The iconic cast of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is back in the spotlight after an emotional 30th-anniversary celebration. Released in 1993, the film remains a beloved classic, and as of December 2025, fan excitement is at an all-time high following a surprise reunion and concrete updates on the long-awaited sequel, Sister Act 3. The blend of Whoopi Goldberg’s comedic genius and the raw musical talent of the young choir—particularly Lauryn Hill and Ryan Toby—cemented its place in pop culture history, leading to a new wave of curiosity about where the stars are today.
The biggest news for fans came in mid-2024 when Whoopi Goldberg, as host of *The View*, orchestrated a spectacular 30th-anniversary reunion. Many of the original student choir members, including Ryan Toby (Ahmal) and David Kater (Albert), joined the stage to perform a rousing rendition of their signature song, "Joyful, Joyful." This recent, high-profile event has brought the entire cast back into the public conversation, revealing new details about their current lives and careers.
The Complete 'Sister Act 2' Cast: Biography and Key Roles
Sister Act 2 brought back the core sisterhood while introducing a new generation of talent at St. Francis High School. Here is a look at the main cast members, their roles, and a snapshot of their careers:
- Whoopi Goldberg (Deloris Van Cartier / Sister Mary Clarence): An EGOT winner and one of the few performers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She has been a co-host of the daytime talk show *The View* since 2007.
- Kathy Najimy (Sister Mary Patrick): Known for her high-energy, cheerful nun. She is a veteran actress and activist, famous for roles in *Hocus Pocus* and providing the voice of Peggy Hill in the animated series *King of the Hill*.
- Wendy Makkena (Sister Mary Robert): The shy, quiet postulant who finds her voice through music. Makkena has had a long career in television, with roles on *NCIS* and *The Mob Doctor*.
- Lauryn Hill (Rita Watson): The rebellious but immensely talented lead singer of the high school choir. Following the film, Hill became a global music superstar with The Fugees and her seminal solo album, *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill*.
- Ryan Toby (Ahmal): The student with the incredible high tenor voice in "Joyful, Joyful." Toby is a successful singer-songwriter and producer, having worked with artists like Usher and Mary J. Blige.
- Alanna Ubach (Maria): The outspoken, diminutive student who often provided comic relief. Ubach has since become a major voice actress and character actress, notably as Mamá Imelda in Disney/Pixar's *Coco* and as Suze in the HBO series *Euphoria*.
- Sheryl Lee Ralph (Florence Watson): Rita’s overprotective mother who initially pulls her out of the choir. Ralph is a celebrated Broadway and screen actress, currently starring as Barbara Howard in the hit comedy series *Abbott Elementary*.
- Maggie Smith (Reverend Mother): The stern but ultimately supportive Mother Superior. Dame Maggie Smith is a two-time Academy Award winner, most recently known for her role as Violet Crawley in *Downton Abbey*.
- James Coburn (Mr. Crisp): The corrupt administrator trying to shut down the school. Coburn was an Oscar winner who passed away in 2002.
- Mary Wickes (Sister Mary Lazarus): The no-nonsense nun in charge of the choir. Wickes was a character actress legend who passed away in 1995.
The 30th Anniversary Reunion and The Power of "Joyful, Joyful"
The emotional reunion in June 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the film’s lasting impact. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie's release, Whoopi Goldberg gathered a large group of the original student cast members on *The View*.
The highlight was a full-scale performance of "Joyful, Joyful," the film's climactic, gospel-infused rendition of Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy." The performance was a viral sensation, showcasing that the cast's vocal chemistry remains intact three decades later.
During the reunion, actor Ryan Toby, who played Ahmal, gave a touching interview about the experience, while David Kater (Albert) revealed that Whoopi Goldberg had even staged a special graduation ceremony for the young cast when filming wrapped.
This reunion not only satisfied fan nostalgia but also underscored the film's themes of community, finding your voice, and the transformative power of music, which are still highly relevant today. It was a perfect setup for the news that followed regarding the franchise's future.
Where Are They Now? The Cast's Latest and Upcoming Projects (2025)
While the reunion was a nostalgic look back, the cast members have all continued to build impressive careers. Their current and upcoming projects demonstrate their continued relevance in Hollywood:
The Return of the Sisterhood
The core trio of nuns—Deloris, Sister Mary Patrick, and Sister Mary Robert—are busier than ever, and a potential return to the habit is on the horizon.
- Whoopi Goldberg: She continues to anchor *The View* and is the driving force behind the development of Sister Act 3 for Disney+. As of the latest updates, Goldberg has seen the script, and the film is confirmed to be in development, with Tyler Perry producing.
- Kathy Najimy: Fans of her other major franchise, *Hocus Pocus*, can look forward to seeing her reprise her role as Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus 3, which is slated for a 2025 Disney+ release. She is also back voicing Peggy Hill in the highly anticipated revival of *King of the Hill*.
- Wendy Makkena: The actress who played Sister Mary Robert is also rumored to be involved in *Sister Act 3*, though official casting has not been finalized. Makkena recently attended film festivals for her latest projects, maintaining a steady career in independent and television work.
The Student Choir: Music, Emmys, and Hollywood Success
The young cast of *Sister Act 2* has gone on to achieve major success in music, television, and film, proving the choir was a true launching pad.
- Lauryn Hill: The actress who played Rita remains a music icon. Ms. Lauryn Hill is actively touring in 2025, performing her classic hits to sold-out arenas worldwide. Her influence on hip-hop and R&B remains immeasurable.
- Sheryl Lee Ralph: Her career reached new heights with her Emmy-winning role as the veteran teacher Barbara Howard in ABC's *Abbott Elementary*. Her continued success makes her one of the most celebrated members of the original cast.
- Ryan Toby: The man who hit the famous high note now focuses on his music career. Ryan Toby has been teasing new music and is actively working as a songwriter and producer, having contributed to multiple platinum-selling albums.
- Alanna Ubach: Ubach has one of the most successful post-*Sister Act 2* careers in Hollywood, with a steady stream of film and television roles, including the critically acclaimed film *Bombshell* and a prominent role in the popular series *Euphoria*.
The Future: What to Expect from 'Sister Act 3' on Disney+
The development of *Sister Act 3* is the most significant news for fans of the franchise. Whoopi Goldberg has repeatedly confirmed that the film is moving forward, with the latest updates indicating the script has been delivered. The sequel is planned as a major release for the Disney+ streaming service.
While details are scarce, the film will likely see Deloris Van Cartier return to her roots, possibly to help a new generation of musicians or to save another school. The widespread success of the 30th-anniversary reunion has only fueled speculation that many of the original student actors, including Lauryn Hill, Ryan Toby, and Alanna Ubach, could make cameo appearances or reprise their roles, bridging the 1993 classic with the modern era. With Tyler Perry's involvement and Whoopi Goldberg's commitment, the next chapter in the *Sister Act* saga is finally closer to becoming a reality.
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