When it comes to sitcoms featuring tight-knit groups of friends navigating life and love, ‘Friends‘ often takes the spotlight. However, a year before the popular show aired, ‘Living Single‘ was already showcasing the ups and downs of friendship and love among six African American friends living in a Brooklyn brownstone.
The groundbreaking show, which aired from 1993 to 1998, provided a refreshing look at the lives of young, successful Black professionals. Although comparisons have been drawn between the two sitcoms, ‘Living Single’ stands on its own as a trailblazer in television. As we take a trip down memory lane, let’s find out what the talented cast of ‘Living Single’ is up to now.
Queen Latifah (Khadijah James)
Queen Latifah, who portrayed the confident and ambitious magazine editor Khadijah James, went on to have a highly successful career. She transitioned from being a hip-hop artist to an accomplished actress and television producer. Latifah has earned accolades for her performances in ‘Chicago,’ ‘Hairspray,’ and ‘Bessie,’ showcasing her ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her work as an executive producer for ‘The Queen Latifah Show’ and ‘The Equalizer’ series further highlights her influence in the entertainment industry.
Kim Coles (Synclaire James-Jones)
Kim Coles, known for her role as the lovable and quirky Synclaire James-Jones, continued her career in comedy and acting. Coles appeared in various sitcoms and TV shows, including ‘Frasier’ and ‘Six Feet Under.’ In addition to her acting work, Coles has also been active as a motivational speaker and author. She penned the book ‘I’m Free, But It Will Cost You: The Single Life According to Kim Coles,’ sharing her insights on relationships, self-discovery, and finding happiness.
Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw)
Erika Alexander brought the sharp-tongued, headstrong lawyer Maxine Shaw to life on ‘Living Single.’ After the show’s end, Alexander appeared in numerous TV series such as ‘The Cosby Show,’ ‘Insecure,’ and ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga.’ In recent years, she has ventured into writing comic books, co-creating the critically acclaimed graphic novel series ‘Concrete Park.’ Alexander is also an advocate for social justice and has been involved in several political campaigns, using her platform to make a difference.
Kim Fields (Regine Hunter)
Kim Fields, who played the sweet and naive fashionista Regine Hunter, continued her acting career with appearances in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’ Fields also ventured into directing, working on projects like ‘Holiday Love’ and ‘Meet the Browns.’ In 2016, she competed in the 22nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ demonstrating her passion for performing arts in a different arena.
T.C. Carson (Kyle Barker)
T.C. Carson, known for his role as the smooth-talking stockbroker Kyle Barker, has been active in the entertainment industry, lending his voice to various animated series and video games like ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ and ‘God of War.’ Carson has also pursued a career in music, releasing his debut jazz album ‘Truth’ in 2002. His smooth vocals and dedication to the craft showcase his versatility as an artist.
John Henton (Overton Wakefield Jones)
John Henton, who portrayed the lovable and goofy handyman Overton Wakefield Jones, continued acting in sitcoms such as ‘The Hughleys’ and ‘One on One.’ Henton has also made appearances on various late-night talk shows like ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ and ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien.’ In addition to his acting career, Henton has remained dedicated to his roots in stand-up comedy, regularly performing at comedy clubs across the country and sharing his humorous observations on life.
Mel Jackson (Ivan Ennis)
Mel Jackson, who joined ‘Living Single’ in the final season as Synclaire’s love interest Ivan Ennis, continued his acting career with roles in both television and film. He appeared in movies such as ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Deliver Us from Eva,’ as well as TV shows like ‘The Parkers’ and ‘In the Cut.’ Jackson has also ventured into music, releasing his debut album ‘Soul of a Man’ in 2004, which highlights his smooth R&B sound.
That’s A Wrap
‘Living Single’ and ‘Friends’ may appear to be distinct sitcoms, but they share a number of similarities. Both shows, which premiered in the ’90s, focus on a group of six friends living in the same city, dealing with work, love, and friendship. ‘Living Single’ broke new ground by featuring a predominantly African-American cast, while ‘Friends’ showcased a predominantly white ensemble. Over the years, the similarities between the two shows have sparked comments and reactions from their respective cast members.
The cast of ‘Living Single’ has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on television history, paving the way for future sitcoms featuring diverse ensembles. As we look back on the show’s legacy, it’s clear that the talented cast members have continued to find success in various aspects of the entertainment industry. From acting to music, writing to activism, these artists have made their mark and continue to inspire the next generation of performers.
