5 Ginny & Georgia Stars You Didn't Know Were Degrassi Alumni: The Shocking Canadian Casting Pipeline

The crossover you never expected is the one that defines an entire cast. If you’ve been watching *Ginny & Georgia* since its premiere, you might have felt an undeniable sense of familiarity with some of the show's most prominent faces, especially within the formidable MANG friend group. The reason for this déjà vu, as of the latest updates in December 2025, is a deep-seated connection to the Canadian teen drama institution: *Degrassi*. This isn't just a coincidence; it's a deliberate casting pipeline that has brought some of the most recognizable alumni from *Degrassi: The Next Generation* and *Degrassi: Next Class* directly into the heart of Wellsbury's drama, including a major update on the highly anticipated Ginny & Georgia Season 3.

The shared heritage between the two shows, both filmed in Canada, has created an incredible Easter egg for long-time fans. With *Ginny & Georgia* Season 3 officially set to premiere on Netflix on June 5, 2025, now is the perfect time to explore the definitive list of actors who jumped from the halls of Degrassi Community School to the picturesque, yet murderous, town of Wellsbury, Massachusetts.

Meet the Degrassi-to-Wellsbury Alumni: Full Biography Profiles

The most prominent connection lies in three of the show’s central young stars, whose careers were launched playing complex, long-running characters in the *Degrassi* universe. Their transition to *Ginny & Georgia* sees them take on equally layered roles, proving their dramatic range.

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Sara Waisglass: Maxine "Max" Baker

• Full Name: Sara Waisglass
• Date of Birth: July 3, 1998
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Ginny & Georgia Role: Maxine "Max" Baker, Ginny's best friend, twin sister to Marcus, and co-founder of the MANG friend group. She is known for her vibrant, theatrical personality and dramatic storylines.
• Degrassi Role: Frankie Hollingsworth in Degrassi: The Next Generation and Degrassi: Next Class (2013–2017). Frankie was a popular, often troubled student whose storylines dealt with issues like racism, body image, and navigating complex relationships.
• Career Snapshot: Waisglass began her professional acting career at the age of nine. Her work on *Degrassi* was a major breakout, winning her a Young Entertainer Award in 2016. Her role as Max has cemented her status as a young star.

Chelsea Clark: Norah

• Full Name: Chelsea Clark
• Date of Birth: May 5, 1998
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Ginny & Georgia Role: Norah, the 'N' in the MANG friend group. While Norah often serves as a supporting character, she is a loyal and core member of the friend circle.
• Degrassi Role: Esme Song in Degrassi: Next Class. Esme was a highly memorable character known for her manipulative tendencies and deeply complex mental health storylines, making her one of the most unpredictable students at Degrassi.
• Career Snapshot: Clark is a Canadian actress who studied at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Her portrayal of Esme Song was a breakout role, showcasing her ability to handle intense, dramatic material, a sharp contrast to her more lighthearted role in *Ginny & Georgia*.

Raymond Ablack: Joe

• Full Name: Raymond Ablack
• Date of Birth: November 12, 1989
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Ginny & Georgia Role: Joe, the owner of Blue Farm Café and a long-time, unrequited love interest for Georgia Miller. His character provides a grounded, stable presence in the chaotic world of the Millers.
• Degrassi Role: Sav Bhandari in Degrassi: The Next Generation. Sav was a beloved character known for his musical talent, his struggles with cultural expectations, and his relationships, including a stint as Student Council President.
• Career Snapshot: Ablack began his career as a child actor, notably performing as Young Simba in *The Lion King* on stage. Since his time on *Degrassi*, he has had major roles in other popular series like *Shadowhunters* and *Narcos*. His return to a beloved character in *Ginny & Georgia* has been a highlight for fans.

The Unexpected Degrassi Cameos and Adult Connections

The Canadian casting connection extends far beyond the teenage friend group, reaching into the adult cast and providing delightful, blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameos. This deep bench of Canadian talent is what truly solidifies the *Ginny & Georgia* set as a reunion for the Canadian acting community, especially for those who grew up on the *Degrassi* franchise.

Jennifer Robertson: Ellen Baker

Ellen Baker, Max and Marcus's mother and Georgia's friendly neighbor, is played by the hilarious and talented Jennifer Robertson. While her role as Ellen is a major part of the *Ginny & Georgia* ensemble, her connection to the *Degrassi* universe is a surprising one. Robertson played Cece Goldsworthy, the mother of Eli Goldsworthy, in a few episodes of *Degrassi: The Next Generation*. This connection is particularly noteworthy as she moves from playing a supporting parent in one show to a central, albeit comedic, adult figure in the other, demonstrating the full circle of the Canadian acting industry.

Annie Clark and Devyn Nekoda: The Hidden Reunion

The Canadian casting director truly leaned into the *Degrassi* alumni network. The show features at least two other actors who had roles in the long-running series:

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• Annie Clark: Annie Clark, who played the fan-favorite character Fiona Coyne on *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, had a cameo in *Ginny & Georgia*. Her appearance created a quiet, delightful reunion on set with her former co-star, Raymond Ablack (Joe).
• Devyn Nekoda: Devyn Nekoda, who plays Arlene in *Ginny & Georgia* (one of Hunter's brief love interests), also appeared as Arlene Takahashi in Season 14 of *Degrassi*. Nekoda’s presence further reinforces the show's reliance on Canadian talent, with her more recent work including roles in major films like *Scream 6*.

This network of actors showcases the vibrant and tight-knit Canadian acting scene, where many young performers get their start on the *Degrassi* franchise before moving on to major international hits like *Ginny & Georgia*.

What the Degrassi Connection Means for Ginny & Georgia Season 3

The abundance of *Degrassi* alums in *Ginny & Georgia* is more than just a fun fact; it speaks to the show's core identity and its future, especially as the cast prepares for the June 5, 2025 premiere of Season 3.

Topical Authority and LSI Keywords: The Canadian Connection

The key to understanding this casting is recognizing that *Ginny & Georgia* is a Canadian-American co-production, primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada. This naturally draws from the local talent pool, which is heavily populated by actors who have passed through the doors of Epitome Pictures (the studio behind *Degrassi*). The show benefits immensely from this by casting actors who are:

1. Experienced in Teen Drama: Stars like Sara Waisglass and Chelsea Clark spent years honing their craft on a show famous for tackling complex, sensitive teenage issues. This experience allows them to bring a depth and authenticity to their *Ginny & Georgia* characters, Max and Norah, that is instantly recognizable.
2. Familiar with Long-Form Storytelling: Raymond Ablack's experience as Sav Bhandari means he is adept at playing a character whose story unfolds over multiple seasons, a necessity for Joe's slow-burn romance and mystery arc.
3. A Built-in Fan Base: The casting subtly attracts the loyal, passionate fan base of *Degrassi*, creating a crossover viewership that boosts the show's overall popularity and topical authority in the teen drama genre.

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As we look forward to *Ginny & Georgia* Season 3, the established chemistry between the MANG group, particularly between Waisglass (Max) and Clark (Norah), is a direct result of their shared history. Their ability to deliver high-stakes drama and quick-witted comedy is a testament to the training ground that *Degrassi* provided. Fans can expect the new season to continue to leverage the incredible talent of this Canadian ensemble, proving that the Wellsbury drama is, in fact, powered by the spirit of Degrassi Community School.