I used to break my neck to get back to my dorm room to watch A Different World weekly back in my college days! My favorite character was Whitley, played by Jasmine Guy! I loved her accent, her sassiness plus her grand style! I literally would dress up like her for class lol! I really looked up to her and I really liked the relationship she had with her sweetie Dwayne! Darryl Bell, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer and Debbie Allen all reunited on The View yesterday to discuss the show’s lasting impact 37 years after its premiere.
“A Different World” was a groundbreaking American television sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1993. “A Different World” was originally conceived as a spin-off of “The Cosby Show.” It focused on the character Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, as she attends a historically black college.
The show tackled various social issues such as racism, sexism, relationships, and college life, making it ahead of its time in terms of addressing relevant topics. “A Different World” featured a predominantly African American cast, reflecting the diversity of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) it depicted.
The show helped launch the careers of several actors, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Marisa Tomei, and Sinbad, who went on to have successful careers in Hollywood.
The show is credited with increasing interest in attending HBCUs among viewers. Enrollment in HBCUs reportedly increased during the show’s run, showcasing its influence beyond entertainment.
“A Different World” received several Primetime Emmy Award nominations during its run, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Jasmine Guy.
The show’s theme song, “A Different World” by Phoebe Snow, became iconic and is still remembered fondly by fans of the series.
Despite ending in 1993, “A Different World” remains a beloved and culturally significant show, often remembered for its positive portrayal of college life and its exploration of important social issues. I truly miss this show and that era, brings back so many fond memories! See more inside and a video clip…
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, DEBBIE ALLEN, KADEEM HARDISON, DAWNN LEWIS, DARRYL BELL, JASMINE GUY
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, DAWNN LEWIS, DARRYL BELL, CREE SUMMER, SARA HAINES SEATED: DEBBIE ALLEN, KADEEM HARDISON, JASMINE GUY, SUNNY HOSTIN
(ABC/LOU ROCCO)
