The Ultimate 'Kids Incorporated' Cast Update: Where Are They Now In 2024?

The Disney Channel’s Kids Incorporated remains one of the most significant launching pads for young Hollywood talent from the 1980s and early 1990s, a veritable boot camp of music, acting, and dance that shaped the careers of multiple future superstars. Airing from 1984 to 1993, the children's musical variety show was a cultural touchstone for an entire generation, featuring a rotating cast of talented young performers who sang and danced their way through moral lessons and pop covers.

The enduring curiosity about the cast—who went on to become a Black Eyed Peas frontwoman, a daytime TV host, and a celebrated R&B singer—is a testament to the show's impact. As of late 2024, the former cast members are making headlines in everything from Lifetime movies to Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies, proving their childhood training was a foundation for lasting success.

The Complete Kids Incorporated Cast: Biography and Roles

Kids Incorporated featured a large, revolving cast over its nine-season run, with many actors joining for just a few seasons before moving on to bigger projects. This list focuses on the most prominent and long-running "Kid" cast members:

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• Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson (Stacy): Seasons 1–6 (1984–191)
• Martika (Gloria): Seasons 1–3 (1984–1986)
• Rahsaan Patterson (The Kid/Rahsaan): Seasons 1–3 (1984–1987)
• Renee Sands (Renee): Seasons 1–6 (1984–1991)
• Jerry Sharell (Mickey): Seasons 1–5 (1984–1988)
• Mario Lopez (Mario): Seasons 4–6 (1989–1991)
• Jennifer Love Hewitt (Robin): Seasons 6–7 (1989–1991)
• Eric Balfour (Eric): Season 7 (1991)
• Ryan Lambert (Ryan): Seasons 4–9 (1987–1993)
• Moosie Drier (Riley): The adult cast member who served as the manager of the Kids Inc. club.

This talented ensemble proved that the show was less about the plot and more about showcasing raw, undeniable star power, with a surprising number of them achieving global fame in the years that followed.

From Pop Diva to Prime Time: The Mega-Stars of Kids Inc.

Three names from the Kids Incorporated roster stand out as having achieved the highest level of mainstream celebrity: Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Mario Lopez. Their current careers highlight the diverse paths a child star can take.

Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson: The Pop Icon's Next Chapter

Stacy Ferguson, known simply as Fergie, was one of the original and longest-running cast members, appearing as "Stacy" from 1984 to 1991. The show was instrumental in forming her first major musical group, Wild Orchid, which she co-founded with fellow cast member Renee Sands and Stefanie Ridel immediately after leaving Kids Inc.

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Her career exploded when she joined the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas, achieving multi-platinum success and global fame. In recent years, Fergie has focused on her solo career and personal life. She has been open about her journey to sobriety, using her platform to discuss mental health and recovery. While her music releases have been less frequent in the 2020s, her status as a pop icon remains cemented, and she is often cited as the most famous alumnus of the show.

Mario Lopez: The Undisputed King of Entertainment News

Mario Lopez joined the cast in 1989 as "Mario," a drummer and dancer, shortly before landing his career-defining role as A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell.

In 2024, Lopez is arguably the most consistently visible member of the Kids Incorporated cast. He is best known as a long-time host of the entertainment news program Extra, a role he has held for years. His career is also marked by a continuous stream of acting projects, including his involvement in the Saved by the Bell reboot. A major highlight of his 2024 was the announcement that he would be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in October 2024, a significant career milestone. Furthermore, he is set to star in and executive produce an untitled holiday movie for Lifetime alongside Jana Kramer, keeping his presence strong in the television landscape.

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Jennifer Love Hewitt: The Queen of Prime-Time Drama

Jennifer Love Hewitt was a later addition to the cast, joining in 1989 as "Robin" for seasons six and seven. Her time on the show quickly led to her breakout role as Sarah Reeves on the hit drama Party of Five.

Hewitt has maintained a successful and continuous acting career for over three decades. After starring in films like I Know What You Did Last Summer and TV series like The Client List, her current major role is as Maddie Buckley on the popular Fox procedural drama 9-1-1. Her recent work in 9-1-1 has kept her firmly in the public eye, showcasing her transition from a child performer to a seasoned dramatic actress.

The Hidden Gems: Music, Directing, and Dramatic Transformations

While Fergie, Lopez, and Hewitt grab the biggest headlines, the success stories of the other main cast members are just as compelling, showcasing deep talent in music, R&B, and serious acting.

Rahsaan Patterson: The R&B Vocal Powerhouse

Rahsaan Patterson, who played "The Kid" (later Rahsaan), was a core member in the early seasons. Unlike some of his co-stars who chased pop fame, Patterson forged a highly respected career in the world of R&B and soul music.

Since leaving Kids Incorporated in 1987, he has released seven studio albums, with his music often praised for its vocal complexity and soulful depth. In 2024, Patterson continues to tour and perform, reflecting on his four decades in the industry. His career is a masterclass in establishing topical authority within a specific musical genre, maintaining a devoted fanbase who appreciate his consistent artistic quality.

Martika: The 'Toy Soldiers' Sensation

Martika (Marta Marrero) was another early star, known as "Gloria" from 1984 to 1986. Her career took off spectacularly in the late 1980s with her debut album, which featured the massive international hit single "Toy Soldiers."

After a successful run that included her album Martika's Kitchen (co-written with Prince), Martika took a break from the spotlight. In recent years, she has returned to music, working on new projects and collaborating with other artists. Her legacy remains tied to one of the most memorable pop songs of the era, a track that was famously sampled by rapper Eminem for his 2004 hit "Like Toy Soldiers."

Renee Sands (Sandstrom) and Eric Balfour: Diverse Paths

Renee Sands, who played "Renee" for six seasons, co-founded Wild Orchid with Fergie, achieving moderate success in the late 90s pop scene. Today, Renee Sandstrom-Welles has transitioned into a highly sought-after session singer, specializing in children's music and voice work, demonstrating a continuous, albeit less visible, career in the music industry.

Eric Balfour, a short-lived cast member, has built a prolific career in television and film, known for dramatic roles in shows like 24, Six Feet Under, and Haven. While his most recent major acting credits were in the early 2020s (including the film The Runner), he has also ventured into directing, signing a deal to helm the indie feature Walk to Vegas, proving his versatility behind the camera.

The Kids Incorporated Legacy: More Than Just Nostalgia

The success of the Kids Incorporated cast is unique. Unlike many child stars who struggle to transition, the show’s alumni have achieved success across nearly every facet of the entertainment industry: pop music, R&B, network television, film, and hosting.

The show's 40th anniversary, celebrated with various fan club events in 2024, has kept the conversation alive, highlighting the enduring connection between the cast and their audience. The show’s format—a blend of acting, singing, and dancing—served as an unparalleled training ground, equipping these young performers with the skills and discipline needed for long-term careers. The lasting impact of Kids Incorporated isn't just a nostalgic footnote; it’s a living history of how a children’s show on the Disney Channel launched a generation of genuine, enduring superstars.