Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were all parked in front of BET watching Charles and Stacy try to figure out the whole "domestic bliss" thing. Let’s Stay Together was that rare gem—a show that felt like a warm hug but didn't shy away from the messy, petty realities of marriage and dating. It’s been over a decade since the series first premiered in 2011, and while the reruns still hit the spot, the lives of the let's stay together tv show cast have taken some pretty dramatic, and in one case, truly heartbreaking turns.
If you’ve been doom-scrolling and wondering why you don't see certain faces as much anymore, or why some of them seem to have completely pivoted their careers, you aren't alone. The industry is fickle. One day you're the lead in a Queen Latifah-produced sitcom, and the next, you’re navigating the world of corporate finance or indie film production.
The Heartbreak We Didn't See Coming: Bert Belasco
We have to start with the heavy stuff. It’s impossible to talk about this cast without acknowledging the massive hole left by Bert Belasco. He played Charles Whitmore, the lovable, slightly stressed-out contractor who was basically the glue of the show.
Bert was the guy everyone rooted for.
In November 2020, the news hit like a ton of bricks: Bert was found dead in a hotel room in Richmond, Virginia. He was only 38. He was actually out there quarantining, getting ready to start work on a new movie. His father later mentioned he believed it was a fatal aneurysm. It was a total shock to his co-stars. Jackée Harry and RonReaco Lee posted some of the most gut-wrenching tributes you’ll ever read.
Bert wasn't just "Charles" to them; he was a guy who was genuinely kind in an industry that isn't always nice. Before he passed, he’d been staying busy with roles in Pitch and NCIS: New Orleans. He was right on the cusp of that next big "thing" when his time was cut short.
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Nadine Ellis: From Pediatrician to... Finance?
Nadine Ellis was the perfect Stacy. She had that "I’ve got my life together" pediatrician energy down to a science. But if you look at her recent moves, she’s been doing a lot more than just acting.
While she’s still popped up in projects like Our Kind of People, she’s actually made a massive pivot into the financial sector. Specifically, she’s been working as a Senior Marketing Director at World Financial Group. Yeah, you read that right. From the Pussycat Dolls (way back in the day) to BET lead, to help people manage their money.
It’s actually a pretty boss move. Most actors wait for the phone to ring; Nadine seemingly decided to build her own phone line. She still carries that same poised, "I'm the adult in the room" vibe into her financial seminars.
RonReaco Lee: The Sitcom Veteran Who Never Stops
Then there’s RonReaco Lee (Jamal). If you grew up in the 90s, he’s basically your cousin. You’ve seen him in Sister, Sister, you saw him in Glory as a kid, and you definitely saw him in Survivor’s Remorse.
RonReaco is one of those actors who is "working-actor" royalty. Since Let’s Stay Together wrapped, he hasn't really slowed down. He’s shifted into more production and directing work lately. In 2025 and 2026, he’s been involved in projects like Tyler Perry’s Duplicity and several Eric Jerome Dickey adaptations.
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He’s also become a go-to guy for the "All American Speakers Bureau." Basically, if you want someone to talk about the reality of being a Black man in Hollywood for thirty-plus years, he’s your guy. He’s lived it.
Joyful Drake and the Art of the Hustle
Joyful Drake played Tasha, Stacy’s younger, "super-fabulous" sister. In real life, Joyful is just as much of a firecracker. She’s transitioned into a lot of writing and producing.
She did a comedy called Glass Heels and has been very active on the indie circuit. What’s interesting about Joyful is how she used the show as a springboard for her "Dream Big" foundation. She’s big on mentorship. You won’t see her in Every. Single. Movie. but when she shows up, she’s usually also holding a producer credit behind the scenes.
What About the Rest of the Crew?
The supporting let's stay together tv show cast was stacked. You had Kyla Pratt join later as Crystal, and let’s be real, Kyla Pratt is a legend. She’s currently the voice of Penny Proud again in the Proud Family revival, which basically makes her immortal in the eyes of Gen Z and Millennials alike.
And we can't forget Erica Hubbard (Kita). Erica had to take a bit of a back seat during the show's run because of her pregnancy, but she’s been incredibly active in the "urban lit" film world. If there’s a drama based on a popular street-lit novel, there’s a 40% chance Erica is in it.
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Quick Reality Check on the Cast’s Current Path:
- Bert Belasco: Passed away in 2020. Remains the heart of the show’s legacy.
- Nadine Ellis: Balancing acting with a high-level career in financial marketing.
- RonReaco Lee: Acting, producing, and directing. He’s the industry’s "reliable narrator."
- Joyful Drake: Focused on writing, producing, and philanthropy.
- Erica Hubbard: A staple in independent Black cinema and digital series.
Why We’re Still Talking About This Show in 2026
The reason people keep searching for the let's stay together tv show cast isn't just nostalgia. It’s because the show represented a specific era of "Black Excellence" that wasn't about being a billionaire or a superhero. It was about people trying to pay a mortgage, deal with an annoying sister-in-law, and keep the spark alive after five years of marriage.
It felt attainable.
When you see Nadine Ellis talking about life insurance or RonReaco Lee directing a scene, it mirrors the growth of the characters they played. They’ve moved on to the next phase of life, just like we have.
If you’re looking to catch up with the cast today, your best bet is following their production companies rather than just checking IMDB. Most of them have realized that the real power in Hollywood isn't being in front of the camera—it’s owning the camera.
For those looking to revisit the magic, the series still cycles through BET+ and various streaming platforms. It’s worth a rewatch, if only to see Bert Belasco’s smile one more time. It reminds you that while shows get canceled, the impact of a good ensemble cast usually sticks around much longer than the network contract.
To keep up with the latest projects from the survivors of the cast, check out the upcoming 2026 release schedule for BET+ original movies, where several former guest stars and recurring actors are slated to appear in "Homecoming" style features.