TGIF was a religion for nineties kids. You’d grab your Gushers, sit on the floor, and wait for that catchy theme song to start. Step by Step was basically The Brady Bunch with more attitude and better hair. It ran for seven seasons, but if you look at the Step by Step actors now, you’ll realize that the Hollywood dream didn't stick for everyone. Some went on to become network TV staples, while others literally vanished from the spotlight to sell houses or run production companies. It’s wild how different their paths turned out after that final episode aired in 1998.
Patrick Duffy was already a legend when he joined the show. He’d spent years on Dallas as Bobby Ewing, and honestly, Frank Lambert was a huge pivot. He played the ultimate "dad" character—laid back, sports-loving, and surprisingly patient with six kids. He’s 76 now and hasn’t slowed down one bit. He actually returned to the world of Dallas for the TNT reboot a few years back and has been keeping busy with voice work and guest spots on shows like Station 19. Most people don't know he's also a big traveler; he’s been dating Linda Purl (from Happy Days) for a while, and they even launched a sourdough starter business together called Duffy’s Dough. It’s a pretty wholesome second act.
Suzanne Somers was the heart of the show as Carol Foster. She was already a fitness icon thanks to the ThighMaster, but Step by Step solidified her as a sitcom queen. Sadly, Suzanne passed away in October 2023, just a day before her 77th birthday. It was a massive blow to fans. She’d been fighting breast cancer on and off for over 20 years. Before she passed, she’d basically become a wellness mogul. She wrote dozens of books—some controversial, some beloved—and was a massive advocate for alternative medicine. She stayed incredibly close to Patrick Duffy until the very end; they had this genuine, lifelong friendship that you just don't see much in Hollywood anymore.
The Kids: From Child Stars to Reality
Staci Keanan, who played the brainy Dana Foster, was the "it girl" of the early nineties. Before she was Dana, she was Nicole on My Two Dads. But here's the thing about Staci: she didn't want the fame forever. She’s one of the few who successfully transitioned out of the industry. She went to law school, passed the bar, and is now a practicing attorney in the Los Angeles area. She goes by Anastasia Sagorsky now. Every once in a while, she’ll pop up at a 90s Con to sign autographs, but her day job is way more Law & Order than Step by Step. It’s a smart move. Child stardom is a meat grinder, and she got out with her sanity and a law degree.
Brandon Call played J.T. Lambert. He was the quintessential teenage slacker. But Brandon’s story is a bit darker than the others. In 1996, while the show was still filming, he was actually shot in both arms during a random traffic dispute. He recovered and finished the show, but once it was over, he just... stopped. He hasn't acted since 1998. Rumor has it he worked at his family’s gas station and car wash in California for years. He’s notoriously private. No Instagram, no interviews, no "where are they now" specials. He just chose a normal life, and honestly, good for him.
What Really Happened to Cody Lambert?
The biggest question people usually have is about Sasha Mitchell. He played the lovable, dim-witted cousin Cody who lived in the driveway. He was arguably the most popular person on the show. But in the middle of the fifth season, he was written off. Why? Because of some serious legal issues involving domestic violence allegations. It was a messy situation that effectively halted his mainstream career for a long time.
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Mitchell eventually returned for a guest spot in the final season, but the momentum was gone. He didn't quit acting, though. He’s a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has done a ton of work in the Kickboxer sequels. If you see him today, he’s absolutely ripped. He looks nothing like the lanky guy in the van. He’s 58, still acting in indie action movies, and seems to have found his niche in the fitness and martial arts world. He’s a regular at fan conventions, always willing to talk about the "Cody-isms" that made him a household name.
The Middle Children and the "消失" Phenomenon
Angela Watson (Karen Foster) has a story that should be a warning to every stage parent. After the show ended, she discovered that her parents had spent nearly all of the $2.5 million she’d earned over seven years. It’s a classic, heartbreaking Hollywood trope. Instead of fading away, she founded Cast & Crew, an organization designed to help other child actors protect their earnings. She basically became an advocate so others wouldn't get "Coogan-ed" like she did. She hasn't acted much since the late 90s, focusing instead on her nonprofit work and music.
Christine Lakin, who played Al Lambert, is the one you’ve probably seen the most lately. She’s had a massive career behind the scenes. She voices Joyce Kinney on Family Guy and has become a very successful director. She’s directed episodes of The Goldbergs, Schooled, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
- She’s a mom of two now.
- She hosts a podcast called Worst Ever.
- She’s incredibly active on social media, often sharing behind-the-scenes memories of the show.
Lakin is the success story of the younger cast. She stayed in the industry, pivoted to directing when acting roles changed, and managed to stay relevant without the typical "former child star" scandals.
What About the Little Ones?
Christopher Castile (Mark Foster) was the quintessential nerd. Glasses, suspenders, the whole nine yards. Like Staci Keanan, he traded the camera for a classroom. He’s a professor of political science now. He teaches at Biola University and has a master’s degree from USC. Imagine walking into a 101 lecture and realizing your professor was the kid from Beethoven and Step by Step. He seems perfectly happy with academia.
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Josh Byrne, who played the youngest Lambert, Brendan, just... disappeared. He was written out of the show in the final season without any explanation. He just didn't move with them to CBS. There are some old social media profiles that suggest he might be living a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, but he’s the biggest mystery of the cast. No one really knows what he’s up to, and the cast doesn't seem to mention him much in reunions.
The youngest addition, Emily Mae Young (Lilly Foster-Lambert), was only a toddler when she joined. She’s in her late 20s now. She did a few commercials and a movie called Undercover Angel but largely stepped away from the limelight once she hit school age.
Why We Still Care About Step by Step
Nostalgia is a powerful drug. When we look at Step by Step actors now, we’re really looking for a piece of our own childhood. The show wasn't high art. It was a comfortable, predictable sitcom about a blended family trying to make it work. It dealt with stepsiblings who hated each other, parents trying to keep the spark alive, and the chaos of a house with eight people.
The show’s longevity—160 episodes—means it’s always playing somewhere on a digital subchannel or streaming service like Max or Hulu. It’s "comfort food" television. Seeing that the cast mostly turned out to be functional, successful adults (even if they aren't A-list movie stars) is actually kind of refreshing. Most of them escaped the "child star curse" by simply walking away.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Aspiring Actors
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of 90s sitcoms or if you're an actor yourself looking at these career paths, there are some very real takeaways.
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1. Watch the cast reunions.
If you want the real tea, look for the Step by Step panels from recent 90s Con events (specifically the 2023 and 2024 ones). Christine Lakin, Patrick Duffy, and Staci Keanan usually headline these. They talk openly about the filming process and their relationships today. It’s the best way to see their current chemistry.
2. Protect your assets.
For anyone entering the entertainment industry, Angela Watson’s story is a textbook reason to hire an independent fiduciary. Don't let your parents or "managers" have total control over the bank accounts. Set up a blocked trust (Coogan Account) regardless of what state you're filming in.
3. Diversify your skillset.
Christine Lakin’s transition to directing is the blueprint. If you want a long career in Hollywood, you can’t just wait for the phone to ring for acting roles. Learning the technical side—directing, producing, or voice-over work—is how you survive when the "teen star" phase ends.
4. Follow the "Cast & Crew" model.
If you’ve been in the industry and feel lost, look into the resources provided by actors who have transitioned out. Organizations like the SAG-AFTRA Foundation offer transition assistance for performers looking to move into other careers, much like Staci Keanan and Christopher Castile did.
5. Catch the reruns legally.
As of early 2026, the series is usually available on streaming platforms like Max. Supporting the show through official channels ensures the actors still receive their (admittedly small) residual checks, which is a major part of how many character actors maintain their lifestyle between projects.
The legacy of the show isn't just in the episodes; it’s in how this group of people navigated the weird, often toxic world of child stardom and came out the other side. Some chose the law, some chose the classroom, and some chose the director’s chair. But they’ll always be the Lambert-Foster clan to us.