The Best Man franchise, which began with the seminal 1999 film and concluded (for now) with the 2022-2023 limited series The Best Man: Final Chapters, created a cultural touchstone that redefined Black ensemble cinema. More than two decades later, the core cast remains one of the most recognizable and successful groups in Hollywood, proving that their chemistry extends far beyond Harper, Jordan, Lance, and Mia.
As of December 2025, the stars have scattered across major networks, streaming platforms, and blockbuster films, with a slate of new projects that are just as compelling as the drama they brought to the screen. From crime thrillers to major biopics and hotly anticipated TV series, here is the definitive, up-to-date look at what the actors from the beloved *Best Man* universe are doing now.
The Core Eight: Biographies and Explosive New Career Updates (2024–2025)
The original ensemble cast, who have maintained their roles across all three installments (The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday, and The Best Man: Final Chapters), continues to dominate film and television. Their individual career trajectories showcase a remarkable blend of dramatic depth and comedic timing.
Taye Diggs (Harper Stewart)
- Full Name: Scott Leo Diggs
- Born: January 2, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Harper Stewart, the aspiring writer whose debut novel threatens to reveal his friends' secrets.
- Notable Projects: Rent (Broadway), Private Practice, All American, Murder in the First.
- Latest Projects (2024–2025): Diggs continues his prolific television work. In 2024, he starred in the TV movie Terry McMillan Presents: Forever. Looking ahead to 2025, he is set to star opposite Lesley-Ann Brandt in the Lifetime project His, Hers and Ours, which is part of an expanded universe based on author Terry McMillan’s works.
Nia Long (Jordan Armstrong)
- Full Name: Nia Talita Long
- Born: October 30, 1970 (Age 55 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Jordan Armstrong, the successful television executive and Harper's on-again, off-again love interest.
- Notable Projects: Love Jones, Soul Food, Boyz n the Hood, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
- Latest Projects (2024–2026): Long has secured a major, high-profile role. She is set to portray Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson, in the eagerly anticipated 2026 Lionsgate biopic, Michael. This follows her recent appearances in 2023's You People and the thriller Missing.
Morris Chestnut (Lance Sullivan)
- Full Name: Morris Lamont Chestnut
- Born: January 1, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Lance Sullivan, the professional football player and Harper's best friend.
- Notable Projects: Boyz n the Hood, The Resident, Rosewood, Ladder 49.
- Latest Projects (2024–2025): Chestnut is the star of a brand-new CBS series, Watson, which is scheduled to premiere in 2025. This series re-imagines the character of Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes' famed partner, as a contemporary medical doctor solving mysteries. In 2024, he also appeared in the action-packed third season of Amazon's Reacher and the film The Zone.
Sanaa Lathan (Robyn)
- Full Name: Sanaa McCoy Lathan
- Born: September 19, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Robyn, Harper's long-suffering, yet ultimately supportive, girlfriend and eventual wife.
- Notable Projects: Love & Basketball, Alien vs. Predator, Succession, The Affair.
- Latest Projects (2024): Lathan is starring in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the acclaimed novel, The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, which is slated for release in 2024. This project highlights her continued focus on meaningful, character-driven roles in both film and streaming television.
Regina Hall (Candy)
- Full Name: Regina Lee Hall
- Born: December 12, 1970 (Age 55 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Candace "Candy" Sparks, the former stripper who becomes Julian's wife.
- Notable Projects: Scary Movie franchise, Girls Trip, Support the Girls, Nine Perfect Strangers.
- Latest Projects (2025+): Hall, known for her incredible comedic range, has teased a potential return to one of her most iconic roles. She has publicly hinted that there is a possibility of reprising her role as Brenda Meeks in a sequel, Scary Movie 6. Additionally, she has been active as a producer, further expanding her influence in Hollywood.
Terrence Howard (Quentin Spivey)
- Full Name: Terrence Dashon Howard
- Born: March 11, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Quentin Spivey, the outspoken, often controversial, and fiercely loyal friend.
- Notable Projects: Hustle & Flow, Iron Man, Empire, Crash.
- Latest Projects (2024–2025): Howard continues to take on diverse film roles. His upcoming schedule includes the 2025 movie BFFs and the 2024 films Crescent City and Shirley. Despite his controversial comments about leaving acting, his filmography shows a continued output of compelling work.
Harold Perrineau (Julian Murch)
- Full Name: Harold Perrineau Jr.
- Born: August 7, 1963 (Age 62 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Julian Murch, the reserved, moral center of the group.
- Notable Projects: Lost, Oz, The Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions, Romeo + Juliet.
- Latest Projects (2024): Perrineau is currently the star of the hit horror-mystery series, From, which returned for its third season in 2024. His performance in this critically acclaimed show has solidified his standing as a leading man in the prestige television space.
Melissa De Sousa (Shelby)
- Full Name: Melissa De Sousa
- Born: September 25, 1967 (Age 58 in 2025)
- Role in Franchise: Shelby, the high-maintenance, unfiltered, and wealthy friend.
- Notable Projects: Miss Congeniality, Single Ladies, Black Lightning.
- Latest Projects (2024): De Sousa made a notable guest appearance in 2024 on the Peacock drama series Bel-Air, the dramatic reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her work continues to balance between film and television, often bringing her signature sharp-tongued wit to her characters.
The Enduring Legacy of the Ensemble Cast
The success of the *Best Man* films and the limited series, which collectively grossed over $100 million, is a testament to the undeniable chemistry of this specific group of actors. The franchise's creator, Malcolm D. Lee, managed to capture a genuine dynamic that resonated deeply with audiences, exploring complex themes of friendship, marriage, betrayal, and midlife crises.
The final chapter, which premiered on Peacock, gave fans a sense of closure, but the bond between the actors remains strong. Their willingness to return to the roles of Harper, Jordan, Lance, and the rest of the crew over two decades is rare in Hollywood and speaks to the importance of the project in their lives and in Black cinema history.
Will There Be More? The Future of The Best Man Franchise
Following the emotional conclusion of *The Best Man: The Final Chapters*, the question remains: is this truly the end? While the limited series was billed as the final installment, the door may not be completely closed.
Regina Hall, in a recent interview, hinted that the story's enduring resonance and the cast's connection could potentially lead to another project. Hall stated that there might be "room for one last project in the franchise," suggesting that the audience's appetite for these characters remains strong enough to warrant a future reunion. Director Malcolm D. Lee has also discussed the impact of the franchise, noting that the stories still resonate with a wide audience.
For now, fans can enjoy the cast's incredible individual work in 2024 and 2025. Whether it's Morris Chestnut's turn as a modern Dr. Watson, Nia Long's role in a major music biopic, or Harold Perrineau's continued success in the horror genre, the stars of *The Best Man* are all proving that their best chapters are still being written.
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