FAME (TV SHOW 1982 - 1987) Cast Then And Now | 41 YEARS LATER!!!

Welcome to Nostalgia Hit. In today's video, we look back at the cast of the American musical drama television series, Fame. We'll revisit the show's stars and update them as of 2023. So, grab your Fame Then and Now ticket, and don't forget to hit the notification bell and like and subscribe to the channel! Enjoy the video.
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FAME - TV SHOW SYNOPSIS
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Fame was a popular television series that originally aired from 1982 to 1987. The show, inspired by the 1980 film of the same name, was set in the prestigious New York City High School for the Performing Arts. It followed the lives, dreams, and struggles of a diverse group of young and talented students as they pursued their passions in various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, acting, and more.
The series delved into the personal and professional challenges faced by the students and their instructors, highlighting the sacrifices and dedication required to make it in the highly competitive world of performing arts. Fame explored themes of ambition, friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of artistic excellence while also tackling issues like discrimination, self-discovery, and personal growth.
The show's catchy theme song, became an iconic anthem of the era, and the series played a significant role in popularizing the idea that fame and success in the performing arts were attainable through hard work and dedication. It left a lasting cultural impact and continues to be remembered as a beloved representation of the 1980s music and dance scene and the dreams of aspiring artists.
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FAME INFORMATION
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Created By: Christopher Gore
Based on: Fame by Christopher Gore
Production Company:Eilenna Productions, MGM Television
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 136
Original network: NBC (1982-1983) Syndication (1983-1987)
Original release: January 7, 1982 - May 18, 1987
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FAME CAST
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Debbie Allen as Lydia Grant
Carlo Imperato as Danny Amatullo
Gene Anthony Ray as Leroy Johnson
Lori Singer as Julie Miller
Erica Gimpel as Coco Hernandez
Carol Mayo Jenkins as Elizabeth Sherwood
Lee Curreri as Bruno Martelli
Valerie Landsburg as Doris Schwartz
Ann Nelson as Mrs. Gertrude Berg
Morgan Stevens as David Reardon
Billy Hufsey as Christopher Donlon
Cynthia Gibb as Holly Laird
Janet Jackson as Cleo Hewitt
Ken Swofford as Principal Quentin Morloc
Jesse Borrego as Jesse Velasquez
Nia Peeples as Nicole Chapman
Page Hannah (Adler) as Kate Riley
Carrie Hamilton as Reggie Higgins
Michael Cerveris as Ian Ware
Carmine Caridi as Angelo Martelli
Dick Miller as Lou Mackie
Loretta Chandler as Dusty Tyler
Elisa Heinsohn as Jillian Beckett
Eric Pierpoint as Paul Seeger
Michael Thoma as Greg Crandall
P.R. Paul as Montgomery
Albert Hague as Benjamin Shorofsky
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MUSIC
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Another Side of You (Instrumental Version) - House Of Say
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COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER
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This video was made for educational and entertainment purposes. Footage used in this video is protected by the Fair Use Law, section 107 used for commentary, criticism, news reporting, or education for transformative use. Please note: All information in this video is gathered from multiple online sources via the public domain.
#nostalgiahit #thenandnow #fame

[@froggy8030]

You can't watch Mr Crandall's farewell episode or hear 'StarMaker' without shedding tears.

[@Beautifulchild22]

Yes! ❤❤❤❤

[@davidepastore8183]

without crying your eyes out, you mean! 😭😭😭

[@GaelinW]

@@Lynwen10 - Sentimental was the point. The cast knew the actor was dying of cancer.

[@velmad3091]

True

[@drmayeda1930]

I could never find the complete seriesoof Fame on DVD at least on Amazon. I thiink only S1 was released

[@deborahwillis1396]

Can’t believe that Leroy died so young. He was everyone’s favourite in the U.K. Bless🙏🏾

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

He waved to my brother & I from a car while we were driving on L.A’s Sunset Strip.

[@kathleencurry6876]

He lived the party lifestyle and the unfortunate consequences

[@rjdarrow2378]

He was a friendly man, I remember him from a Washington DC show with cast I went to 1985. I had read he was homosexual and death was AIDs related. Very talented man, gone too soon. May his memory always be a blessing to those who knew and loved him (family)

[@313pookie313]

yes, it's a shame he died so young. But he actually died of complications to AIDS, which was the stroke.

[@leattaleake8756]

I loved this show and never missed an episode. Leroy and Cocoa were my favourite, but I really liked all of them. ❤

[@chriscma1]

Every once in awhile. a secondary character literally becomes the heart of a series. Valerie Landsburg as Doris was just that and has always been my favorite.

[@angelau1194]

Mine too and Lori Singer.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Her father was Alan Landsburg, so she had a front row seat on the Nepotism Express ... no, thanks to that!!

[@lclark6854]

I always thought of Doris as a main character. Doris, Leroy and Bruno seemed to have the most story lines.

[@intentionaloffside8934]

Irene Cara Escalera (March 18, 1959- November 25, 2022) was an American singer and actress[13] who rose to prominence for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film Fame, and for recording the film's title song "Fame", which reached No. 1 in several countries.

[@doreenbierens]

She also sang “What a feeling” on the Flashdance soundtrack.

[@darrint3573]

Cara did not appear on the t.v. show. A different actress portrayed her character. This video specifically focused on the show.

[@clicketysplit1817]

She was definitely worth the mention. Don't you think so .

[@grannyweatherwax8005]

@@clicketysplit1817She was never on the show, just the movie. No one else who was only in the movie was mentioned.

[@rjdarrow2378]

Irene Cara is definitely worth the mention because she was the very first Coco Hernandez that shot the song Fame to the moon. This song is on the TV show and opening theme. Gene Anthony Ray was in original movie with her. May Irene Cara's memory always be a blessing. Be-lated Condolences to her family.

[@HeleneR67]

Was totally in ❤ with Carlo Imperator who played Danny. I wrote him a letter and received a signed photo which I treasured for many years ❤

[@Possumsrock]

He was mine too. ❤had the biggest crush on him also.

[@silver_crone]

So much nostalgia rushing back. I loved that show when I was young. Funny, how the moment I saw the thumbnail, my wee mind started singing the theme song. Every word still locked away in there somewhere. Thank you for this.

[@wifeoftim]

Fame was my favorite show back then. I'm sad for the cast members who no longer with us.

[@tuppence2]

I had a huge crush on Bruno Martelli, he was so cute 😍 Loved this show.

[@jcsgrl359]

Mr. Shorofsky! I forgot how much I liked him. He was like that high school teacher everybody had of you grew up in New York. 😂

[@karencurtis6141]

It crazy seeing all these amazing people and realising 99%of them were older than me 😳… This was my dream my escape from everything else going on in the world. I could easily watch it all again.. Love to them all x

[@purpledreamer9654]

I wish I could watch this show again I was a young teenage mum when this show first came out and watching it helped me in so many ways Every time I hear the song Fame it transports me back to that time I love being a mum and am now also blessed with being a Grandma

[@diggermd1]

I was an extra in this series. It was a blast

[@rjdarrow2378]

I bet it was! Lucky you and what memories you have so few do

[@JulieIelasi-lt7yp]

Lucky you 😊

[@JulieIelasi-lt7yp]

What do you do after being an extra after fame ?

[@diggermd1]

@@JulieIelasi-lt7yp it was sheer luck that I was an extra. But I stayed in the ballet world until my 20’s then went to college and got a job. Nothing spectacular.

[@debby8428]

This video is one of the best put together video's I have seen. I love that the updated pictures are recent. The music was great. The announcer's voice was soothing. There was so much information given about each actor including birthdays which I love! Thank you! I really enjoyed it!

[@jaquigreenlees]

to bad their math is so horrible. born in 1965 and I'm currently 58, according to this video, I would be 60 from how they age the performers.

[@Solo_Traveling]

Bruno Marcelli was my first crush! My other fav character was Coco Hernandez. I was soo much into Fame in my teens!!!

[@lucianamiqueo7577]

Same!

[@fionamcgeachan8421]

I loved this show and all the characters, great video 👌🏻

[@jamesomeara2329]

I recall Bruno and Leroi being my favorites. But all said and done, it was an ensemble show, and it works for as long as you can make everyone fit. I remember it seemed to create that well.

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

Cynthia Gibb barely changed!

[@Ginalopez7877]

I grew up on fame as a kid my cousin and i would dance the fame song i was the lead of course lol❤

[@alxieljung8325]

Fame ! It's my youth forever ! So great remembers ! Love this

[@kevinquinn3763]

Loved this series. Wouldn't miss it for ANYTHING. I can still recall the best scripts.

[@christyjohnson4563]

Never have there been reruns of this show. So sad - I loved this show.

[@lambchops6401]

They used to show reruns all the time. Wish they would show them again

[@oleolsen1073]

I might watch it again on flow tv it's still around ..😊

[@RoRoRoCda]

Wow this brings back so many memories. I loved this show ❤❤❤

[@christopherdean1326]

I had a HUGE crush on Erica Gimpel! She is still a lovely woman! I seem to remember Valerie Landsburg having family in the UK, she visited them during the run of the show over here. They lived a few streets away from me at the time.

[@carlasupon8804]

Iwish all the episodes would come out on DVD. Loved Fae

[@robinmonroe1276]

I understand, but I got lucky and found season 1 a long time ago. It had one of my favorite episodes! Growing up I took dance classes and planned on a career in dance! To watch the the football team unable to stay up with the school dancers, was so special to me!!!💝

[@LadyEng]

Debbie Allen and "Leroy" were my favourites. I was 10 in '82. I got the cassette tape with the soundtrack snd played it all the time. ❤

[@tonymcdonnly6492]

I miss FAME. I have the original soundtrack on my playlist.

[@donnamcmanus7360]

Oh the crush I had on Carlo Imperato😊 Got a nice autographed picture after writing to him❤

[@palfiec]

That surely cannot be Morgan Stevens at 70, it must be someone else.

[@FionaEm]

I came here to say this! Totally different eye shape, face shape and ears.

[@HD-er2cq]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@ozrob8726]

Albert Hague, Lori Singer, and Lee Curreri were my favourites. What a magnificent show...so much talent.

[@drmayeda1930]

Only Albert Hauge lasted the entire run of the show. He was a rare one he was an actor and TPTB.

[@RockingMyReasons]

Glad I watched this! It brought back so many memories I didn't have a fave character, but I really liked the show. This video was very well done! Thank you!!

[@drmayeda1930]

My favorite was a secondary character Brownwynwin Thomas. but I think her character's name was Michelle, but IMDB omnly lists her as Fame Dancer.

[@SHADOWGIRL1971]

I had a big crush on "Danny", who was wonderfully portrayed by Carlo Imperato. He was so handsome back then and he only got much better looking as he got older. 🔥❤️ 🔥❤️ 🔥❤️ 🔥❤️ 🔥❤️

[@SHADOWGIRL1971]

Irene Cara portrayed "Coco Hernandez" in the film, but the part on T.V. was played by Erica Gimpel.

[@nancystevens4334]

The show Fame inspired me to do plays at the local college in Monmouth,ILLINOIS

[@rosijay1407]

Quanto mi piaceva questa serie!

[@teresayeates3437]

Danny had a glow up. Wow!

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Debbie Allen doesn’t age. Wow

[@terryblack5087]

None of them seem to have aged! 😊

[@terryblack5087]

Well, most of them.😂

[@nancystevens4334]

All of cast of fame. I loved this show

[@robinmonroe1276]

It was an awesome show! I had to many favorites to just mention one! ❤

[@davidhinkson8856]

I only saw the first five or six episodes but i loved Leroy, Bruno and Coco. I still remember the scene from the first episode when Leroy went into a store to buy tights!

[@moranacrawford3419]

I loved the whole ensemble cast and was inspired by the movie and the series to attend and graduate from the Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto.

[@a.wesson4540]

Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t see Michael DeLorenzo who was a regular in the cast of Fame

[@chokalitejm]

There were a few characters that could have also been included: Dwight Mendenhall, Milty, the Maxie character in season 6, Mr. Dyernforth and a few more

[@starladodge3]

You forgot Jimmy Osmond, but you did a wonderful job, better than this other one I saw, they forgot a whole bunch of people and you have seemed to pick them up!! Thank you!! My favorite one was Gene Anthony Ray, Leroy Johnson. I was so sad when he died!!

[@tinorozzo7536]

Leroy was my top favorite. Stunningly gorgeous and talented...!!!

[@ColetteElizabeth]

My Favs were Lydia Grant, Leroy Johnson, Bruno Martelli, and Mr. Shorofsky 😎

[@maxinehowe7336]

I loved Nicole and Jesse. I wanted to be Nicole. I was the same age as most of the "kids" of Fame and watched this show religiously. I even made my date wait for me one time when he came to pick me up and the show was on. Ah, such memories. Thanks!

[@mazmellem2773]

When you list the number of acting credits, that's only screen roles. Carol Mayo Jenkins, for example, is primarily a stage actress and very respected as such.

[@annetaylor445]

Disappointed you did not mention Lori Singer’s amazing career as a cellist.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

it wasn't such an amazing career, from a musician's standpoint

[@annetaylor445]

@@Marcel_Audubon valid point.

[@christinamellow9824]

My favorite is and always will be debi allen love her awesome talent ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kimberlytaylor8550]

Lydia & Leroy were my favorite characters.

[@karltork6040]

Their dance numbers together were amazing!

[@marygrummer9189]

This was very well done. I didnt watch the show regularly, but I remember most of the cast.

[@drmayeda1930]

I had some of their specials on VHS tapes but they are not available.

[@NN-iu2rp]

Loved that show! Thanks for sharing.

[@henrikechers9995]

Loved the show. Coco was my favorite

[@frank5891]

That wonderful decade the 80’s

[@vadapowell8111]

Fame was my homework my senior year in high school. We were to select a character and write about that character each week in English class. I selected Bruno because I played piano and he did too. I do believe that Bruno and I grew together that year in both ourselves and our talent. Very wise of my English teacher to give us this assignment. We always had our homework done!!

[@heididepotter8136]

I had such a crush on Bruno

[@ScottRandolph-dd7dr]

🎉 greetings from coastal Mississippi. I watched the series live back in the 80's. Excellent research. Thanks for the memories. Danny was my favourite. FAME.... We're gonna live forever 🎉

[@terrymintle7230]

I loved watching it every week!

[@rainbowsparkle1]

I must have stopped watching after the first three or four seasons. I can't remember any of the one who came after Janet Jackson (and the others in her year). Danny was always my favourite. Still is.

[@tonyhoughton6857]

They missed out Jimmy Osmond who was in the show

[@stanpillis]

He sang a good version of, “Penny Lane”. He was good on the show!

[@Marcel_Audubon]

🤢🤢🤮

[@kh-19636]

I loved Fame! 😍

[@doralevitt2879]

Wow- what a blast from the past, I loved that show!

[@Mr.EmeraldTheGreen]

Wow Billy Hufsey still looks amazing!! I know him from his role Emilio Ramirez on Days of our Lives. He still sexy as all get out!!!

[@pegallen6983]

I adored Billy Hufsey. He was so adorable

[@teresamendoza8072]

Grew up on this show

[@tc9660]

Dick Miller played the gun store owner in The Terminator

[@kristinschermann6581]

Leroy was my favorite (other than Baryshnikov,) I don't think ANYONE has ever seen a better dancer- may he rest in peace..... I miss him. 😮‍💨

[@rjdarrow2378]

Every weekend I faithfully watched FAME tv show in the mid 80s.Hard to say who was my fav character. 1985 with We Are the World feed hungry in Africa campaign, the cast came to Washington, DC, for a show and awareness. I remember Gene Anthony Ray, Carlo Imperato, Nina Peeples, "Carol Schwartz" character, don't remember others. Veriy good show. Carlo was signing autographs at a table, I looked in his nice blue eyes and said God bless you. He thanked me.. Gene Anthony standing up on chair asking ppl if they could move back some. It was quite a crowd afterwards. Good memories. Thanks for uploading this video :)

[@StefenTower]

Cynthia Gibb's likely key role was playing Karen Carpenter in The Karen Carpenter Story.

[@DeidreL9]

Thank you, I was wondering if it was her!!!

[@rjdarrow2378]

Yes! I saw that! She did a great job. Even Richard Carpenter (Karen's brother) said what a fine job Cynthia did on that movie.

[@terrideacon5480]

Loved the show never missed one fantastic all the people on the show were great ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ToABrighterFuture]

I saw Michael Cerveris in 1994, in the Broadway production of "The Who's Tommy." Great show, and great performances all around.

[@oleolsen1073]

He was good in Fringe 😊

[@raggaduxjones]

Great video. I use to love this show (had a huge crush on Gene Anthony Ray ❤. ) It would have been great to know the career paths of those who didn’t continue to act.

[@louiscloete3942]

Beautiful memories. 💛 I ❤

[@midianmtd]

Gene Anthony Ray died on November 14, 2003, aged 41, from complications of a stroke he had suffered in June that year and complications from AIDS. Nostalgia Hit's, please don't lie about the truth.

[@SY-ok2dq]

Oh I thought it had something to do with AIDS. Mind you, by the 2000s you heard fewer stories of people dying from AIDS as I think treatment was a lot more advanced by then. Nevertheless, such a young age for Ray to die. Very sad. I hope it wasn't a painful and prolonged death.

[@jennhalford6227]

I love this show. My favourites were Danny and Ian.

[@eierkopp595]

Die 80er waren schon toll 😊👍, Den Film und die Serie habe ich damals gesehen. 😅 und war hin und weg. Viele der Schauspielerinnen altern nicht mehr, sie halten das auf 😳 nur bei den Männer sieht man ihr Alter an 😊 So viele leben nicht mehr 😢 Das ist Kult, wie so vieles aus dieser Zeit 😊

[@maryellengabler802]

If my memory serves me correctly, Jesse and Nicole did a romantic dance together that I still think about.

[@StuartFarrell-vp9ve]

Went to both the recent UK reunion shows and the cast are still fabulous

[@carmelmhennessy9738]

Very well made video.

[@chrisaustin1697]

I loved this series

[@blerdphd]

Doris Schwartz, played by Valerie Landsburg, was my jam! 😄💖

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

I loved watching fame 😊

[@SCZim]

I’m surprised that neither Olivia Barash (Maxie) nor Robert Romanus (Milton) were mentioned. Olivia had a main role in Season 6 and Robert was in about 10 episodes over multiple seasons.

[@willnoiles2001]

I had the biggest crush on Miss Elizabeth Sherwood (Carol Mayo Jenkins) back in the 1980s. She was quite attractive at the time. When she left the series I stopped watching only to return when she made a couple guest appearances in the last season. I have tried watching her other screen work, but it unfortunately wasn’t that long a career. I was happy to hear she had become a theatre arts teacher/stage actress and that she had retired a couple of years ago. I truly hope she’s enjoying her retirement. But to me, she’ll always be the teacher I most wanted to learn from.

[@CathieSoli]

Erica was also in the North and South trilogy on ABC in the 80s.

[@GaelinW]

I had a huge crush on Bruno. It was never the same after the chracter left.

[@fernandocandoasensio8126]

I loved Lori Singer

[@cidweinberg]

I’ve been watching Cynthia Gibb clips from her soap opera days before landing Fame. She was gorgeous. And I still know all the words to Geometry, I still Believe in me. Ah, memories

[@lambchops6401]

What soap did she act in?

[@mreinstein48]

I was fond of it ! : )

[@rockrollangel1972]

I LOVED that show as a kid wanted to go to that high school

[@user-dh7hu3yi8n]

My favorite characters was Danny, Doris and Bruno. Danny was my first crush. Carlo is my platonic love since the '80s 😍. Debbie and Gene were the best dancers in the show. Debbie was a fantastic dancer and choreographer. I LOVE FAME!! FAME IS ETERNAL ♥️♥️♥️. FAME FOREVER

[@Heidi_Bradshaw]

Gene Anthony was always our favourite. It’s sad he had the stroke and then died from complications of AIDS. Gone much too soon.

[@incoco2]

Thanks , You Covered Everyone ! I think Janet was the Biggest Star

[@co7314]

Debbie Allen looks like she's in her 40s

[@denisebatts3414]

First i saw the movie,then the series in 1983 i was 27 saw every last episode i loved the show,and all the actors who played the different character .

[@mikebatlinh6650]

Ive just finished watching season 1. Im amazed at the amount of bullying in this series. Teachers bullying students and students bullying other students. Times have changed 42 years later in 2024

[@teresayeates3437]

Gimple and Singer have barely aged!

[@teresayeates3437]

Same with Gibb.

[@michelled.3849]

Lee Roy was my favorite. So sad he died so young😢😮

[@juliadoherty83]

Tough call for an absolute favourite, both Doris and Leroy are mine.

[@velmad3091]

I was so in love with Danny😊❤