The Surprising Lives Of The 'Kate & Allie' Cast: Who Became A Nurse, Who Is Still On TV, And The 2024 Streaming News

Decades after the final episode aired, the cast of the groundbreaking 1980s sitcom Kate & Allie continues to fascinate fans, especially with recent updates on their unexpected career paths and the show’s sudden return to the public eye. As of late 2024, the classic series about two divorced best friends raising their children together in New York City is experiencing a massive resurgence, making its entire library available for streaming for the very first time.

This renewed interest brings with it a natural curiosity: what happened to the stars who defined the modern single-mom narrative? From Emmy-winning legends to child stars who completely left Hollywood, the post-show lives of the Kate & Allie cast are full of surprising twists, including one beloved daughter who traded the bright lights of acting for a career in nursing. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at the full cast and their current status.

Full Cast & Character Biographies: Where Are They Now?

The core cast of Kate & Allie was small but mighty, featuring two powerhouse lead actresses and three talented child stars who grew up on screen. The show, which ran on CBS from 1984 to 1989, was a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Emmy Awards and setting a new standard for female-led sitcoms.

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• Jane Curtin (Allison "Allie" Lowell/Barsky): Born September 6, 1947, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Curtin was already a comedy icon from her time as an original cast member on Saturday Night Live. She played the more organized, neurotic, and traditional Allie Lowell, a divorced mother of two. She won two Emmy Awards for her performance on the show.
• Susan Saint James (Katherine "Kate" McArdle): Born August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. Saint James portrayed the free-spirited, impulsive, and career-focused Kate McArdle, Allie’s best friend and a divorced mother of one. She was known for her work in the 1960s and 70s on shows like The Name of the Game and McMillan & Wife.
• Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle): Born April 6, 1969, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Meyers played Kate's daughter, Emma, the thoughtful and often wiser-than-her-years teen. She was a key part of the show's dynamic as the eldest child.
• Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell): Born December 9, 1969, in New York City. Smith played Allie's daughter, Jennie, a bright and energetic girl. Before Kate & Allie, she was known for her role as Annie on Broadway, replacing Sarah Jessica Parker.
• Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell): Born June 16, 1975, in Valley Hills, California. Koehler played Allie's son, Chip, the youngest of the children. He was a child actor who continued his career into adulthood.

Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James: A Legacy of Friendship

The success of Kate & Allie was entirely dependent on the chemistry between its two leads, Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James. Their natural, believable rapport made the show a hit, and their post-show lives, while different, reflect their enduring status in Hollywood history.

Jane Curtin's Resurgence in Modern Comedy

Jane Curtin, who played the more reserved Allie, has enjoyed a continuous and successful career, proving her comedic timing is timeless. Following Kate & Allie, she starred in the hit sci-fi comedy 3rd Rock from the Sun and later in the sitcom Unforgettable.

In recent years, Curtin has seen a noticeable resurgence, becoming a beloved supporting figure in new-generation comedies. Her most current and notable roles include playing the grandmother in the Pete Davidson series Bupkis and starring alongside Ben Kingsley in the 2023 film Jules. Curtin’s ability to transition from sketch comedy to sitcoms and then to film showcases her versatility, cementing her as a true legend of American television. Her ongoing work, even as of 2024/2025, ensures she remains a constant presence in the entertainment landscape.

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Susan Saint James: Stepping Away for Family

In contrast to Curtin’s continuous career, Susan Saint James, who embodied the vibrant Kate, chose a different path after the series ended. Saint James largely stepped away from the acting world to focus on her family, raising five children. While she has taken on occasional roles, her focus shifted dramatically away from the demands of Hollywood. This decision reflects the very themes of the show—prioritizing family and a life outside of traditional career pressures. Her near-retirement and dedication to her personal life is a significant part of her post-Kate & Allie story, offering a fascinating counterpoint to her on-screen best friend.

The Child Stars: From Hollywood to Unexpected Careers

Perhaps the most compelling stories belong to the three child actors who played the daughters, Emma and Jennie, and the son, Chip. Their post-show careers took wildly divergent paths, highlighting the unpredictable nature of child stardom.

The Surprising Career of Ari Meyers: A Nurse’s Calling

The most unique and unexpected career change belongs to Ari Meyers, who played Kate’s daughter, Emma McArdle. After leaving Hollywood, Meyers made a profound and admirable switch, choosing a career in healthcare. She is confirmed to have become a registered nurse. This move from a high-profile acting career to a demanding, hands-on medical profession is a remarkable testament to her dedication and desire for a life outside of the spotlight. For fans who remember her as the thoughtful teen on the show, the news of her current profession as a nurse provides a fascinating, full-circle moment, proving that a life of service was her true calling.

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Allison Smith and Frederick Koehler: Continuing the Craft

Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell) has maintained a career in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talents as an actress, singer, writer, and director. After Kate & Allie, she continued to act in television and film, including guest roles on shows like The West Wing. Her experience, which began on Broadway as the title character in Annie, has allowed her to pursue a variety of creative endeavors, keeping her actively involved in the arts.

Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell) also transitioned successfully into an adult acting career, primarily as a character actor. He is perhaps best known to modern audiences for his chilling and intense dramatic roles, such as Andrew Schillinger on the HBO prison drama Oz. Koehler’s ability to shed his image as the sweet, young Chip and take on complex, darker roles demonstrates his significant range and dedication to his craft. He has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including *Death Race* and *Ghost Whisperer*.

The Show's Modern Relevance: Streaming, Reboot, and Reunion

The legacy of Kate & Allie is not just confined to the 1980s; it continues to evolve with modern media. This recent activity is what makes the show's cast and story so relevant today.

Streaming and the 2024 Resurgence

In a major development for fans and a huge boost to the show’s current profile, the entire series became available for streaming on The Roku Channel in August 2024. This marks the first time the show has been widely accessible for binge-watching, introducing the classic sitcom to a new generation of viewers who appreciate its themes of co-parenting, female friendship, and navigating life after divorce. The streaming release is a key reason for the renewed interest in the cast's lives.

The NBC Reboot Status

In early 2021, news broke that a reboot of Kate & Allie was in development at NBC, with a "put pilot" order, signaling a strong commitment from the network. The proposed reboot was set to focus on two new best friends—one a conservative, and the other a progressive—who decide to move in together after their respective husbands leave them. However, as of late 2024, there has been no further concrete news or production updates on the project. While the initial announcement sparked excitement, the lack of recent movement suggests the reboot may be stalled or has been quietly abandoned, a common fate for many announced television remakes.

The Cast Reunion

Fans were treated to a heartwarming reunion in June 2021 when the entire main cast—Jane Curtin, Susan Saint James, Ari Meyers, Allison Smith, and Frederick Koehler—came together for a virtual event called "Stars in the House." This reunion provided a rare glimpse into their enduring bond and allowed them to share behind-the-scenes memories and updates on their lives, further fueling the show's enduring legacy as a beloved piece of television history.