5 Shocking New Projects And Health Battles: Where The Cast Of Girlfriends Is Now In 2025

The iconic quartet of friends—Joan, Maya, Lynn, and Toni—who redefined Black female friendship on television are still making major headlines in 2025, 25 years after the show first premiered. This deep dive reveals the latest career moves, entrepreneurial ventures, and personal challenges facing the beloved cast members from the groundbreaking sitcom Girlfriends, proving that their influence extends far beyond their UPN/CW tenure.

As of this current date, December 13, 2025, the cast has experienced a significant year, marked by major career milestones, a highly anticipated reunion for a commercial project, and very personal health revelations. From high fashion runways to new production deals and serious health battles, here is the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at where the stars of Girlfriends are today, maintaining their status as cultural icons and trailblazers.

Tracee Ellis Ross (Joan Carol Clayton)

Tracee Ellis Ross, who played the perpetually anxious and ambitious lawyer Joan Carol Clayton, has arguably had the most high-profile career post-Girlfriends, transitioning from sitcom star to a multi-hyphenate mogul in acting, fashion, and beauty.

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Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Tracee Joy Silberstein
• Character: Joan Carol Clayton, Esq.
• Born: October 29, 1972 (Age 53 in 2025)
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California
• Notable Roles: Dr. Rainbow "Bow" Johnson in Black-ish, Diane Johnson (voice) in Mixed-ish, Dr. Bow Johnson in Grown-ish, and The High Note.
• Other Ventures: Founder and CEO of Pattern Beauty.

The Pattern Beauty Reunion and 2025 Fashion Dominance

Ross’s biggest news in 2025 involves a sweet reunion and a massive business move. Her successful natural haircare line, Pattern Beauty, launched its first national television campaign, which featured a full-circle reunion with her Girlfriends co-stars. The commercial spot, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary, was a major moment for fans and a huge win for her brand, spotlighting textured hair.

Beyond beauty, Ross remains a major force in the fashion world. She made headlines by walking the Marni Fall 2025 Runway during Milan Fashion Week, wearing an electric yellow dress that solidified her status as a style icon. Furthermore, she covered the prestigious Autumn/Winter 2025 Fashion Issue for Marie Claire UK, continuing her streak of high-fashion editorial work.

Golden Brooks (Maya Denise Wilkes)

Golden Brooks, who brought the sharp-witted and often judgmental Maya Wilkes to life, has maintained a steady and diverse acting career across television and film, showing her range well beyond her "Oh, hell no!" catchphrase.

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Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Golden Amani Brooks
• Character: Maya Denise Wilkes
• Born: December 1, 1970 (Age 55 in 2025)
• Hometown: San Francisco, California
• Notable Roles: Starred in the Showtime series Linc's, appeared in *The Darkest Minds*, and had a recurring role in the OWN drama Ambitions.
• Recent TV: Appeared on the popular Starz series Power Book II: Ghost in 2024.

Continuing Her Reign in Dramatic Television

Brooks has successfully transitioned from the comedic world of Girlfriends to more dramatic roles, proving her versatility. Her appearance on *Power Book II: Ghost* in 2024 was a significant update, marking a full-circle moment in her career by taking on a role in a major, contemporary drama series. She continues to reflect on her career and the impact of Girlfriends, often engaging with fans about the show’s legacy. Brooks is actively developing new projects and remains a powerful voice in the entertainment industry, focusing on roles that resonate with truth and honesty.

Persia White (Lynn Ann Searcy)

Persia White, the free-spirited, perpetually unemployed, and highly educated Lynn Ann Searcy, has channeled her on-screen character’s creative energy into behind-the-scenes work, focusing on production and advocacy.

Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Persia Jessica White
• Character: Lynn Ann Searcy
• Born: October 25, 1972 (Age 53 in 2025)
• Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
• Notable Roles: Abby Bennett Wilson in The Vampire Diaries.
• Other Ventures: Musician, producer, and a dedicated animal rights and environmental activist.

A Potential Girlfriends Movie and New Production Ventures

The most exciting news for Girlfriends fans comes directly from White. In 2025, she revealed that the entire ensemble, including series creator Mara Brock Akil, is supportive of a potential *Girlfriends* movie. White stated that "the stars might align" for the project, fueling fan hopes for a big-screen reunion.

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Professionally, White has been focused on her work as a producer and developing her own production company. She expressed excitement about her new venture, hinting that fans might see some familiar faces in her upcoming projects. This move demonstrates her commitment to creating new, engaging content while also maintaining her passion for environmental and animal rights advocacy.

Jill Marie Jones (Antoinette "Toni" Childs-Garrett)

Jill Marie Jones, who played the image-obsessed, high-maintenance, and fiercely loyal Toni Childs-Garrett, has built a solid career in both television and film, often taking on roles in popular genre series and independent projects.

Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Jill Marie Jones
• Character: Antoinette "Toni" Childs-Garrett
• Born: January 7, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
• Hometown: Dallas, Texas
• Notable Roles: Amanda Fisher in Ash vs Evil Dead, Cynthia Irving in Sleepy Hollow, and roles in American Horror Story: Asylum and the OWN legal drama Delilah.
• Previous Career: Former professional dancer and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

Steady Roles and Stage Work

Since departing Girlfriends, Jones has been one of the busiest cast members, consistently securing roles in a variety of genres. Her filmography includes a strong presence in horror and drama, showcasing a darker side than her comedic role as Toni. In 2025, Jones has been involved in promotional work and discussions around her recent projects, including the drama series "Games Women Play," where she has shared her experiences touring and working with the cast.

Jones’s continued work in high-profile series demonstrates her longevity and adaptability in Hollywood, proving that the drive and ambition of Toni Childs-Garrett were qualities she shared with her character.

Reginald C. Hayes (William Jerrowme Dent, Esq.)

Reginald C. Hayes, the sole male lead who played the neurotic, wealthy, and often clueless William Dent, has used his platform to share a very personal and candid look at the health struggles he has faced since the show ended.

Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Reginald C. Hayes
• Character: William Jerrowme Dent, Esq.
• Born: July 15, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
• Notable Roles: Voice work in animated series, and guest roles in various TV shows.
• Post-Girlfriends Struggles: Has been open about battling heart disease and subsequent health issues.

A Candid Health Revelation and Personal Struggle

Hayes's recent updates are perhaps the most personal and poignant of the cast. He has been incredibly open about his health journey, revealing that he has been battling heart disease and suffered a serious health scare in recent years. In interviews, Hayes candidly discussed the "pretty awful years" he faced following the end of Girlfriends, dealing with both professional and personal challenges.

His transparency has resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the realities of life after a major sitcom. While he continues to pursue acting and directing opportunities, his focus on recovery and health advocacy has become a major part of his public life in 2025. Hayes's willingness to share his struggles has offered a powerful, grounded perspective on the cast's current lives, moving beyond the glitz of Hollywood.

The Girlfriends Legacy and Future Reunion Hopes

The 25th anniversary of Girlfriends in 2025 has cemented its status not just as a nostalgic hit, but as a show that remains relevant. The cast’s Pattern Beauty reunion proved that their chemistry is still undeniable, immediately sparking renewed interest in a full-scale return.

With Persia White confirming that a *Girlfriends* movie is a possibility supported by the creator, the conversation has shifted from "if" they will reunite to "when." The individual success of Tracee Ellis Ross, the dramatic turns of Golden Brooks and Jill Marie Jones, the creative ventures of Persia White, and the courageous personal journey of Reginald C. Hayes all contribute to a rich tapestry of post-sitcom careers. Fans remain hopeful that these four dynamic women, and their favorite male counterpart, will grace our screens again to provide the much-needed update on Joan, Maya, Lynn, Toni, and William.