It has been over three decades since the musical series “Fame,” had everyone bobbing their heads and dancing to the beat premiered.
From 1982 to 1987, American television saw the musical “Fame” that was based on the 1980 film of the same name.
The series followed the lives of students who danced to the beat of their own drum and the rhythm of the music. Meet the cast of the show after it ended.
DEBBIE ALLEN
Broadway performer Debbie Allen made it big in the ‘80s after starring in the “West Side Story” revival that earned her a Tony Award nomination.
She later earned the role of a dance instructor in the “Fame” the movie and reprised her role in the television spin-off, which won her three Emmy awards for choreography.
In 1995, she starred in the sitcom “In the House” and opened her own studio, Debbie Allen Dance, Academy, in 2001. She also appeared in “Grey’s Anatomy from 2005 to 2013.
OLIVIA BARASH
Since the show ended, Olivia Barash worked behind the cameras as a creator and director of Fallout Entertainment.
Barash, who has had years of experience working with the best filmmakers, also founded her own production company called Original Pixel Cowboy.
JESSE BORREGO
Texas-born Jesse Borrego attended the University of Incarnate Word and The California Institute of the Arts to learn dance, theater, and acting before being cast in “Fame” as Jesse Velasquez.
While acting, Borrego continued appearing on stage in New York and Los Angeles. He also had notable films such as “Blood In, Blood Out” and “Follow Me Home.”
He later started Lupita productions, which has since produced several productions, concerts, and short films such as “El Sueno de Simon” and “Flattime.”
LEE CURRERI
Lee Curreri has made a name for himself as a song producer for and with Natalie Cole, Phil Perry, Nicolette Larson, and many more.
Since “Fame,” Curreri has worked on the music for the show “Chicago Hope” and has two animated shows running.
CYNTHIA GIBB
Initially, Cynthia Gibb was headed for a modeling career until Woody Allen cast her for the film “Stardust Memories.”
She has since continued her career s a singer with the help of a vocal coach, who has guided her for over 29 years, and as an actress, notably in the film “Gypsy,” which won her a Best Actress nomination.
ERICA GIMPEL
Erica Gimpel continued her career as an actress with several acting credits to date, including “Profiler,” “ER,” “House,” “Criminal Minds,” “Boston Legal,” “Veronica Mars,” “Touched by an Angel,” and many more.
Her other film credits are “Tuesday Morning Ride,” “Smoke,” “The King of New York,” “Touch Me,” “No Such Thing,” and “Freaky Friday.”
ALBERT HAGUE
Tony Award-winning composer Albert Hague was the white-bearded music teacher in the show who was also in charge of the musical “Redhead,” the song “Young and Foolish,” and the soundtrack for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Hague was the teacher and coach for several actors and actresses before they auditioned for roles. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 81.
BILLY HUFSEY
Not only was Billy Hufsey a successful performer in the entertainment industry, but also a star in the show “Fame,” followed by the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”
He has since had many sold-out concerts internationally and Broadway productions. More so, Hufsey has taken the stage alongside iconic artists, including Tony Bennett, Janet Jackson, and Carol Burnett.
VALERIE LANDSBURG
Since her most notable role as Doris Schwartz in “Fame,” Valerie Landsburg has moved to the other side of the camera as a director, with an indie feature called “Offer and Compromise.”
She has written “Belters for Profile Films America,” “An Unexpected Gift for the Hallmark Channel and Norweigan Wood,” and “Kinetic Arts.”
Landsburg is also a teacher at UCLA and Rocksport College and a guest lecturer at the University of Central Florida and the University of Maine.
NIA PEEPLES
Nia Peeples has been frequently on television for over three decades, appearing on “Walker Texas Ranger” and Pretty Little Liars,” since her days in “Fame.”
In recent years, Peeples has been busy raising her children, including a musically inclined son and daughter in college.
GENE ANTHONY RAY
Although he never had any professional dance lesson, Gene Anthony played Leroy in the series “Fame,” which won Academy Awards for best song and original score.
He later toured Britain for the “Fame: The Kids from Fame in Concert,” which was aired in America the following year. Sadly, Ray passed away.
LORI SINGER
Texas-born Lori Singer landed a role in “Fame” after attending Julliard's Performing Arts School and debuting as a soloist together with the Western Washington Symphony.
She has since appeared in “Born Beautiful,” which won her a Silver Halo Award, “Footloose,” “Trouble in Mind,” “VR.5,” and “Short Cuts.”
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