Where Are They Now? The 'Kate & Allie' Sitcom Cast: Latest Updates For 2025

The iconic CBS sitcom Kate & Allie, which revolutionized television in the 1980s by showcasing two divorced best friends raising their children under one roof in New York City, remains a beloved classic. The show, which ran from 1984 to 1989, was a groundbreaking look at co-parenting and female friendship, earning multiple Emmy Award nominations and wins. As of December 2025, the show’s stars continue to lead fascinating and diverse lives, ranging from major Hollywood film roles to quiet retirement and dedicated activism.

The core cast—led by the perfect comedic chemistry of Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James—has taken dramatically different paths since the final season. This in-depth look provides the most recent and up-to-date information on the entire Kate & Allie cast, including the surprising career trajectory of the three child stars and the latest 2025 projects for the main actors.

The Complete 'Kate & Allie' Cast: 2025 Career & Biography Snapshot

The success of the show, created by Sherry Coben, hinged on the dynamic between the free-spirited Kate McArdle and the more cautious Allie Lowell. Here is a look at the lives and current status of the main cast members.

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• Jane Curtin (Allie Lowell)
  • Role on Show: Allie Lowell, the organized and traditional best friend, known for her sharp wit and occasional neuroses.
  • Born: September 6, 1947 (Age 78 in 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Original cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), two-time Emmy Award winner for Kate & Allie, Dr. Mary Albright on 3rd Rock from the Sun, and films like Coneheads.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Curtin remains an active and celebrated actress. The most recent update confirms her role in the highly anticipated 2025 animated film Dog Man. She continues to be one of the most respected figures in American comedy.
• Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle)
  • Role on Show: Kate McArdle, the glamorous, career-driven friend who often pushed Allie out of her comfort zone.
  • Born: August 14, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Star of the detective series McMillan & Wife, Emmy winner for Name of the Game, and a brief return to TV on The Drew Carey Show.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Saint James largely retired from acting after the sitcom ended to focus on her family and political activism. She is a dedicated advocate for the Special Olympics, a cause she has championed for decades. Her last major acting role was a guest appearance in 2006.
• Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell)
  • Role on Show: Chip Lowell, Allie's son and the sole male child in the blended family.
  • Born: June 16, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Post-Kate & Allie, Koehler transitioned into dark, dramatic roles, most notably as Andrew Schillinger on the HBO prison drama Oz. He also appeared in films like Pearl Harbor and Death Race.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Koehler continues his busy acting career. He has a confirmed credit in the upcoming 2025 film Pursued, demonstrating his sustained work in Hollywood.
• Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell)
  • Role on Show: Jennie Lowell, Allie's older daughter, whose teenage years were a frequent source of plotlines.
  • Born: December 9, 1969 (Age 55 in 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Prior to Kate & Allie, she starred as the title role in the Broadway musical Annie. After the sitcom, she had a recurring role as Mallory O'Brien on Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Smith is a true multi-hyphenate. She is an active actress, singer, writer, and director, focusing heavily on stage work and independent film projects.
• Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle)
  • Role on Show: Emma McArdle, Kate's sensitive and intellectual daughter.
  • Born: April 6, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Meyers was a prominent child star, also appearing in the 1987 film The Trouble with Spies.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Meyers famously stepped away from acting to pursue a college education, a decision she discussed during the 2021 cast reunion on the "Stars in the House" livestream. She has maintained a private life outside of the entertainment industry ever since.

The Shocking Post-Sitcom Career Paths of the Child Stars

One of the most compelling aspects of the Kate & Allie cast legacy is the divergent paths of the three young actors who played the children. While the show was a lighthearted CBS sitcom about family, the actors who played the kids—Jennie, Chip, and Emma—found themselves in dramatically different professional worlds later in life.

Frederick Koehler, who played the sweet and somewhat awkward Chip Lowell, made perhaps the most striking pivot. After his time in the New York brownstone, Koehler became known for playing deeply troubled and often villainous characters. His portrayal of the incarcerated, morally ambiguous Andrew Schillinger on the gritty HBO drama Oz was a complete 180-degree turn from his sitcom past. This deliberate choice showcases his range and commitment to dramatic work, a path he continues with his 2025 film, Pursued.

Conversely, Ari Meyers, who played Emma McArdle, chose to leave the acting world entirely. Unlike many child stars who struggle to transition, Meyers prioritized her education and privacy. She has largely disappeared from the public eye, a choice that has allowed her to build a life away from the Hollywood spotlight. This decision to exit the industry is a powerful testament to her personal priorities over the demands of fame.

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Beyond the Brownstone: Why 'Kate & Allie' Remains a Topical Masterpiece

The enduring popularity of Kate & Allie is not just about nostalgia; it’s about the show’s surprisingly modern themes that resonate even in 2025. The series tackled issues that were revolutionary for a 1980s network sitcom, giving it a strong topical authority that few of its contemporaries can match.

The premise itself—two divorced women moving in together to manage their finances and children—was a direct response to the rising divorce rates and the changing definition of the American family in the 1980s. Creator Sherry Coben and director Bill Persky presented a realistic, non-judgmental view of co-parenting that was ahead of its time. The show normalized the idea of a non-traditional family structure in a way that viewers had rarely seen before on a major network like CBS.

Furthermore, the show's focus on the careers of both women was a subtle but significant feminist statement. Kate's evolution from a travel agent to a successful working woman, and Allie's decision to return to college to fulfill her educational dreams, highlighted the importance of female independence and self-determination. This emphasis on personal and professional growth, rather than simply finding a new husband, is a powerful message that continues to feel fresh and relevant in the current television landscape.

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The chemistry between Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James was the engine of this success. Curtin, with her background in sketch comedy from SNL, and Saint James, known for her dramatic work on McMillan & Wife, created a believable, deeply affectionate friendship. Their dynamic proved that a show centered on female relationships could be a massive commercial hit, paving the way for future "best friends" sitcoms. The show’s legacy is a reminder that authentic, well-written stories about women’s lives are always in demand.

The Legacy of Friendship and Future Cast Projects

While a full-scale reboot of Kate & Allie has not been announced as of late 2025, the cast has shown a willingness to reconnect, notably during their 2021 virtual reunion. The enduring bond between the actors is a testament to the positive environment fostered during the show's six-season run.

Fans of the cast can look forward to Jane Curtin’s voice work in the 2025 film Dog Man, a continuation of her prolific and beloved career. Frederick Koehler's appearance in the 2025 film Pursued also ensures that the "Chip Lowell" legacy continues to be felt in modern cinema. The entire cast, whether through activism, directing, or dramatic roles, has managed to build upon the foundation of their iconic 1980s sitcom, proving that the spirit of Kate and Allie—friendship, resilience, and evolution—is alive and well.