What's Happening with the Cast of "What's Happening!!" - Where Are They Now?

Hey there, '80s and '90s kids! Remember the good old days of Doowop, Raj, Rerun, and Shirley on "What's Happening!!"? We sure do! So, let's dive in and find out what's happening with the cast of "What's Happening!!" and where they are now. Grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and cast of what's happening where are they now.

The Cast of "What's Happening!!" - Then and Now

Ernie Hudson as Raj**

Remember Raj, the cool, smooth-talking friend with a heart of gold? Well, Ernie Hudson, the man behind Raj, has had quite the career since "What's Happening!!"

Ernie Hudson, born on December 17, 1945, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been a staple in Hollywood for decades. After his breakthrough role as Raj, he went on to star in several notable films and TV shows. You might recognize him as Winston Zeddemore in the "Ghostbusters" franchise, or as Warden Leo Glynn in the acclaimed HBO series "Oz".

In recent years, Hudson has continued to act in various TV shows and movies. He's had recurring roles in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager", "Castle", and "Grace and Frankie". He also appeared in the 2016 reboot of "Ghostbusters" and the 2021 film "The Call". When he's not acting, Hudson is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.

Haywood Nelson as Rerun**

Next up, we have Rerun, the youngest and most mischievous member of the gang. Haywood Nelson, who played Rerun, has had an interesting journey since the show ended.

Haywood Nelson, born on October 13, 1963, in Norfolk, Virginia, started his acting career at a young age. After "What's Happening!!", he continued to act in various TV shows and movies. He had recurring roles in "The White Shadow", "227", and "Amen". He also starred in the 1985 film "The Last Dragon".

After taking a break from acting in the late '90s, Nelson returned to the small screen in the early 2000s. He appeared in episodes of "The Wayans Bros.", "The Parkers", and "One on One". In recent years, he's been involved in various independent films and theater productions.

Shirley Hemphill as Shirley**

Last but not least, we have Shirley, the smart, sassy, and sometimes bossy friend. Shirley Hemphill, the actress who brought Shirley to life, has had a successful career in both acting and producing.

Shirley Hemphill, born on January 1, 1950, in New York City, started her acting career in the 1970s. After "What's Happening!!", she continued to act in various TV shows and movies. She had recurring roles in "The Jeffersons", "The Cosby Show", and "227". She also starred in the 1984 film "The Last Dragon" alongside Haywood Nelson.

In the 1990s, Hemphill transitioned into producing. She co-produced the TV show "Malibu, CA" and the film "The Players Club". She also founded her own production company, Hemphill Productions. While she's been focusing more on producing in recent years, she still acts occasionally. She had a recurring role in the TV show "The Soul Man" from 2012 to 2018.

Daniel "Chappie" James III as Doowop**

Last but not least, we have Doowop, the oldest and most responsible member of the gang. Daniel "Chappie" James III, the actor who played Doowop, had a unique journey after the show ended.

Daniel "Chappie" James III, born on February 13, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, started his acting career in the 1970s. After "What's Happening!!", he continued to act in various TV shows and movies. He had recurring roles in "The White Shadow", "The A-Team", and "Hill Street Blues". He also starred in the 1984 film "The Last Dragon".

In the 1990s, James transitioned into directing. He directed several episodes of the TV shows "Moesha" and "The Wayans Bros.". He also founded his own production company, Chappie James Productions. Unfortunately, James passed away on November 1, 2010, at the age of 59.

The Legacy of "What's Happening!!"

"What's Happening!!" was a groundbreaking show when it aired from 1976 to 1979. It was one of the first TV shows to feature an African American cast and deal with issues relevant to the black community. The show was a hit and launched the careers of its young cast members.

The show's impact can still be felt today. It paved the way for other shows featuring African American casts, such as "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World". It also influenced a generation of actors, writers, and producers.

What's Next for the Cast of "What's Happening!!"

While some of the cast members of "What's Happening!!" have retired from acting, others continue to work in the industry. Haywood Nelson and Shirley Hemphill both expressed interest in a "What's Happening!!" reunion in interviews, so here's hoping we might see that in the future!

Ernie Hudson continues to act in various TV shows and movies. He recently appeared in the Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" and the film "The Call". Haywood Nelson has been involved in various independent films and theater productions. Shirley Hemphill continues to produce and act occasionally. While Daniel "Chappie" James III may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on through his work as an actor and director.

So, there you have it, folks! That's what's happening with the cast of "What's Happening!!" and where they are now. It's been amazing to see what these talented actors have been up to since the show ended. We can't wait to see what the future holds for them!