The Royal Reunion: Where Is The Cinderella 1997 Cast Now? (2024 Updates)

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, the groundbreaking 1997 television musical, remains one of the most beloved and culturally significant adaptations of the classic fairy tale. Twenty-seven years after its premiere on ABC’s *The Wonderful World of Disney*, the film is still celebrated for its diverse casting, stunning musical numbers, and the unforgettable performances of its legendary ensemble. As of late 2024, the stars of this iconic film continue to make headlines, with some even reuniting for a magical new chapter in the Disney universe.

The film, which was executive produced by and starred the late, great Whitney Houston, shattered barriers and introduced a generation to a Cinderella who looked like them, played by the talented Brandy Norwood. This article dives deep into the lives and careers of the main cast members, providing the absolute latest updates on their projects, awards, and where they are now in December 2024.

The Royal Ensemble: Cinderella 1997 Cast and Their Biographies

The 1997 musical was a star-studded affair, blending R&B legends, Broadway icons, and Hollywood heavyweights. Here is a complete look at the main cast and their profiles.

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• Brandy Norwood (Cinderella):
  • Born: February 11, 1979 (McComb, Mississippi)
  • Role: Cinderella
  • Known For: *Moesha* (TV Series), *The Boy Is Mine* (Song), *Double Platinum* (Album), *Queens* (TV Series)
• Whitney Houston (Fairy Godmother):
  • Born: August 9, 1963 (Newark, New Jersey)
  • Died: February 11, 2012 (Beverly Hills, California)
  • Role: Fairy Godmother
  • Known For: *The Bodyguard* (Film), *I Will Always Love You* (Song), *Waiting to Exhale* (Film), six-time Grammy Award winner.
• Paolo Montalban (Prince Christopher):
  • Born: May 21, 1973 (Manila, Philippines)
  • Role: Prince Christopher (Prince Charming)
  • Known For: Broadway's *Pacific Overtures*, *Mortal Kombat: Conquest* (TV Series), *The King and I* (Broadway revival).
• Bernadette Peters (Stepmother):
  • Born: February 28, 1948 (Ozone Park, New York)
  • Role: Stepmother (Cinderella's Stepmother)
  • Known For: Broadway legend, *Annie Get Your Gun*, *Gypsy*, *Mozart in the Jungle* (TV Series), three-time Tony Award winner.
• Whoopi Goldberg (Queen Constantina):
  • Born: November 13, 1955 (New York City, New York)
  • Role: Queen Constantina
  • Known For: EGOT winner, *The Color Purple*, *Ghost*, *Sister Act*, co-host of *The View*.
• Victor Garber (King Maximillian):
  • Born: March 16, 1949 (London, Ontario, Canada)
  • Role: King Maximillian
  • Known For: *Titanic*, *Alias* (TV Series), *Argo*, *DC's Legends of Tomorrow* (TV Series).
• Jason Alexander (Lionel):
  • Born: September 23, 1959 (Newark, New Jersey)
  • Role: Lionel (The King's Steward)
  • Known For: *Seinfeld* (TV Series), Broadway's *Jerome Robbins' Broadway* (Tony Award winner), voice work.
• Veanne Cox (Calliope):
  • Born: January 19, 1963 (Norfolk, Virginia)
  • Role: Calliope (Stepsister)
  • Known For: Broadway's *Company*, *Erin Brockovich* (Film), *You've Got Mail* (Film).
• Natalie Desselle-Reid (Minerva):
  • Born: July 12, 1967 (Alexandria, Louisiana)
  • Died: December 7, 2020 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Role: Minerva (Stepsister)
  • Known For: *B.A.P.S.* (Film), *Eve* (TV Series), *Madea's Big Happy Family* (Film).

The Royal Reunion: Brandy and Paolo Montalban in 2024

The biggest and most exciting news for fans of the 1997 musical is the magical reunion of Cinderella and her Prince. Brandy Norwood and Paolo Montalban are officially reprising their iconic roles as Cinderella and King Charming in the Disney+ original film, *Descendants: The Rise of Red*, and the upcoming animated series, *Descendants: Wicked Wonderland*.

This reunion, which was a major talking point in 2024, marks the first time the pair have officially returned to the royal roles in over two decades, much to the delight of the *Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella* fanbase.

Beyond the glass slipper, both actors have kept busy with new projects:

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• Brandy Norwood: The multi-platinum singer and actress is expanding her repertoire into the horror genre. She is starring in the highly anticipated A24 horror film, *The Front Room*, which is slated for release in 2024. She has also continued her music career, reminding fans of her enduring legacy in R&B.
• Paolo Montalban: The Filipino-American actor has maintained a strong presence in theater and television. His return as King Charming is a highlight of his recent career, following his work in various stage productions and television appearances.

Broadway Icons and Hollywood Legends: Current Projects & Tributes

The supporting cast of *Cinderella 1997* was a powerhouse of talent, and many of its members are still dominating the stage and screen in 2024. The film’s topical authority is bolstered by the continued success and recognition of its ensemble.

Bernadette Peters (The Stepmother)

The legendary Bernadette Peters, who brought a delightful blend of menace and musicality to the Stepmother role, is enjoying a year of major accolades and a return to her roots. In 2024, Peters was named the recipient of the prestigious Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theater. This honor celebrates her unparalleled career on Broadway, which is fitting for a star of a Rodgers & Hammerstein production.

Furthermore, Peters is making a highly anticipated return to the Broadway stage after a seven-year absence, with concert dates scheduled throughout 2024 at venues like Carnegie Hall and various regional theaters, showcasing her mastery of Stephen Sondheim's work.

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Whoopi Goldberg (Queen Constantina)

Whoopi Goldberg, an EGOT winner and one of the film's executive producers, remains one of the most visible faces in entertainment. She continues to serve as the moderator and co-host of the long-running talk show, *The View*. In 2024, Goldberg has been a prominent voice in political and social commentary, frequently making headlines for her candid discussions and opinions on current events and the 2024 election cycle.

Victor Garber (King Maximillian)

The distinguished Victor Garber, who played the benevolent King Maximillian, is also being celebrated for his extensive career. In 2024, Garber was honored with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at London's Forest City Film Festival. On screen, he continues to take on roles in various films and television series, cementing his status as a beloved character actor following his work on shows like *Alias* and *Legends of Tomorrow*.

Jason Alexander (Lionel) and Veanne Cox (Calliope)

Jason Alexander, forever known as George Costanza from *Seinfeld*, remains deeply involved in theater. In late 2024, Alexander was in rehearsals for a production of *Fiddler on the Roof* in Los Angeles. He also directed the LA premiere of the play *If I Forget* and starred in the world premiere of the new comedy *Judgment Day*.

Veanne Cox, who played the stepsister Calliope, is also active on both stage and screen. In 2024, she had a role in the hit series *Only Murders in the Building* and the film *The Mandalorian* (2023), proving her versatility across genres from musical fantasy to prestige television.

Remembering the Magic: Whitney Houston and Natalie Desselle-Reid

While the reunion of the living cast brings joy, the film’s legacy is also intertwined with the memory of two incredible talents who have passed away: Whitney Houston and Natalie Desselle-Reid.

Whitney Houston (Fairy Godmother) was not only the star but the driving force behind the film, determined to create a diverse and inclusive vision of the classic story. Her passing in 2012 left a void in the music and film worlds, but her performance of "Impossible/It's Possible" remains one of the most iconic and uplifting moments in *Cinderella 1997*. The film itself serves as a powerful testament to her vision and her role as a producer.

Natalie Desselle-Reid (Stepsister Minerva), the comedic force who played the stepsister Minerva, passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer. Her role in *Cinderella* is often cited alongside her memorable performances in films like *B.A.P.S.* and the TV series *Eve*. Her passing was mourned by her castmates and the wider entertainment community, with many tributes honoring her infectious energy and comedic timing.

The enduring popularity of *Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella* is a tribute to the collective genius of this diverse and talented ensemble. The 2024 reunion of Brandy and Paolo Montalban, combined with the continued success of the rest of the cast, ensures that the magic of this 1997 masterpiece continues to captivate new generations.