If you grew up in the late '80s, you knew Simone Foster. You probably liked her. Maybe you even wanted to be her, with that signature low ponytail and the oversized denim jacket. Khrystyne Haje, the actress behind the soft-spoken poet on Head of the Class, didn’t just play a character; she anchored a specific kind of nerdy-cool that felt entirely real.
She wasn't just a face on a screen. Honestly, Haje was one of the first "TV crushes" for a whole generation of kids who spent their Tuesday nights watching a bunch of overachievers sit in a classroom with Howard Hesseman. But her career didn't start or stop with that ABC sitcom.
Looking back at Khrystyne Haje movies and tv shows reveals a career that is way more eclectic than most people realize. She didn't just stick to the "brainy girl" archetype. She did sci-fi, horror, voice acting, and some surprisingly gritty guest spots on crime procedurals.
The Head of the Class Era and Beyond
Success hit early. At 17, Haje landed the role of Simone. It’s wild to think she was actually attending North Hollywood High School in real life while playing a student at the fictional Monroe High. She called it "fantasy school." It worked. The show ran for five years, and Haje was nominated for three Young Artist Awards during that time.
When the show wrapped in 1991, the industry was changing. The '90s were weird for TV stars. You either transitioned to film or you became a staple of the "guest star of the week" circuit. Haje did a bit of both.
She popped up on Growing Pains as a teenage version of Chrissy Seaver in a dream sequence. She did Parker Lewis Can’t Lose. She even voiced Rebecca Falbrook in Batman: The Animated Series. If you’re a DC fan, you probably remember "The Terrible Trio"—that was her.
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Taking a Weird Turn Into 90s Sci-Fi and Horror
By the mid-90s, Haje was taking bigger swings. She starred in Cyborg 3: The Recycler in 1994. It’s exactly the kind of direct-to-video sci-fi you’d expect from that era—grimy, robotic, and a total departure from her poet roots.
She also showed up in:
- Scanners: The Showdown (1995)
- Morella (1997)
- Demolition University (1997)
- Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th (2000)
That last one is a parody, obviously. She played "Sexy Doctor." It was a wink to her status as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 1990. She was lean into the trope. It was fun.
The Law & Order Pivot
A lot of actors find a second life in the Dick Wolf universe. Haje is no exception. In the early 2000s, she made appearances on both the mothership Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU.
In the SVU episode "Counterfeit," she played Francesca Jesner. It was a 2002 role that felt worlds away from the hallways of Monroe High. These guest spots proved she had the dramatic chops to stick around, even as she started moving away from the Hollywood grind to focus on other things.
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A Life Bigger Than the Screen
This is where the story gets really interesting. Haje didn't just fade away; she evolved. In 2001, People reported she was a part-owner of a Silicon Valley company that was valued at a staggering amount. She called it a "smart move."
She also became a powerhouse for environmental and health causes. She’s a founding board member of the Earth Communication Office (ECO) and has been incredibly vocal about her health journey.
In 2015, Haje was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Doctors gave her two years. She didn't accept that. She joined a medical trial for a treatment called SM-88, and by 2017, she was in recovery with no evidence of disease. It’s a miracle story she’s shared openly to help others.
What She's Doing Recently
If you think she retired, you're wrong. She’s still active.
- The Road Dog (2023): She starred in this drama alongside her former partner, comedian Doug Stanhope.
- Theater: She’s been a constant in the New York and LA theater scenes, appearing in plays like You've Got Hate Mail and Profit.
- Public Speaking: As of late 2025, she’s still appearing at events like the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations.
Finding Her Work Today
If you want to revisit her filmography, it's easier than it used to be. Head of the Class is often available on streaming platforms like Max (formerly HBO Max). Most of her '90s thriller work can be found on Tubi or other ad-supported streamers that specialize in cult classics.
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She even does Cameo now. It’s actually kind of sweet—she gives tips on how to recreate her Simone Foster look and recites poetry for fans.
How to Build Your Own Khrystyne Haje Marathon
If you're looking to dive back into her career, don't just stick to the hits. Start with a few episodes of Head of the Class to get that nostalgia hit. Then, jump to the "The Terrible Trio" episode of Batman: The Animated Series. It’s a masterclass in '90s voice acting.
Finish it off with The Road Dog. It shows the maturity and depth she’s gained over the decades. It's a reminder that child stars don't always have to have a tragic "where are they now" story. Sometimes, they just grow up, get smart, and keep creating on their own terms.
To get the most out of her filmography, check the credits on independent films from the early 2000s—you'll often find her in supporting roles that didn't get the marketing they deserved. You can also follow her on social media where she still posts updates about her environmental work and theater projects.
Next Steps for Fans:
Start by streaming Head of the Class on Max to see the role that defined her career. If you're interested in her recent work, look for The Road Dog on digital platforms to see her most recent dramatic performance.