The beloved cast of A Different World is set to continue their HBCU College Tour, following an overwhelmingly positive reception that has led to an extension beyond its original 10-city plan. The tour, featuring actors Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis, and Glynn Turman, will kick off its second leg at Bowie State University on October 17.
The tour has already garnered excitement at institutions like Spelman College and Howard University, where cast members connected with a new generation of fans. “It’s been really incredible,” Bell said, reflecting on the response from college students, many of whom were born after the show originally aired. “There are all these students today who are super fans of the show, and none of them were even alive when it first aired — it all speaks to what’s resonating.”
The themes of A Different World—including the stress of academics and student activism—remain relevant, with Bell noting that these issues still resonate with today’s youth. “We all thought it would be really successful, but the response has truly been overwhelming,” he added.
The second leg of the tour, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Cisco, aims to raise funds for student scholarships and will continue with stops across the country through 2025. Originally aired on NBC from 1987 to 1993, A Different World followed Denise Huxtable and her peers at the fictional Hillman College, serving as a cultural touchstone for Black viewers and inspiring many to attend HBCUs.
Bell expressed amazement at the enthusiastic reactions from fans, including those who dress as their favorite characters from the show. “I’ve had someone show up with glasses and a hat, and he looked just like me,” he recalled. The camaraderie among the cast has also contributed to the tour’s success. “This is a fact… we have always been that way,” Bell said, emphasizing their close relationships.
The cast’s bond extends beyond the stage, encompassing personal connections like godparenthood and shared experiences. “We’ve all been on this life journey together,” he noted.
Bell highlighted the broader legacy of A Different World, stating that the show portrayed a diverse range of characters and experiences within the African American community. “There was always somewhere someone could say, ‘That’s me,’ and I relate to that,” he explained. He credited the show’s creative team—predominantly Black college-educated women—with its enduring appeal, asserting that its humor, intelligence, and human elements continue to resonate with new generations.
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