Where Are They Now? The Shocking 2025 Updates On The Charles In Charge Cast

The beloved '80s and '90s sitcom Charles in Charge holds a special place in the hearts of a generation of television fans, but decades after the final episode aired, the lives of the cast members have taken dramatically different—and sometimes challenging—paths. The show, which ran from 1984 to 1990, cemented Scott Baio as a teen idol and launched the careers of several young stars. As of December 2025, the cast is making headlines for everything from major health battles to surprising career pivots, proving that life after a hit show is rarely dull.

From the tragic passing of a core family member to a star’s ongoing, public fight against cancer, here is a deep dive into the current status and captivating biographies of the main cast of Charles in Charge, providing the most up-to-date information on where they are now.

The Main Cast: Biography and Current Status (2025)

The core cast evolved after the first season when the Pembroke family was replaced by the Powell family, but the final, most recognizable lineup is what most fans remember. Here is a look at the actors who brought Charles, Buddy, and the Powell kids to life.

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• Scott Baio (Charles)
  • Full Name: Scott Vincent James Baio
  • Born: September 22, 1960 (Brooklyn, New York, USA)
  • Role: Charles, the live-in college student and male nanny.
  • Current Status: Baio continues to be active in media, primarily through his podcast. As of late 2025, he is the host of The Scott Baio Podcast, where he discusses current events, politics, and life in Hollywood. His acting career has slowed, but his presence in the public sphere remains strong.
• Willie Aames (Buddy Lembeck)
  • Full Name: Albert William Upton
  • Born: July 15, 1960 (Newport Beach, California, USA)
  • Role: Buddy Lembeck, Charles' best friend, known for his goofy charm.
  • Current Status: Aames has one of the most compelling post-sitcom stories, having faced severe financial and personal struggles, including a period of homelessness, which he has publicly discussed. Today, he is a director, producer, and writer, and has expressed a strong desire to continue creating content. He is also famous for his earlier role as Tommy Bradford on Eight Is Enough.
• Nicole Eggert (Jamie Powell / Samantha Lightstone)
  • Full Name: Nicole Elizabeth Eggert
  • Born: January 13, 1972 (Glendale, California, USA)
  • Role: Jamie Powell (Seasons 2-5), the middle sister. She was previously Samantha Lightstone in Season 1.
  • Current Status: This is the most critical and recent update: Eggert is currently undergoing a very public and brave battle with cancer. After being diagnosed with cribriform carcinoma breast cancer, she underwent a long-awaited mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery in the latter half of 2025. The former Baywatch star has been open about her journey, using her platform to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection.
• Josie Davis (Sarah Powell)
  • Full Name: Josie Rebecca Davis
  • Born: January 16, 1973 (Los Angeles, California, USA)
  • Role: Sarah Powell, the eldest daughter (Seasons 2-5).
  • Current Status: Davis has successfully transitioned into a busy career as an adult actress, producer, and writer. In 2025, she is actively working on several projects, including producing her own independent movies and is reportedly writing a book. She recently completed a beauty campaign and continues to explore new opportunities in the entertainment industry.
• Alexander Polinsky (Adam Powell)
  • Full Name: Alexander Niver Polinsky
  • Born: October 7, 1974 (San Francisco, California, USA)
  • Role: Adam Powell, the youngest brother (Seasons 2-5).
  • Current Status: Polinsky has found significant success as a voice actor, artist, and musician. He is widely recognized for voicing "Control Freak" on the animated series Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!. He has also expanded his career to include roles behind the camera, showcasing his versatility beyond his childhood acting roots.

The Enduring Legacy of the Supporting Cast

While the main students were the focus, the show relied heavily on the adult figures who grounded Charles's chaotic life. The two most prominent adult supporting roles were the Powells, who served as Charles’ employers and surrogate parents.

Ellen Travolta (Lillian / Betty Lembeck)

Ellen Travolta, the older sister of movie star John Travolta, played two different roles in the series. She was first seen as Lillian, the mother of the Pembroke family in the short-lived first season. When the show was revived and the family changed, she returned as Betty Lembeck, Buddy's mother, becoming a recurring and beloved character. Born on October 6, 1939, Travolta has a long history in television, including her role as Louisa Arcola Delvecchio on Happy Days. She continues to stay active in the entertainment industry, participating in various projects that resonate with her passion for acting, maintaining a quiet but steady career.

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James T. Callahan (Walter Powell)

James T. Callahan played the role of Walter Powell, the family patriarch and Charles's employer from Season 2 onward. Callahan had a long and versatile career in film and television, spanning over 120 roles. Sadly, the actor passed away on August 3, 2007, at the age of 76, due to esophageal cancer. His role as the often-cranky but ultimately loving grandfather figure on Charles in Charge remains one of his most recognized performances.

The Shocking Season 1 Cast Change and What It Meant

A key piece of Charles in Charge history that many newer fans may not realize is the complete cast overhaul after the first season. The original premise featured Charles living with the Pembroke family in Seattle, including parents Stan and Jill Pembroke (played by James Widdoes and Sandra Kerns) and their three children. After the first season, the show was canceled by CBS but picked up for syndication by the production company. The entire Pembroke family—except for Scott Baio and Willie Aames—was replaced.

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The show relocated to New Brunswick, New Jersey, and introduced the Powell family, with Charles now working for Walter and Ellen Powell (James T. Callahan and Ellen Travolta) and their three children: Sarah (Josie Davis), Jamie (Nicole Eggert), and Adam (Alexander Polinsky). This change allowed the series to find its long-term footing and establish the dynamics that would define the rest of its run. This dramatic shift is a famous example of a successful creative retooling in television history, ensuring the show's survival and enduring legacy in the '80s sitcom landscape.

The journey of the Charles in Charge cast is a complex tapestry of Hollywood highs and lows. From Scott Baio’s continued presence in the public eye to Willie Aames’ inspiring personal comeback, and most recently, Nicole Eggert’s courageous health updates in 2025, the stars of the nostalgic sitcom continue to capture the public’s attention. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the enduring connection fans have with the characters they watched grow up on screen.