You remember the circle. The clapping. That infectious, "Go Go Go" beat that lived rent-free in every parent's head from 2006 onward. Hip Hop Harry wasn’t just a show; it was a vibe. But honestly, if you look back at the hip hop harry cast, you realize the show was actually a secret training ground for some of the biggest names in entertainment today.
It's kinda wild. Most people see the big yellow bear and think "preschool show," but the talent in that room was top-tier. We’re talking about future Disney stars, world-class gymnasts, and even the man who literally breathed life into Barney the Dinosaur.
The Man Behind the Fur: David Joyner
Let’s start with the legend himself. Most folks don't realize that Hip Hop Harry was physically portrayed by David Joyner. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he spent a decade as the guy inside the Barney suit.
Talk about a resume.
Joyner brought a specific kind of athleticism to Harry. While the voice was handled by Ali Alimi, it was Joyner doing the windmills and the power moves. He once mentioned in interviews that the Barney suit could get up to 120 degrees inside. Imagine doing hip hop choreography in that kind of heat. Respect.
Interestingly, the cast list actually includes a few different performers for the suit depending on the episode or live appearance—guys like Ben Blair and Kefla Hare stepped in too—but Joyner is the definitive face (or fur) of the franchise.
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The Kids Who Became Superstars
The real "I know them!" moments come when you look at the kids. The hip hop harry cast was a revolving door of young talent, and some of them went on to become absolute household names.
- Kelli Berglund: Long before she was Bree Davenport on Disney XD’s Lab Rats, she was just Kelli, a pint-sized powerhouse on the show. She appeared in episodes like "Do Your Part," and even then, her dance timing was scary good.
- Sophina DeJesus: If you’re a gymnastics fan, you know exactly who this is. Sophina went viral years later at UCLA for her hip-hop-infused floor routine that basically broke the internet. On the show, she and her sister Savannah DeJesus were regulars. They brought a legitimate "street" style that made the show feel more authentic than your average educational program.
- Elizabeth Small: She was a staple of the group, often featured in songs like "A-B See." She stayed in the industry for a while, appearing in movies like The Next Step.
Then you have the "viral" tier. Because the show has had a massive second life on TikTok and YouTube, the "Go Go Go" challenge brought names like Jake DeAnda, Tyler White, and Davide Schiavone back into the spotlight. In 2021, they actually did a "Now & Then" compilation on the official YouTube channel, and let's just say, they still have the moves.
Why the Cast Still Matters in 2026
You might think a show from twenty years ago would be a footnote. Nope.
Claude Brooks, the creator, has kept the brand alive through Doggyland (that project with Snoop Dogg). It’s basically the spiritual successor to Hip Hop Harry. The DNA of the original cast—the focus on movement, positive reinforcement, and actual hip hop culture—is still the blueprint.
The show worked because it didn't talk down to kids. The cast consisted of actual dancers, not just actors who could sort of move. When William May or Scott Thomas were on screen, they were doing real choreography.
Quick Cast Breakdown: Who Was Who?
If you're trying to win a trivia night or just settle a bet with a sibling, here's the core roster:
- Hip Hop Harry (Voice): Ali Alimi
- Hip Hop Harry (Suit): David Joyner
- The "New Girl": Katie Petitte (introduced in "Making New Friends")
- The Gymnast: Sophina DeJesus
- The Disney Star: Kelli Berglund
- The B-Boy: Tyler White (known for his windmills)
What Really Happened to the "Missing" Kids?
There’s always rumors online about where everyone went. Honestly? Most of them just grew up and moved on. Some are still in the industry, like Brandon Bassir, while others have transitioned into choreography or teaching.
The coolest thing is seeing the reunions. Every few years, a couple of the former "kids" will post a TikTok doing the "Who's Next?" circle, and it immediately goes viral. It shows that the bond was real. They weren't just coworkers; they were a dance crew.
The legacy of the show isn't just the memes. It’s the fact that it provided a platform for diverse kids to showcase real skill. It was one of the few places on TV where hip hop wasn't a caricature—it was a tool for learning.
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Next Steps for the Superfan
If you're feeling nostalgic, the best thing to do is check out the official Hip Hop Harry YouTube channel. They’ve been uploading high-definition versions of the old episodes and even some 2026-era "Where Are They Now" content. You can also see the influence of the original cast in Snoop Dogg’s Doggyland, which uses many of the same production styles.