Twenty years is a long time. In the world of sitcoms, it’s an eternity. Most people remember the cast of Steve Harvey Show as that tight-knit crew at Booker T. Washington High, cracking jokes in the hallway or hanging out at "The Hi-Top." It was the cornerstone of the WB’s Wednesday night lineup. But honestly? The transition from the 90s to now hasn't been a straight line for everyone. Some of the stars are basically running Hollywood, while others faced tragedies that still feel surreal to talk about.
The King of the Morning (and Everything Else)
Steve Harvey didn't just move on; he conquered. In 2026, he’s less of a sitcom star and more of a global conglomerate. You’ve seen him everywhere. He’s the face of Family Feud, he’s still holding down The Steve Harvey Morning Show on the radio, and he’s even judging people on Judge Steve Harvey.
It's wild to think he almost ended the show in season five because he was getting bigger offers. The network actually had to negotiate hard to get that sixth season. Today, his net worth is hovering around $200 million. He isn't just a comedian anymore. He’s a mentor and a businessman who is deeply vocal about his faith, famously thanking God at the end of every single taping.
Cedric the Entertainer is Still Winning
Cedric "Jackie" Robinson was the soul of that show. His chemistry with Steve was real because they were friends before the cameras even started rolling. Right now, Cedric is arguably having the best "second act" of any sitcom star. He’s currently starring in The Neighborhood on CBS, which has become a staple of modern network TV.
But check this out—he’s heading to Broadway in the spring of 2026. He’s starring alongside Taraji P. Henson in a revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. It’s a heavy, dramatic role. Very different from Coach Cedric, but it shows his range. He’s also launching a new Audible comedy series called Big Age with Jenifer Lewis this February. The man does not sleep.
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The Heartbreak of Merlin Santana
You can't talk about the cast of Steve Harvey Show without mentioning Romeo. Merlin Santana was the breakout star. He had that "it" factor—the charisma, the looks, the comedic timing. He was supposed to be the next big leading man.
Then came November 2002.
Merlin was only 26. He was sitting in a car in Los Angeles when he was shot and killed. It was a senseless tragedy sparked by a false accusation made by a 15-year-old girl. It’s still one of the most devastating "what if" stories in Black Hollywood. He left behind a daughter, Melinda, and a legacy that fans still celebrate every year on social media.
Wendy Raquel Robinson: The Principal Who Never Aged
Regina "Piggy" Grier was the perfect foil for Steve's antics. Wendy Raquel Robinson basically defined the "successful, no-nonsense Black woman" archetype for a generation. After the show, she became Tasha Mack on The Game, a role she played for 11 seasons.
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In 2026, she’s still a powerhouse. Aside from acting, she’s the executive director of the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a school she co-founded that trains kids in the arts. She’s literally mentoring the next generation of actors, including alumni like Issa Rae. She’s also a multiple Emmy winner now, which is exactly what Regina Grier would have wanted.
Lovita and Bullethead: Where are they?
Terri J. Vaughn brought "high-class" energy as Lovita Alizay Jenkins. Honestly, her "Ceddy-Wap" catchphrase is still iconic. These days, Terri is doing a lot more than just acting. She’s a prolific director and producer. She recently finished directing the third season of Reasonable Doubt on Hulu and has a new project called Miss Governor that’s been making waves.
Then there’s William Lee Scott, better known as Bullethead.
He was the "token white kid" who fit in perfectly. William didn't disappear, though. He’s had a solid career in films like October Sky and The Butterfly Effect. Interestingly, he reunited with Cedric the Entertainer on The Neighborhood recently. He’s living a quiet life now with his wife and two kids, popping up in guest spots and reminding everyone that he still has those comedic chops.
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Why This Show Still Hits Different
Most sitcoms from that era feel dated. The jokes don't land, or the fashion is too painful to look at. But the cast of Steve Harvey Show had a specific magic. They tackled real stuff—mentorship, broken homes, and the struggle of being a teacher—without being preachy.
- Real Friendship: Steve and Cedric's banter wasn't scripted half the time.
- Cultural Impact: It was one of the few shows that portrayed a middle-class Black school environment with nuance.
- Legacy: It launched the careers of people like Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who appeared as recurring guest stars.
If you’re looking to catch up with the crew, most of the series is streaming on platforms like Tubi or Pluto TV. It’s worth a rewatch just to see how much of Steve Harvey's current "Uncle Steve" persona was actually born in that classroom.
To stay updated on what the surviving cast is doing next, you can follow Cedric the Entertainer’s Broadway journey or check out Wendy Raquel Robinson’s work with her conservatory. Their careers are a blueprint for longevity in an industry that usually forgets people after the first syndication check clears.