The Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper Cast: Where Are They Now? 2024 Updates And The Surprising Reboot Pitch

Few 90s sitcoms capture the nostalgic magic of ABC’s TGIF lineup quite like Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. The series, which followed NBA player-turned-substitute teacher Mark Cooper in Oakland, California, ran from 1992 to 1997 and became a cornerstone of family-friendly television. Over three decades later, the show's enduring appeal is sparking a renewed interest in its beloved cast, with some members even actively pitching a modern-day reboot.

The current date is December 10, 2025, and the lives of the *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* ensemble are more diverse and vibrant than ever. From stand-up comedy tours and major voice-acting roles to high-profile philanthropy and the sad loss of a comedic legend, the cast has forged impressive careers in the decades since the show ended. Here is a complete, up-to-date look at the main cast, their full biographies, and what they are doing today.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Status (2024-2025)

The core cast of *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* has continued to shape the landscape of television, comedy, and activism. Below is a detailed look at the actors who brought the Oakland-based sitcom to life.

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Mark Curry (Mark Cooper)

• Role on Show: Mark Cooper, a former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors who becomes a substitute teacher and high school basketball coach.
• Born: June 1, 1961, in Oakland, California.
• Career Highlights: Host of *Showtime at the Apollo* (1992-1993), star of *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*, appearance in the film *Sandy Wexler* (2017), and a long-running career as a stand-up comedian.
• Current Status: Mark Curry remains highly active in the comedy circuit. In 2024, he has been performing stand-up shows across the country, with recent appearances scheduled at venues like StandUpLive Phoenix, and participating in various interviews and podcasts, keeping his comedic voice sharp and relevant. He is reportedly enthusiastic about the possibility of an official reboot of the series.

Holly Robinson Peete (Vanessa Russell)

• Role on Show: Vanessa Russell, Mark’s stylish, career-focused roommate (and later, love interest) and a close friend of Robin.
• Born: September 18, 1964, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Career Highlights: Judy Hoffs on *21 Jump Street* (1987-1991), Vanessa Russell on *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*, talk show host on *The Talk* (2010-2011), and the *Morning Show Mystery* film series (2019-2021).
• Current Status: Holly Robinson Peete is a powerhouse actress, author, and philanthropist. In 2024, she was honored as a "Woman of Influence" at the Wonder Women of Los Angeles event. She and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, appeared on *The Jennifer Hudson Show* in October 2024. Her primary focus is the HollyRod Foundation, which she co-founded, dedicated to providing compassionate care to those with autism (inspired by her son, RJ) and Parkinson’s disease. She is the most vocal proponent for a *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* reboot.

Dawnn Lewis (Robin Dumars)

• Role on Show: Robin Dumars, Mark’s music-teacher roommate (seasons 1 and 2), who was also a friend of Vanessa’s from college.
• Born: August 13, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York.
• Career Highlights: Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor on *A Different World* (1987-1992), Robin Dumars on *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*, and an extensive career as a voice actress and singer.
• Current Status: Dawnn Lewis has become a prolific voice actor in recent years, a career path that perfectly suits her vocal talents. She is best known in the animated world for her roles as Captain Carol Freeman on *Star Trek: Lower Decks* and LaBarbara on the reboot of *Futurama*. She is also a strong advocate for the legacy of classic Black sitcoms.

Raven-Symoné (Nicole Lee)

• Role on Show: Nicole Lee, Mark’s young cousin who comes to live with him and his roommates (seasons 2-5).
• Born: December 10, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Career Highlights: Olivia Kendall on *The Cosby Show* (1989-1992), Nicole Lee on *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*, and the starring role in Disney Channel's *That's So Raven* (2003-2007) and its spin-off *Raven's Home* (2017-present).
• Current Status: Raven-Symoné is currently starring in and executive producing *Raven's Home*. While she is close with her former castmates, she has publicly stated that she does not wish for a *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* reboot, preferring to keep the original series as a nostalgic memory.

Omar Gooding (Eric Gilliland)

• Role on Show: Eric Gilliland, one of Mark’s students and a member of his basketball team (seasons 3-5).
• Born: October 19, 1976, in Los Angeles, California.
• Career Highlights: Featured roles on *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*, *Smart Guy*, and *Barbershop: The Series*. He is also a hip-hop artist under the stage name Big O.
• Current Status: Omar Gooding is an active actor, comedian, and musician. He currently stars in the Bounce TV comedy series *Family Time*. As a comedian and speaker, he recently completed a national tour and is scheduled as a keynote speaker for the BECO EXPO 2025, demonstrating his continued relevance in entertainment and business.

Nell Carter (Principal P.J. Moore)

• Role on Show: Principal P.J. Moore, the tough but caring principal of Oakbridge High School (seasons 1 and 2).
• Born: September 13, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Career Highlights: Tony Award winner for *Ain't Misbehavin'*, star of the sitcom *Gimme a Break!* (1981-1987), and Principal P.J. Moore on *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper*.
• Current Status: Sadly, Nell Carter passed away on January 23, 2003, at the age of 54. Her powerful voice and comedic timing left a lasting legacy in television and Broadway, cementing her status as a true entertainment icon.

The Buzz: Will a Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper Reboot Actually Happen?

The possibility of a reboot has been the most exciting piece of news for fans in recent years. The current wave of 90s nostalgia, which has brought back shows like *Fuller House* and *Saved by the Bell*, has made a return to Oakland seem plausible. The conversation has been largely driven by the show's stars.

Holly Robinson Peete is the driving force behind the reboot pitch. She has repeatedly shared her enthusiasm and confirmed that she and Mark Curry are actively trying to make it happen, nearly 30 years after the original finale in 1997. The concept would likely follow Mark Cooper and Vanessa Russell as adults, potentially with children of their own, navigating life and careers in a modern-day Oakland setting.

However, the idea has met with mixed reactions from other original cast members. While Mark Curry is on board, Raven-Symoné has been clear in her resistance to the idea, preferring to keep the original series intact. For a successful reboot to happen, securing the involvement of key cast members and finding a network willing to greenlight a fresh take on the classic TGIF sitcom formula will be the biggest hurdles. The ongoing pitch efforts by Peete and Curry suggest that hope for a return to Oakbridge High is still alive.

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Beyond the Sitcom: The Cast’s Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority

The success of *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* was not just about comedy; it was about representing an aspirational, positive image of Black family and community life on television. The cast’s work since the show's finale has only deepened their topical authority in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Philanthropy and Activism

Holly Robinson Peete's work with the HollyRod Foundation is perhaps the most impactful post-show career pivot. Her dedication to autism awareness, inspired by her son RJ, has made her a leading voice in the special needs community. This commitment has earned her significant recognition, including being named a "Woman of Influence" in 2024. Her public advocacy work provides a powerful example of using a celebrity platform for social good.

The Voice of a Generation

Dawnn Lewis has quietly built a formidable career in voice acting. Moving from live-action sitcoms like *A Different World* and *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* to major animated franchises like *Star Trek* and *Futurama* shows her versatility and enduring appeal across different media. Her ability to transition seamlessly between genres is a testament to her talent, establishing her as a key figure in modern animation.

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Comedy and Music

Mark Curry and Omar Gooding continue to honor the show's comedic roots. Curry’s return to the stand-up stage keeps him connected to the live audience that initially propelled his career. Meanwhile, Gooding’s dual career as an actor and the hip-hop artist "Big O" highlights the multi-talented nature of the cast, proving that their creativity extends far beyond the sitcom format. Their combined efforts ensure that the spirit of the show—fun, energetic, and community-focused—remains present in their current projects.