventually come to love one another. He is known for his preppy dress style, and despite it meaning to show his rich lifestyle, it is somewhat reminiscent of some popular fashion choices in the current day. Don't mention how small he is though!

Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks) Now

Image Source: Rachael Ray Show
Prior to Fresh Prince, which is Alfonso's most memorable role, he features as Alfonso Spears in Silver Spoons. Strangely, he hasn't appeared television series much since the show apart from a role in In The House through until 1995. He has offered his voice to a number of animated projects including  Spider-Man and Extreme Ghostbusters. He competed in and won the 2014 series of Dancing with the Stars alongside Witney Carson. Keeping with the show, she joined as the co-host alongside Tyra Banks for season 31 and from season 32 he is now the main host.

James Avery (Philip Banks) Then

Image Source: BuzzFeed
Philip is the powerful head of the Bel Air Household, he is often seen to be very strict and commanding of his children, holding them to the highest of standards. Despite this, it is obvious he cares about his children and his nephew Will and really only wants the best for them. Who could forget the heart-wrenching episode when Will's father re-enters and then leaves his life again; Philip truly shows his kindest side here and comforts will claiming he is his son.

James Avery (Philip Banks) Now

Image Source: CNN
James Avery's most prominent on screen role came as Philip Banks in the Fresh Prince series; following this he played the role of Alonzo Sparks in UPNs Sparks. Beside this he had recurring roles in 2002's The Division, and as Officer Kennedy as That 70's Show was coming to its end. If you were a fan of the original TMNT series as a child starting in '87 Avery voiced the turtles biggest foe, Shredder for over 100 episodes. James Avery was truly a gentle giant, as described by his fellow actors; he unfortunately passed away in 2013 as a result of complications from open heart surgery.

Janet Hubert (Vivian Banks) Then

Image Source: Vanity Fair
Vivian Banks is often seen as the medicine to the hot-headed Philip Banks, as she is often the only one that is able to calm him down. She is originally shown through seasons 1-3 to be equally as ambitious and and career-minded as her husband Philip. Vivian is Will's aunt and you're likely to remember the energetic and exciting jumping up and down (that will joined in with) when her and Will's mother are together.

Janet Hubert (Vivian Banks) Now

Image Source: KTLA
An unfortunate falling out between Hubert and Smith during season 3 ultimately led to Hubert being released from her role as Vivian and the role instead being recast. This 'feud' wasn't concluded until 2022 when in HBO's Fresh Prince reunion, a private conversation between Hubert and Smith was recorded where they discussed their various issues and ultimately reconciled. Hubert has continued her career since the show and featured as Chandler's boss in Friends. Other roles include: Adina Phillips in the Job and Yvonne Godfrey in General Hospital.

Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian Banks) Then

Image Source: POPSUGAR
Surprisingly, when Hubert left the cast of Fresh Prince and Reid took over, the character shifted in dynamic. Reid played Vivian as more of a homeowner type character, and was more reluctant to chastise her children. She seemed to accept things that wouldn't have slid by in the previous incarnation of the character, such as when Hilary decides to pose naked for Playboy.

Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian Banks) NOW

Image Source: AP News
Following Fresh Prince, Reid appeared in a recurring role on UPN's Eve as JTs mother. Other recurring roles she has featured in include Jacqueline and Jilly and Let's Stay Together. Her most recent appearance on our screen was in a singular episode of Fox's Fantasy Island. She even featured in Bel-Air the newer, dramatised version of the show.

Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks) Then

Image Source: British Vogue
You'll remember Hilary as the impulsive, yet attractive, slightly self-centered, money obsessed, eldest child of Vivian and Philip. Despite appearing quite shallow on first glance, throughout the seasons we see that Hillary is actually very affectionate towards her family and bar the whole money thing, she does have a strong sense of integrity. By the end of the show, her push for fame is realised as she has a talk show that moves to the Big Apple.

Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks) Now

Image Source: POPSUGAR 
Following her stint in Fresh Prince, Hilary swiftly moved onto creating and producing her own show Lush Life for Fox, however it was swiftly cancelled after four episodes. She also starred in another short-lived series The Job which was considerably more successful. Outside of our screens, Parsons owns Sweet Blackberry Foundation, who produce films about black heroes we might not have known.

Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks) Then

Image Source: Pinterest
Ashley is the first of the Banks family to really take to Will's laidback and often outlandish behaviour, something she really follows especially in the earlier seasons; this is much to the disgust of Phil. Originally, Will is somewhat a role model for Ashley, and she spends much of her time messing around with him. She ultimately ended up moving to New York with Hillary in order to attend a performing arts school.

Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks) Now

Image Source: Entertainment Weekly 
Throughout the show Ali's musical talents were explored via storylines, and following the show she released her certified gold album Kiss the Sky in 1998. She even performed on a Barack Obama supporting project by Will.I.Am. In terms of her acting career, Ali continued to appear on our screens in recurring roles on CBS' The Young and the Restless and Second Generation Wayans alongside Damien and Craig Wayans.

Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler) Then

Image Source: BBC
Geoffrey is the traditional, sarcastic British butler to the Banks family. He will always be remembered for his quick-witted insults, as a result of the frustrations he has with the various kooky members of the family. Despite the family being very dependent of Geoffrey which, as mentioned can frustrate him, he also has a strong affection for the family. He is evidently well-educated, and understands his position in the household, although when he clocks off his cynicism rises as he doesn't work out of hours.

Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler) Now

Image Source: Markham, Froggatt & Irwin
British Actor Marcell has appeared in a number of shows following the Fresh Prince series, including a recurring role in The Bold and the Beautiful as Hudson and he even appeared in British soap opera Eastenders briefly in nine episodes across 14 years. He also appeared in Netflix's Ratched for two episodes in 2020. Beside this much of his work has been within the theatre space, appearing at the Globe Theatre in productions of some of Shakespeare's greatest works.

Ross Bagley (Nicky Banks) Then

Image Source: The Sun
Nicky Banks was born at the end of season 3 and becomes a speaking role through season five as a preschooler. Thanks to Boyz II Men performing at his christening all of his middle names contain the names of each of the members! Throughout his two season stint on the show, Nicky was used as comic relief, particularly in emotional or more serious scenes.

Ross Bagley (Nicky Banks) Now

Image Source: BestLife
Following Fresh Prince, Bagley went on to feature alongside former castmate Will Smith in Independence Day! Despite this, Ross never really fulfilled the potential he showed as a child actor and doesn't appear on our screens today, despite making an appearance in a few low budget films in 2015. He now DJ's under the name DJ Rossy B.

DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz) Then

Image Source: Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Despite Jazzy initially being introduced as Ashley's drum instructor in season one, but throughout the series an undeniable bromance is developed between him and Will. He is always seen to be wearing them stylish blackened sunglasses, except on a date (by blackmail) with Hillary. Jazzy is always trying to persuade hilary to date him, unsuccessfully.

DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz) Now

Image Source: NBC News
Will and Jazz weren't just best friends on the show, but also off our screens too. Prior to the show they released music together as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The Fresh prince series is actually Jazzy's only credited television appearance! Within the music industry, he has produced music for; Eminem, the Roots and Eric Roberson. He also had a part in the scratch overdubs for the hit 2015 film Straight Outta Compton.

Tyra Banks (Jackie Ames) Then

Image Source: The Root
Jackie appears as a recurring character throughout season four, she is an old childhood friend of Will's who also moves to Bel Air after accepting a basketball scholarship at LA. Despite slapping Will upon seeing him for the first time for not keeping in contact, their friendship is resumed after she hires Will to work for her at the university store. She also gains the nickname Miss Boss Lady, affectionately from Will.

Tyra Banks (Jackie Ames) Now

Image Source: Us Weekly
We all know Tyra Banks, she has become a national television personality we see regularly on our screens today. Following fresh prince she made her film breakthrough as Zoe in Coyote Ugly and Halloween: Resurrection. Perhaps most recently, she is well-known for her hosting duties on America's Got Talent for the 2017 season, and as the host of Dancing With the Stars, alongside co-host and former fresh prince castmate Alfonso Ribeiro.

Nia Long (Lisa Wilkes) Then

Image Source: Pinterest
Lisa is introduced in season five as a love interest to Will, with the two falling deeply in love; they even become engaged! Despite this, and despite getting to two separate ceremonies they never actually tie the knot. In a bizarre turn of events, after Will's mother and Lisa's father are introduced, they themselves engage in an intimate relationship and take advantage of the second failed ceremony, getting married themselves! So from potential wife to stepsister, sheesh.

Nia Long (Lisa Wilkes) Now

Image Source: Page Six
Following the Fresh Prince, Long is probably most well-known for her roles in the Big Momma's House movies and she also starred in the popular Fox series Empire for seven episodes as Giuliana Green. She still appears on our screens fairly frequently, most recently as Fatima in You People, alongside Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill.

Vernee Watson-Johnson (Viola Smith) Then

Image Source: BestLife
Viola solely raised Will following his father leaving them at the age of 5, and she is the one who originally sends Will to Bel-Air. She is a recurring character, visiting as often as she can, usually for important family events, such as their third sister's wedding and for Will's failed marriage where she ultimately ends up marrying her son's girlfriend's father, oof.

Vernee Watson-Johnson (Viola Smith) Now

Image Source: Daytime Confidential
Vernee Watson-Johnson has appeared in guest appearances on countless shows including, Big Bang Theory and spinoff Young Sheldon, House, Melissa & Joey and Dexter. Until 2013 when she began appearing as Stella in General Hospital, Watson-Johnson never really had a consistent role on our screens. She also joined the cast of Bob Hearts Abisola as Gloria and has appeared in every episode of the show to date.

Charlayne Woodard (Janice Smith) Then

Image Source: BuzzFeed
Janice is one of the four Banks sisters, and features a handful of times across the series. Janet first appears when visiting the Banks house to tell them that she is engaged to marry a white man. Viola originally doesn't take this well claiming bigotry will follow her but she eventually warms to Frank. Following a frightening robbery, she is revealed to be pregnant with Frank's child.

Charlayne Woodard (Janet Smith) Now

Image Source: Rochester City News
Charlayne played Tituba in the film The Crucible, alongside Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis in 1996, and also had main roles in the M.Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable and Glass, its sequel in 2000 and 2019n respectively. She also featured consistently as Sister Peg on Law and Order: SVU for 9 years. Much of her work now and in the past has been seen in the theater scene where she has also written many of her own pieces.

Jenifer Lewis (Helen Smith) Then

Image Source: Fandom
Helen is the fourth and final of the Banks sisters, and as with Janet, she appears infrequently except for episodes where there are family gatherings. Helen is seen to be one of the sharper, more cynical of the sisters, although she is always happy to see the various members of her family doing what's best for them, as with Janet's marriage to Frank.

Jenifer Lewis (Helen Smith) now

Image Source: That Grape Juice
Following her role in Fresh Prince, Lewis featured as a backup singer to Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 cult classic Sister Act. Lewis has also appeared in kids animated films Shark Tale where she featured alongside Will Smith and as Flo in Pixar's Cars. She also has a starring role in popular ABC comedy series Black-ish where she plays Ruby Johnson, a role in which she was nominated for the best guest performer in a comedy series at the Critics' Choice awards.
 
 
 
 

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