The Shocking Truth: 12 Charles In Charge Cast Members Then And Now—Where Are They In 2025?

For a beloved 80s sitcom that ran for five seasons, the lives of the *Charles in Charge* cast have taken some truly unexpected and dramatic turns in the decades since the show’s 1990 finale. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the biggest news surrounding the cast is a stark contrast to the lighthearted family comedy that made them famous, with significant allegations and a major career pivot for one of its stars dominating the headlines. The series, which originally aired on CBS before being revived in first-run syndication, is famously known for having two entirely different families for Charles (Scott Baio) to look after: the Pembrokes in Season 1, and the Powells from Season 2 onward. Only Scott Baio and Willie Aames returned for the syndicated revival, setting the stage for one of television's most dramatic cast shake-ups. This deep dive reveals the complete cast and their current lives, including the recent controversies that have brought the show back into the public eye.

The Complete Charles in Charge Cast and Biography Profiles

The ensemble cast of *Charles in Charge* spanned two distinct families, which gives the show a unique place in TV history. Here is a look at the key players from both the original and syndicated runs, and what they are best known for.

• Scott Baio (Charles)
  • Role: Charles, the college student who serves as the live-in housekeeper and male nanny, or "man-nanny," for the family.
  • Biography: Born September 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. Rose to fame as Chachi Arcola on *Happy Days* and its spin-off *Joanie Loves Chachi* before landing the lead role in *Charles in Charge*. His career has been marked by acting, directing, and later, political activism.
• Willie Aames (Buddy Lembeck)
  • Role: Buddy Lembeck, Charles' best friend, a goofy and often girl-crazy college student.
  • Biography: Born July 15, 1960, in Newport Beach, California. Known for his roles on *Eight Is Enough* and *Charles in Charge*. After his acting career, he became a Christian author, director, and producer, and even spent time as a cruise ship director.
• Nicole Eggert (Jamie Powell)
  • Role: Jamie Powell, the eldest and most rebellious of the Powell children in the syndicated run (Seasons 2–5).
  • Biography: Born January 13, 1972, in Glendale, California. A former child actress, she is also famous for her role as Summer Quinn on *Baywatch* and has appeared on various reality TV shows, including *Celebrity Fit Club* and *Splash*.
• Josie Davis (Sarah Powell)
  • Role: Sarah Powell, the bookish, middle Powell sister (Seasons 2–5).
  • Biography: Born January 16, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. After *Charles in Charge*, she continued acting with prominent roles on *Beverly Hills, 90210* and various television movies.
• Alexander Polinsky (Adam Powell)
  • Role: Adam Powell, the youngest Powell child (Seasons 2–5).
  • Biography: Born October 7, 1974, in California. He is a prolific voice actor, known for roles in animated series like *Teen Titans* and *Ben 10*.
• Ellen Travolta (Lillian Powell)
  • Role: Lillian Powell, the Powell family's maternal grandmother who lives with them (Seasons 2–5).
  • Biography: Born October 6, 1939, in Englewood, New Jersey. She is the older sister of actor John Travolta and previously played Scott Baio’s mother on *Happy Days* and *Joanie Loves Chachi*.
• The Pembroke Family (Season 1 Only)
  • Julie Cobb: Jill Pembroke, the mother.
  • James Widdoes: Stan Pembroke, the father.
  • April Lerman: Lila Pembroke, the eldest daughter.
  • Jonathan Ward: Douglas Pembroke, the middle son.
  • Michael Pearlman: Jason Pembroke, the youngest son.

The Darkest Headlines: Allegations Against the Sitcom's Star

The wholesome image of the 1980s sitcom has been shattered in recent years by serious and sensitive allegations made by two of its former child stars against lead actor Scott Baio. The first public accusation came from Nicole Eggert (Jamie Powell), who claimed that Scott Baio molested her while they worked together on the show, starting when she was 14 years old. Baio has vehemently denied these claims. In a separate, but related, incident, Alexander Polinsky (Adam Powell) also came forward with his own accusations against Baio. Polinsky accused his former co-star of physical assault, mental abuse, and sexual harassment that occurred between the ages of 12 and 15 while on the set of *Charles in Charge*. These allegations from two different former child actors from the show's main cast have created a major, ongoing controversy that continues to define the series' legacy in the public eye as of late 2024.

Where Are They Now? The Cast’s Surprising 2025 Careers

Beyond the controversies, many cast members have quietly built successful careers in entirely different fields, demonstrating a remarkable ability to pivot after their time in the spotlight.

Willie Aames and Scott Baio: A Complicated Reunion

Despite the public drama, the friendship between Charles and Buddy has endured. Scott Baio and Willie Aames have maintained a relationship, even having a public dinner reunion, which Aames described as a catch-up between two old friends. Aames has successfully transitioned his career away from acting. He is now an active film and television director, producer, and screenwriter, adding new credits to his resume as recently as 2024.

From Child Star to Automotive Entrepreneur

One of the most surprising career shifts belongs to Jonathan Ward, who played Douglas Pembroke in the single-season original cast. Ward is now a highly respected figure in the automotive world. He is the founder and CEO of ICON 4x4, a company famous for creating bespoke, high-end custom vehicles, including modernized classic cars and trucks. His work in design and engineering has completely eclipsed his brief acting career, making him a major figure in a niche, high-value industry.

Behind the Camera Successes

Several other cast members found success working behind the scenes. James Widdoes, who played Stan Pembroke in the first season, is now an accomplished and prolific television director. He has directed hundreds of episodes of popular sitcoms, including major hits like *Two and a Half Men* and *Mom*, establishing himself as a powerhouse in multi-camera comedy direction.

The Powell Sisters: Acting and Advocacy

Josie Davis (Sarah Powell) has remained active in the entertainment industry, taking on roles in numerous television movies and films in recent years. In a move that garnered attention for its honesty, Davis recently spoke out about the reality of being a child star in the syndicated era, revealing that she received a paltry sum of just $6 in residuals for 104 episodes of the hit sitcom, shining a light on actors' financial struggles long after a show ends. Meanwhile, Nicole Eggert has continued to act and has been a prominent figure in the ongoing public conversation surrounding her allegations.

The Retired and Private Lives

Many of the original cast members have stepped away from the spotlight entirely. April Lerman (Lila Pembroke) retired from acting shortly after her time on the show and has remained out of the public eye. Michael Pearlman (Jason Pembroke) also left acting and is now a journalist and family man living in Wyoming. Sandra Kerns (Ellen Powell) is a retired American actress who left the industry after the 1980s. Finally, James T. Callahan (Walter Powell) sadly passed away in 2007 at the age of 76. The legacy of *Charles in Charge* remains complex. While the series is remembered fondly by many for its comedic premise and catchy theme song, the recent, serious news about the cast has forced fans to re-evaluate the show through a modern lens, making the question of "Where are they now?" more compelling and necessary than ever.