In 1995, Waiting to Exhale took the world by storm. The classic movie offered a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery among four black women. Directed by Forest Whitaker and based on Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel, the movie not only struck a chord with viewers but also showcased a talented ensemble cast. It soon became a staple in homes around the world. Moreover, the film’s soundtrack is still widely adored today. Almost three decades later, fans still wonder: where are the stars of Waiting to Exhale now? Here’s what they’ve been up to.
Whitney Houston’s portrayal of Savannah Jackson, a successful television producer struggling with the complexities of love and career, was equal parts powerful and relatable. After Waiting to Exhale, she continued her incredibly successful music career. She also ventured further into acting, starring in films like The Preacher’s Wife, Cinderella, and Sparkle. Houston passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled talent, and an unmistakable voice.
In Waiting to Exhale, Angela Bassett took on the role of Bernadine Harris, a woman dealing with betrayal, and rebuilding her life. As is expected of Bassett, her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. After the film, her career continued to grow exponentially. Bassett is now an Oscar winner, and known for her powerful, gripping roles in film and television alike. Decades after Waiting to Exhale, and her drive hasn’t stopped. Angela Bassett’s talents continue to shine, earning her numerous accolades and admiration from audiences around the globe.
At the time, Loretta Devine, like much of the Waiting to Exhale cast, was already a household name. She starred as Gloria Matthews, the supportive friend and single mother facing her own romantic challenges. She has since then remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films and TV shows. Now in her 70s, Devine is still capturing the audience’s attention, with no indication of slowing down.
Lela Rochon’s portrayal of Robin Stokes resonated deeply with audiences. Robin Stokes was a woman searching for love and fulfillment, while juggling her personal demons. Since Waiting to Exhale, Rochon has continued to work in entertainment, particularly in television. She will star in a lead role in the upcoming BET+ drama, The Family Business: New Orleans.
Gregory Hines brought charm and sophistication to the role of Marvin King, Gloria’s neighbor and love interest. Before Waiting to Exhale, Hines was already a respected figure in the entertainment industry. In the same vein, he continued to showcase his talent in several projects. Hines sadly passed away in 2003 as a result of liver cancer. He left behind a catalog of incredible performances and contributions to the arts.
The iconic Dennis Haybert played Kenneth Dawkins, a man entangled in a complicated affair. His portrayal definitely added depth and complexity to the film. Since then, Haysbert’s career has soared, particularly in television. He became widely recognized for his roles in projects like Soul Food and, most notably, 24. His illustrious career spans film, television, theater, and voice acting.
These days, Tupac Shakur earns widespread recognition as a legend for his profoundly artistic and socially conscious body of work, all created before his untimely death at the age of 25. Although primarily celebrated for his solo catalog, featuring hit albums like All Eyez On Me and Me Against the World, Tupac contributed to numerous group endeavors, releasing several popular records alongside his collaborators. One of his groups, Thug Life, released only one self-titled album before disbanding, which highlights some of Pac’s greatest lyrical performances.
Though short-lived, Thug Life represents an important era in Tupac Shakur’s life timeline, and the single album produced by the group remains a worthwhile listen to this day. Here’s a look at what the other four members of Thug Life have been up to since the group disbanded following Tupac’s untimely death in 1996.
Big Syke was a frequent collaborator of Tupac, even joining the legendary rapper on several breakout tracks from the album All Eyez On Me. Syke was a member of both Thug Life and Tupac’s other rap group, the Outlawz, while also maintaining a solo career spanning four studio albums. In 2016, authorities found Big Syke dead in his California home at the age of 48. Despite his young age, they reported no foul play at the scene, stating that Syke perished of natural causes. The Inglewood-born rapper had suffered from health concerns regarding his heart in the years precipitating his passing.
Macadoshis And Morpheme Have Been Mostly Under The Radar
Macadoshis and Mopreme Shakur, Tupac’s stepbrother, founded Thug Life but now appear to no longer seek the spotlight. Like Big Syke, Mopreme was also a member of the Outlawz, and continued to make music for several years after Pac’s death. Preme’s most recent musical output seems to be a 2007 mixtape titled Black & Brown Pride which he released in collaboration with Los Angeles DJ Assassin. Mopreme maintains an official Instagram account which he previously used to sell NFT images and videos, though he has not posted on the social media app in nearly a year.
Likewise, Macadoshis seems to have quietly retreated from the spotlight, occasionally resurfacing to deliver interviews with rap-centric media outlets. In May 2023, Mac appeared on the YouTube series The Art Of Dialogue, to explain the history of Thug Life, including some never-before-shared behind-the-scenes details.
The final member of the Thug Life brand, The Rated R, has gone down a very different road than his peers in the years following the group’s split. The former Death Row signee has been serving a sentence in San Quentin State Penitentiary in California since 2004. While details regarding the case that led to R’s imprisonment are quite scant, sources across the web claim he is serving a life sentence for committing a double homicide.
Some supporters of The Rated R have expressed the belief that the rapper was acting in self-defense, though these claims cannot be verified. Since his arrival in San Quentin, R is said to have fully converted to Islam and renounced all forms of violence. Rated R was previously considered for bail in 2021, but ultimately denied, leaving his future uncertain at the time of this writing.
In 1998, The Players Club hit the screens, delivering a gritty and provocative portrayal of the strip club scene. Directed by Ice Cube, the film captivated audiences with its raw narrative. Moreover, it also introduced us to a talented crop of actors who brought the story to life. Over two decades later, the cast are still actively engaged in the industry. Let’s take a look at where the cast members of The Players Club are today.
LisaRaye McCoy (Diamond)
LisaRaye McCoy’s stellar portrayal of Diamond, a young woman navigating the challenges of working in a strip club, while pursuing her educational dreams, earned her critical acclaim. Besides acting, she is a model, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. Since The Players Club, McCoy has continued to make a name for herself in Hollywood. She has appeared in numerous films and series including All of Us, Holiday Heartbreak, Single Ladies, Lunar Lockdown, and The Family Business.She also hosted several television shows, including Cocktails with Queens, and Asking for a Friend.
While McCoy’s career was booming, her love life was not the same. She dated Kenji Pace in 1988, and had a daughter Kai Morae Pace with him. The two broke up in 1990. Two years later, she tied the knot with American football player Tony Martin, but their union came to an end in 1994. After this chapter of her life, McCoy embarked on a new journey in April 2006 when she married Michael Misick in a lavish ceremony. At the time, Misick held the prestigious position of Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, having been elected in 2003, while she held the title “First Lady of the Turks and Caicos.” However, in 2008, Misick announced the couple’s decision to part ways, marking the end of their marriage. Since then, McCoy has decided to focus on herself and her career.
Bernie Mac’s memorable performance as Dollar Bill, the sleazy and manipulative club owner, showcased his comedic genius. Following The Players Club, Mac went on to achieve immense success with his eponymous sitcom The Bernie Mac Show, which earned him widespread recognition and accolades. He also starred in films such as Ocean’s Eleven, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and Transformers.
Mac tied the knot with his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Gore in 1977 and the couple welcomed their daughter the next year. 2004 brought health challenges for Mac, as he had contracted pneumonia which affected both his lungs and was experiencing severe exhaustion. Tragically, Bernie Mac passed away in 2008 at the age of 50, from the complications of sarcoidosis. He left behind a legacy of laughter and remarkable talent.
Monica Calhoun who played Ebony, Diamond’s loyal and protective cousin, left a lasting impression on audiences. Since her role as Ebony, Calhoun has continued to act in both film and television. She has appeared in projects such as The Best Man franchise, Diary of a Single Mom, Love & Basketball, and Bagdad Café. Cahoun’s versatility as an actress has solidified her status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. Calhoun gave birth to her son in 2000 and soon discovered that he was blind. She decided to make her son’s life and comfort as an individual with special needs, her top priority. As a result, Calhoun often goes on long hiatuses to care for him. Despite this, she has remained a formidable presence in the entertainment industry.
Blue, the charming and charismatic DJ at the club, was portrayed by Jamie Foxx. Since The Players Club, Jamie Foxx’s acting career has skyrocketed, leading to iconic roles in films like Ray, for which he won an Academy Award. Other notable projects he’s starred in include: Collateral, Django Unchained, and Just Mercy. In addition to his success in film, Foxx has also enjoyed a thriving music career. He has released several albums, including! Peep This, Intuition, and Best Night of My Life.
Foxx is a father to two daughters: Corrine Foxx born in 1994, and the other born in 2009. Corrine is not only a model but also an actress and television producer. In 2021, Foxx penned his autobiography titled Act Like You Got Some Sense. In 2023, after health challenges, Foxx bounced back to acting and performing.
Ice Cube not only made his directorial debut with The Players Club but also had a memorable cameo as Reggie, a henchman. Since then, he has starred in and produced numerous movies. Ice Cube is a multi-talented icon, and has continued to excel in various facets of entertainment. He has been successful as an actor, rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Moreover, his contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his status as a cultural legend. As a result, he remains a prominent figure in Hollywood. Ice Cube married Kimberly Woodruff in 1992 and the couple share five children. His son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., has since made Ice Cube a proud grandfather. Also, in 2017, Ice Cube founded Big3, a 3-on-3 basketball league featuring former NBA players
A. J. Johnson (Lil Man)
Taking on the role of Lil Man, the club’s doorman who is constantly teased for his height, A. J. Johnson shone in The Players Club. The actor and comedian continued to be involved in the entertainment industry for many years. He appeared in films and television series such as I Got the Hookup, and Undercover Princesses. Johnson was married to Lexis Jones Mason and the couple had three daughters. Sadly, Johnson passed away in 2021, at the age of 55, due to chronic alcohol use.
Beastie Boys, a pioneering Hip Hop group formed in New York in 1981, left a lasting mark on the music industry with their innovative blend of rap, punk, and funk. Comprising members Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D, the Beastie Boys achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. However, after the passing of MCA in 2012, the group disbanded. Since then, fans have been curious about the whereabouts and activities of the group’s members. Here’s what the members of Beastie Boys have been up to.
Beastie Boys: A Seamless Leap Into Hip Hop
Beastie Boys was formed in 1981 out of the members of the hardcore punk band The Young Aborigines. The group was created with members Diamond (Mike D), Kate Schellenbach, MCA, and John Berry, but when Berry left shortly after, he was replaced by Ad-Rock. Although the group started as a hardcore punk band, they later transitioned into Hip Hop. Subsequently, they became one of the first successful white rap groups. The group gained prominence in 1983 with their first Hip Hop single “Cooky Puss” which was a great success.
Throughout their career, the Beastie Boys released several critically acclaimed albums including Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head, and License To Ill, among others. They experimented with sampling, live instrumentation, and socially conscious lyrics, earning praise for their musical innovation and cultural impact. The group won three Grammys and four VMAs throughout their active years. Beastie Boys was subsequently announced as an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for the 2012 ceremony.
Members Mike D and Ad-Rock eventually released a memoir in 2018 titled Beastie Boys Book. It specifically recounts the events that occurred throughout the group’s history. The book was later adapted into a documentary two years later. While the Beastie Boys, as a performing and recording entity, have ended, their legacy lives on. This is particularly evident through their groundbreaking contributions to Hip Hop.
He has helped remix various tracks for other artists under the alias, 41 Small Stars. Furthermore, he has also explored acting, with roles in films such as Lost Angels, A Kiss Before Dying, and Golden Exits. In the aftermath of Adam Yauch’s (MCA) death, Ad-Rock went on to star as himself in the documentaries Bad Reputation and Beastie Boys Story. He married Kathleen Hanna in 2006, and the pair are still going strong.
Mike D
Michael Louis Diamond, also known as Mike D was a founding member of the Beastie Boys. He has since released remixed music, and also began working with the rock band, Portugal. He also hosted the Apple Music podcast The Echo Chamber from 2016 to 2022. In 1993, Diamond tied the knot with Tamra Davis, a director involved in film, television, and music videos. However, they have since undergone a legal separation. The couple shares two children, Davis Diamond and Skyler Diamond, who later collaborated to form the musical group known as Very Nice Person.
Adam Yauch, better known as MCA, was an American rapper, bassist, filmmaker, and founding member of the Beastie Boys. In addition to his musical endeavors, MCA established Oscilloscope Laboratories, an independent film production and distribution company in 2002. Under the company, he produced Bad Brains’ album, Build a Nation, and distributed Kelly Reichardt’s Wendy and Lucy as well as Lynne Ramsey’s We Need To Talk About Kevin. When the Beastie Boys were being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, MCA was sadly too sick to attend. However, his bandmates paid tribute to him and read a letter from him to the audience.
Tragically, he passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 47 from parotid cancer. His death marked the end of an era for the Beastie Boys. Moreover, his contributions to both the music industry and social activism are remembered and celebrated by fans worldwide. In memory of MCA, his bandmates and friends organized events like the annual Beastie Boys Book events. This has since celebrated the legacy of the group, and their impact on the culture.
The Office U.S. is perhaps the most beloved television sitcom of the last two decades. Premiering in 2005, the TV show graced our screens for seven seasons, up until 2013. As a mockumentary-style TV show, it would be the most successful first of many, changing the history of TV shows for all eternity. However, The OfficeU.S. probably wouldn’t be quite as successful if it hadn’t had such an impressive cast of talented actors with their quirky characters. Led by the eccentric Regional Manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell), a good number of these characters remain pop culture icons off the small screen. But how have their careers fared in the last ten years since The Office came to an end?
Ed Helms as Andy Bernard was not a part of the day-one employees of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, considering he was still a part of The Daily Show when he first came on. However, Andy Bernard won his way to many fans’ hearts as the friendly, singing face of the Scranton branch (despite his stint with anger management). Ed Helms joined the cast of The OfficeU.S. in 2006, and became a regular in 2007. Post-Scranton, Helms appeared in several drama-comedies like We’re The Millers (2013), Vacation (2015), Tag (2018),and Together Together (2021). He was also the lead actor in Rutherford Falls, which was canceled after two seasons on Peacock. Ed Helms’ most recent project is Netflix’s 2024 film, Family Switch.
Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute)
Rainn Wilson came on to The Office as everyone’s favorite beetroot farmer, Dwight Schrute. As the iconic Dwight, Wilson was nominated for the Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor three years in a row. After eight years as part of the main cast of The Office, Rainn Wilson quickly moved on. He appeared in a few independent films such as Cooties, The Boy, Don’t Tell a Soul, and Blackbird. Furthermore, he appeared in a supporting role in The Meg by Sony Pictures in 2018. In 2022, Wilson appeared in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story as Dr. Demento. Rainn Wilson is also the current voice actor for Lex Luthor in the DC Animated Movie Universe and was the voice of Gargamel in Smurfs: The Lost Village. Most recently Wilson appeared as host of the Peacock series: Rainn Wilson And The Geography Of Bliss.
In The Office, Jenna Fischer was the warm, affable receptionist Pam Beesly. However, the actress has not been as active as some of her co-stars. She appeared in a few minor and supporting roles for films like Are You Here? (2013)and Brad’s Status (2017). She also appeared in Paramount Pictures’ Mean Girls (2024) as Ms. Heron. In 2019, she launched The Office Ladies podcast alongside cast member Angela Kinsey. On television, Fischer starred in the only season of Sky 1’s You, Me And The Apocalypse (2015), as well as both seasons of Splitting Up Together (2018-2019).
John Krasinski (Jim Halpert)
Joining the cast as the suave Jim Halpert on The Office was the big break for John Krasinski’s career. Two years after The Office ended, Krasinski and Stephen Merchant produced Lip Sync Battle for Spike (now Paramount Network). In 2016, he, along with Matt Damon, produced Manchester By The Sea, starring Casey Affleck. The film was nominated six times at the 2016 Oscars and won twice.
Krasinski would also go on to be the face of many commercially successful action and thriller films, starting with both iterations of A Quiet Place (2017, 2020), to his 2018-2023 role as the fifth Jack Ryan. He also debuted in the MCU as Reed Richardsin Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (2022). Krasinski’s most recent project is the animated film If starring Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell, and set to come out in May 2024.
Steve Carell (Michael Scott)
Steve Carell was the lead cast member of The Office. He led the crew as the naive and enthusiastic Regional Manager, Michael Scott. Due to his immense talent, Carell has been in multiple projects nearly every year since, and even during The Office. A number of these have been biographical films like Vice (2018), Freeheld (2015), and The Big Short (2015). With voice acting, Carrell reprised his 2010 comedic role as the voice actor for the evil Gru for two more iterations of Illumination’s Despicable Me (2014, 2017) and once for Minions (2015). Furthermore, he will appear in the fourth iteration of Despicable Me, which is set to come out in 2024.
Carell also earned some critical success for his dramatic roles in the late 2010s. In 2014, he starred in the crime drama Foxcatcher with Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum. For his role as John Eleuthere du Pont, the millionaire villain, he earned a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination. He was also the lead actor in Beautiful Boy (2018), an addiction drama with Timothee Chalamet. Carell returned to television in 2019 for Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, which is currently in its third season, and Netflix’s underrated gem, Space Force, which was canceled in 2022 after two seasons.
Geto Boys, also known as Ghetto Boys, one of the pioneering and influential groups in the history of Southern Hip Hop, emerged from the gritty streets of Houston, Texas, in the late 1980s. The group garnered attention for their raw and unapologetic lyrics. They also achieved notoriety for their disturbing music videos, horrorcore rap, and dark lyrics. While they faced controversy and several lineup changes throughout their career, their impact on the rap scene remains significant. Here, we’ll explore where the individual members of Geto Boys are now and provide an update on the group’s collective journey.
Geto Boys: Lineup After Lineup
Geto Boys was formed with the initial lineup of Raheem, The Sire Jukebox, and Sir Rap-A-Lot. After Raheem and Sir Rap-A-Lot departed, the group welcomed DJ Ready Red, Prince Johnny C, and Little Billy, the dancer who later became known as Bushwick Bill. The group made their debut in 1986 with the single “Car Crash,” and released their first album Making Trouble two years later. Unfortunately, their releases received very little attention, leading them to break up.
Soon after, a reconfigured lineup featuring Bushwick Bill, Scarface, and Willie D was assembled. The trio collaborated on the 1989 album Grip It! On That Other Level. In the early ’90s, the newfound Geto Boys gained significant attention when a shooting resulted in Bushwick Bill losing an eye. However, the ghastly incident contributed to the increased sales of their 1991 album, We Can’t Be Stopped.
The Resurrection, Hiatus, & The Foundation
Following Willie D’s departure from the group, Scarface and Bushwick Bill pressed on and welcomed Big Mike into the fold. He made his debut appearance on the group’s 1993 album Till Death Do Us Part. After that, Big Mike left, and Willie D returned for the critically acclaimed album The Resurrection. Following the project’s success, Geto Boys released one more album before embarking on a three-year hiatus in 1999. They returned in 2002 to produce their seventh album, The Foundation, which hit the shelves in 2005.
After this, the band rarely released any albums or performed as a group. They, however, reunited for a special performance at the 2009 Cypress Hill’s SmokeOut Festival in California. Not much was heard from the group until early 2019, when Bushwick Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The group then announced a farewell tour named “The Beginning of a Long Goodbye, The Final Farewell.” A portion of the tour proceeds was to be donated to pancreatic cancer awareness. Unfortunately, this tour was called off right before its scheduled commencement.
Scarface
Brad Terrence Jordan, popularly known as Scarface, maintained a prominent presence in the Hip Hop scene since the Geto Boys’ heyday. After the group’s early disbandment, Scarface pursued a successful solo career. He released critically acclaimed albums such as Mr. Scarface Is Back, The Diary, and The Last of a Dying Breed. Over the course of his career, Scarface quickly gained respect as one of the hardest MCs in the game.
Beyond music, Scarface delved into the business side of the industry. He served as the president of Def Jam South from 2000 to 2005. Through this appointment, he became an influential figure in shaping the careers of emerging artists, particularly Ludacris. Scarface was infamously arrested in 2015 after the BET Awards for failure to pay child support. He’s been long since out of prison, however, and fans got a taste of some of his old-school lyrical magic after he appeared on NPR’s series in December 2023.
William James Dennis, aka Willie D, also ventured into solo endeavors after Geto Boys disbanded the first time. He released several solo albums, including Controversy, Play Witcha Mama, and Unbreakable. However, Willie D also ventured far out of the industry and pursued a career in boxing, which he had initially wanted to pursue before music. He famously knocked out Melle Mel in 1992, and enjoyed a series of wins and losses until he quit in 2000.
Throughout the years, Willie D has been involved in various legal troubles, including aggravated robbery and wire fraud. In 2010, he was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges. Two years later, he released “Hoodiez,” a track featuring Scarface, D-Boi, and Propain. The song quickly gained traction and became a viral sensation on the internet. He’s been a bit lowkey since but made headlines in 2023 after blasting the Grammys for excluding the Geto Boys in their Hip Hop tribute.
Born Richard William Stephen Shaw, Bushwick Bill was an iconic and distinctive member of the Geto Boys. He was fondly remembered for his charismatic presence. Tragically, Bushwick Bill passed away in June 2019 from pancreatic cancer. His death marked the end of an era for the Geto Boys. As a solo artist, Bushwick Bill released several albums, including Little Big Man, Phantom of the Rapra, Universal Small Soulja, and My Testimony of Redemption.
Big Mike
Michael Barnett, better known as Big Mike, was known for his deep, resonant voice and lyrical prowess. Before his association with Geto Boys, Big Mike was also a member of the Convicts, a rap duo alongside Houston-based rapper 3-2. He began his solo career in 1994 with the album Something Serious. Since then, Big Mike has continued to remain relevant in the scene. His most recent album, Finish The Job, was released in 2020.
Jonathan Carmichael, aka Prince Johnny C, played a significant role in producing Geto Boys’ early albums. He also pursued a solo career in 1992 with the album It’s Been a Long Rhyme Coming. However, the album failed to make significant waves. Nonetheless, while he may not have achieved the same level of individual fame as some of the Geto Boys members, his production contributions are indelible.
DJ Ready Red, whose real name is Collins Leysath, was another one of the group’s DJs and producers. He was part of the second lineup for the group, along with Raheem and Sir Rap-A-Lot. After the other two left the group, he continued contributing to Geto Boys’s evolving sound. While he played a crucial role in the group’s early success, he eventually parted ways with the group. Sadly, DJ Ready Red passed away in August 2018 from a heart attack.
Raheem
Oscar Ceres, widely recognized as Raheem in the music scene, hails from Houston, Texas. He departed from the group early on to embark on a solo journey. Under Rap-A-Lot Records, he dropped two albums: TheVigilante in 1988 and The Invincible in 1992. Although he staged a comeback in 2000 with the release of The Tight IV Life Training Camp, he hasn’t unveiled any fresh musical content since then. In addition to this, Raheem has been living under the radar for two decades now.
Sir Rap-A-Lot & Sire Jukebox
Thelton Polk, formerly known as Sir Rap-A-Lot, and Keith Rogers, also known as Sire Jukebox, were both part of the original lineup for Geto Boys. Rap-A-Lot became known as K-9, with production credits on the songs “Car Freak” and Zoo Crew’s “Migrate Adapt or Die.” Sire Jukebox, on the other hand, has kept a very low profile since his days in Geto Boys.