Netflix’s highly anticipated A Different World sequel series is gaining major star power, with Jenifer Lewis officially joining the cast. The beloved actress, who appeared in the original series as the unforgettable Dean Dorothy Dandridge Davenport, returns to Hillman College as the reboot brings together legacy characters and a new generation of students.
Lewis joins an ensemble of returning cast members that includes Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, Darryl M. Bell, Charnele Brown, and Dawnn Lewis, all reprising their iconic roles from the groundbreaking 1987–1993 sitcom. Their involvement signals a deep commitment to honoring the original series while expanding its world for today’s audience.
The sequel revisits Hillman College—an HBCU that became a cultural touchstone for millions—now reimagined for a modern era. The new storyline follows a fresh group of students navigating contemporary campus life, while the returning cast steps into evolved roles as mentors, administrators, and community leaders.
Jenifer Lewis’s return adds emotional weight and comedic firepower. Known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” her presence bridges the past and present, grounding the sequel in the spirit that made the original series a landmark in Black television.
Each original cast member brings a piece of Hillman history back to the screen:
- Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert) — The iconic Southern belle whose character arc remains one of TV’s most beloved transformations.
- Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Wayne) — The flip‑glasses‑wearing genius whose relationship with Whitley defined the series.
- Cree Summer (Freddie Brooks) — The free‑spirited activist whose voice still resonates with fans.
- Darryl M. Bell (Ron Johnson) — The smooth‑talking entrepreneur‑in‑training.
- Charnele Brown (Kim Reese) — The hardworking pre‑med student balancing ambition and friendship.
- Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson) — The grounded, mature student whose leadership shaped the early seasons.
Their return creates a multi‑generational ensemble that blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
The new series explores issues shaping today’s college experience—mental health, social justice, identity, technology, and the evolving landscape of HBCUs—while maintaining the humor, heart, and authenticity that defined the original.
With Lewis and the full returning cast on board, the sequel is positioned as both a tribute and a bold new chapter, offering longtime fans a chance to revisit Hillman while introducing its legacy to a new generation.
