The Surprising Lives Of The 'Kate & Allie' Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025?

The groundbreaking 1980s sitcom *Kate & Allie* remains a cultural touchstone, but what happened to the beloved actors who brought the story of two divorced best friends raising their families together to life? Decades after the final episode aired, the cast members have followed incredibly diverse and often surprising paths, with some enjoying a career resurgence in major 2023 and 2024 projects, while others have quietly stepped away from the spotlight to pursue entirely new professions. This deep dive, updated for late 2024 and early 2025, reveals the current status, latest projects, and fascinating life changes of the entire main cast. The show, which premiered in 1984, was revolutionary for its time, showing two women navigating single motherhood, professional life, and a supportive platonic relationship in a way that resonated deeply with millions of viewers. The chemistry between stars Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James was undeniable, making fans wonder what their real-life relationship is like today and where their careers have taken them since leaving the iconic New York City brownstone.

Complete Biography & Profile: The Main Cast of Kate & Allie

The success of *Kate & Allie* hinged on its core five actors. Here is a quick profile of the main cast members who defined the series:

• Jane Curtin (Allie Lowell):
  • Full Name: Jane Therese Curtin
  • Date of Birth: September 6, 1947
  • Role on Show: Allison "Allie" Julia Charlotte Lowell (née Adams)
  • Key Career Highlights: *Saturday Night Live* (Original Cast), *Kate & Allie*, *3rd Rock from the Sun*, *The Coneheads*, *The Heat*, *Jules*, *Bupkis*.
  • Current Status: Highly active in film and television; one of the most successful *SNL* alumni.
• Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle):
  • Full Name: Susan Jane Miller
  • Date of Birth: August 14, 1946
  • Role on Show: Katherine "Kate" Elizabeth McArdle (née Hanlon)
  • Key Career Highlights: *The Name of the Game*, *McMillan & Wife*, *Kate & Allie*.
  • Current Status: Largely retired from acting, focusing on family and philanthropy.
• Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle):
  • Date of Birth: April 6, 1969
  • Role on Show: Emma Jane McArdle (Kate's daughter)
  • Key Career Highlights: *Kate & Allie*, *Lady in White*.
  • Current Status: Left acting to pursue a career as a registered nurse.
• Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell):
  • Date of Birth: December 9, 1969
  • Role on Show: Jennie Lowell (Allie's daughter)
  • Key Career Highlights: *Kate & Allie*, Broadway’s *Annie*, *The West Wing*, *The Closer*.
  • Current Status: Active actress, singer, and writer across TV, film, and stage.
• Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell):
  • Date of Birth: June 16, 1975
  • Role on Show: Chip Lowell (Allie's son)
  • Key Career Highlights: *Kate & Allie*, *Oz*, *Death Race* film series, *Criminal Minds*.
  • Current Status: Continues to work steadily as a character actor in film and television.

Jane Curtin’s Career Resurgence: From SNL to Bupkis and Jules

Of all the *Kate & Allie* actors, Jane Curtin has arguably maintained the most visible and successful career in Hollywood, proving her timeless comedic talent.

After the sitcom concluded, Curtin transitioned smoothly into other major TV roles, most notably as Dr. Mary Albright in the hit sci-fi comedy *3rd Rock from the Sun* from 1996 to 2001.

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In recent years, the veteran actress has enjoyed a notable career resurgence, embracing modern television and film projects. This demonstrates her enduring appeal to new generations of viewers.

Most recently, Curtin appeared in the critically acclaimed 2023 film *Jules*, starring alongside Sir Ben Kingsley and Harriet Sansom Harris. In the movie, she plays Joyce, one of a trio of senior citizens whose lives are unexpectedly disrupted by the crash-landing of an alien in their backyard.

She also made a memorable cameo appearance as Marie in the 2023 Peacock series *Bupkis*, a semi-autobiographical comedy starring Pete Davidson. Her willingness to take on varied roles, from a lead in a major motion picture to a surprise appearance in a cutting-edge streaming comedy, solidifies her status as a versatile and working Hollywood legend in 2025.

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Susan Saint James: The Quiet Life of a Philanthropist and Family Woman

While Jane Curtin continued her acting career at full speed, Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle) took a distinctly different path after the show ended in 1989.

Saint James made the conscious decision to step away from the rigors of Hollywood to focus on her family. She is married to television executive Dick Ebersol, the former chairman of NBC Sports, and dedicated herself to raising their five children.

Her retirement from regular acting was a deliberate choice to prioritize her personal life over her professional one, a decision many fans respect as a true reflection of the family-focused themes of *Kate & Allie* itself.

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Though she rarely acts, Saint James remains a prominent figure in the world of philanthropy and activism. She is a dedicated advocate and board member for the Special Olympics, a cause deeply important to her and her family.

Her occasional public appearances are usually tied to this charitable work, making her a powerful voice for people with intellectual disabilities. Her life now is a testament to her commitment to family values and social impact, rather than chasing the next television role.

The Children of Kate & Allie: From Hollywood to Healthcare

The three young actors who played the children—Emma, Jennie, and Chip—have followed fascinating and divergent career paths, offering some of the most surprising updates for fans of the show.

Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle) Becomes a Postpartum Nurse

Ari Meyers, who played the free-spirited Emma McArdle, made one of the most dramatic career shifts. After leaving the acting world, Meyers pursued a career in healthcare.

She is now a registered nurse (RN), specializing as a postpartum nurse. This incredible pivot from child star to frontline healthcare worker is a unique story in Hollywood history, highlighting her commitment to a meaningful, hands-on profession.

Meyers joined her former cast members for a digital reunion in 2021, where she discussed her decision to leave the industry, proving that sometimes, the most fulfilling roles are found far away from the camera.

Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell) Becomes a Character Actor Stalwart

Frederick Koehler, who played the youngest, Chip Lowell, is the only one of the three children to have maintained a consistent and active acting career in the decades since *Kate & Allie* ended.

As an adult, Koehler has become a highly respected character actor, known for taking on intense and often darker roles that contrast sharply with his wholesome sitcom past.

His most notable post-*Kate & Allie* roles include the terrifying Andrew Schillinger on the HBO prison drama *Oz* and a recurring role as the unsettling character 'Oyster Cracker' on the soap opera *Another World*. He has also appeared in numerous hit TV shows like *Criminal Minds*, showcasing his versatility across genres.

Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell) Finds Success on Stage and Screen

Allison Smith, who played Allie's daughter Jennie Lowell, has successfully maintained a dual career in both acting and music.

Prior to *Kate & Allie*, Smith was already a Broadway star, playing the title role in the musical *Annie*, a fact that often surprises new fans.

Today, Smith is a working actress who has appeared in over 100 television episodes, including memorable guest and recurring roles on shows like *The West Wing*, *The Closer*, and *CSI*.

She continues to perform on stage and is also a talented singer and writer, demonstrating a commitment to the arts that spans over four decades. Her career is a perfect example of a child star who successfully navigated the transition to adult roles across multiple mediums.

The Enduring Legacy of Kate & Allie and the Cast’s Bond

The show's theme of "found family" has proven to be more than just a plot device. The *Kate & Allie* cast members have maintained a bond over the years, culminating in a well-received digital reunion in 2021 that brought all five main actors together.

This reunion allowed them to reflect on the show's impact, which was praised for normalizing divorce and single motherhood in a positive, humorous light. The show was a cultural phenomenon that won multiple Emmy Awards and ran for six successful seasons, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of 1980s television.

Whether they are headlining new streaming series like Jane Curtin, dedicating their lives to public service like Susan Saint James, or working as a nurse like Ari Meyers, the actors from *Kate & Allie* have all found success and fulfillment in their post-sitcom lives. Their current activities prove that the bonds of friendship and family—both on and off-screen—are truly what matter most.