Lee Daniels has a way of making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a conversation you weren’t supposed to hear. When Star premiered on Fox back in 2016, it wasn’t just a show about three girls trying to make it in Atlanta. It was gritty. It was loud. It was deeply messy. Honestly, the star the show cast members weren't just playing roles; they were carrying the weight of a production that felt like it was constantly on the verge of exploding—both onscreen and off.
Most people remember the shock when it was canceled on a cliffhanger. Fans were livid. You’ve probably seen the petitions. But if you look at where everyone ended up, the show served as a weirdly effective launchpad, even if the landing was a bit bumpy.
The Trio: Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny, and Brittany O'Grady
The heart of the show was the girl group, and let's be real, the chemistry was actually pretty authentic.
Jude Demorest played Star Davis. She wasn't some polished pop princess. She was abrasive and desperate. Interestingly, Demorest was a songwriter long before she was the face of a Fox drama. She co-wrote "Work from Home" for Fifth Harmony. That’s probably why her performance felt so grounded in the actual industry. After the show ended, she didn't just jump into another sitcom. She’s been more selective, leaning into motherhood and sporadic music projects. She’s active on social media, often reflecting on the "Star" days with a mix of nostalgia and the bluntness you'd expect from her.
Then there is Ryan Destiny. If anyone walked away from this show as a certified "it girl," it’s her. Playing Alexandra Crane, the wealthy girl trying to escape her father’s shadow, Destiny brought a specific kind of poise. Since the finale, she’s been everywhere. She had a major recurring role in Grown-ish and landed the lead in the Claressa Shields biopic, The Fire Inside (originally titled Flint Strong). Her career trajectory proves that Hollywood saw her as a leading lady long before the show's ratings dipped.
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Brittany O'Grady, who played Simone, took a completely different path. She went the prestige TV route. You likely saw her in the first season of HBO’s The White Lotus. She played Paula, the cynical college student, and she was brilliant. It’s a massive tonal shift from the soapy drama of Atlanta’s music scene to Mike White’s biting social satire. It shows her range. She isn't just "the sister" anymore.
Queen Latifah and the Veteran Presence
You can’t talk about the star the show cast members without acknowledging the heavy hitters who gave the show its "prestige" veneer. Queen Latifah as Carlotta Brown was the glue. Carlotta’s salon was the moral compass of a show that often lacked one. Latifah didn't need this show for her career, obviously. She’s an icon. But her presence allowed the younger actors to shine without the show feeling like a "teen drama."
Currently, Latifah is dominating the procedural world with The Equalizer on CBS. It’s a massive hit. It’s interesting to see her move from the soulful, weary Carlotta to a high-octane action lead.
And then there’s Benjamin Bratt. He played Jahil Rivera, the sleazy but somehow lovable manager. Bratt has always been a journeyman in Hollywood. Whether it’s Law & Order or Coco, he brings a specific gravitas. After Star, he popped up in DMZ and has continued to be one of those actors who makes everything he’s in about 20% better just by showing up.
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The Supporting Players Who Stole the Scenes
Sometimes the people on the sidelines are the ones who actually make the world feel lived-in. Amiyah Scott, who played Cotton, made history as one of the first transgender women to play a lead transgender character on a major network scripted serial. Her storyline with Carlotta was arguably the most emotional arc of the series. Since then, Scott has become a significant advocate and fashion icon, though fans are constantly begging for her to return to a regular acting gig.
Quincy Brown (Derek) is another one to watch. Being the son of Al B. Sure! and adopted by Diddy, he grew up in the world Star was trying to depict. He’s been focusing heavily on his music and tech ventures lately. He’s got that "multi-hyphenate" energy that defines the modern industry.
Why the Show Was Canceled (The Real Story)
It wasn't just about the ratings. While they were declining, they weren't "instant cancellation" bad. The problem was ownership. Fox (the network) and 20th Century Fox (the studio) were splitting up due to the Disney merger. Because Fox didn't own Star outright, it was more expensive to keep on the air than a show they produced in-house.
Lee Daniels tried everything to save it. He promised a movie. He teased a wrap-up on social media. But as the years pass, it becomes clear that the "Star" universe is likely frozen in that 2019 moment. It’s a bit of a tragedy for the fans who stuck through three seasons of wild plot twists—including that infamous shooting in the finale.
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The Legacy of the Music
One thing people get wrong about Star is comparing it too closely to Empire. While Empire was about the boardroom and the legacy, Star was about the hustle. The music reflected that.
The soundtrack was produced by some of the biggest names in the business, including Rodney Jerkins. If you go back and listen to tracks like "I Bring Me" or "Checklight," they hold up remarkably well. Most TV show music feels dated within six months. This stuff felt like it could actually be on the radio in 2017.
What You Should Do If You're a Fan Today
If you’re still reeling from that cliffhanger or just discovering the show on streaming, here is how you can actually follow the star the show cast members and support their current work:
- Watch The Fire Inside: Support Ryan Destiny’s transition to major film roles. It’s a physical, demanding part that shows she’s moved way beyond the "girl group" archetype.
- Stream The White Lotus Season 1: If you want to see Brittany O’Grady at her best, this is it. It’s a masterclass in subtle acting compared to the heightened reality of Star.
- Check out Jude Demorest’s Songwriting Credits: She’s been working behind the scenes. Her ear for pop hooks is still one of the sharpest in the industry.
- Follow Amiyah Scott on Socials: She remains a vital voice in the LGBTQ+ community and frequently shares behind-the-scenes insights into the industry's evolution since the show aired.
The show might be over, but the impact it had on its cast was permanent. They entered as hopefuls and left as seasoned pros who survived one of the most chaotic production schedules in network TV. That grit they showed on screen? It was real.
Next Steps for Deep Diving
To truly understand the impact of the show, look into Lee Daniels' interviews regarding the "Star/Empire" crossover episodes. It highlights the difficulty of managing two massive musical casts simultaneously. You can also find fan-led archives of the unreleased tracks from the canceled fourth season on various music forums—some of those leaks give a hint at where the story was supposed to go.