The Parkers cast's journey from Santa Monica College to today

The Parkers cast's journey from Santa Monica College to today

The Parkers cast includes stars such as Jenna von Oÿ, Dorien Wilson, Countess Vaughn, and Ken Lawson. Some members continued their acting careers, others transitioned to different professions, and some chose to lead private lives. Together, they left a lasting impression on viewers with their hilarious performances in the series.

The Parkers cast Kym Whitley, Dorien Wilson and Mo’Nique
The Parkers cast (L-R), Kym Whitley, Dorien Wilson and Mo’Nique. Photo: Michael Tullberg, Leon Bennett, Paras Griffin (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Kym Whitley built a long-lasting career in Hollywood after her role as Gertie Lowe in The Parkers, with over 100 acting credits.
  • Kara Brock continued acting after her role as Regina Foster but paused to start a baking business, which she permanently closed to carve out her path back to acting.
  • Yvette Wilson succumbed to cervical cancer in 2012.

Where are The Parkers cast now?

The Parkers featured talented actors and actresses who made a lasting impression on viewers. Here is a look at who they are and where they are today.

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1. Countess Vaughn (Kimberly Ann Parker)

Countess Vaughn as Kimberly Ann Parker and the actress in Hollywood, California
Promotional photos of Countess Vaughn as Kimberly Ann Parker (L). Countess during the premiere party for Hollywood Divas at in Hollywood, California. Photo: CBS, Paul Archuleta (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 8 August 1978
  • Age: 47 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Idabel, Oklahoma, United States
  • Profession: Actress, singer

Countess Vaughn actress had previously starred in Moesha, which aired from 1996 to 2001, and it earned her an NAACP Image Award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series in 1998.

Vaughn continued acting after The Parkers. She has appeared in other films such as Let’s Stay Together, More to Love, and Harlem. Countess also continued with her singing career and released songs such as Wifey, Wait for Me, and a cover of IIt’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World.

The actress continues with her singing career, but does not pursue it fully because of thyroid eye problems. She revealed in an interview with WH FAN in 2021 that she had always had that issue, and it affected her voice.

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The reason why I’ve never taken singing as something serious is because of the hoarseness. I’ve always had a problem with my thyroid. It’s been that issue when we were on The Parkers, we always pre-shot my scene; I would lip-sync… God gave me a blessing, but the curse is I get hoarse a lot.

2. Jenna von Oÿ (Stevie Van Lowe)

Jenna von Oy as Stevie Van Lowe and the actress posing while holding a glass
Promotional photo of Jenna von Oy as Stevie Van Lowe on 7 October 1999 (L). Jenna von Oy posing with a glass in her hand (R). Photo: CBS via Getty Images, @jennavonoy on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 2 May 1977
  • Age: 48 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Danbury, Connecticut, United States
  • Profession: Actress, author

After the series ended, Jenna continued her acting career, appearing in films such as Lukewarm, The 30-Day Challenge and Cecil. According to her IMDb profile, she has 35 acting credits. Her recent movie is the 2022 Call Me Kat.

She is the co-host of the Big F*cking Feelings podcast with Ashley Robyn. They discuss personal growth, relationships and pop culture. She is also an author known for writing two parenting books titled Situation Momedy.

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Jenna is a supporter of motherhood and shares her experiences as a mother with her followers on social media. She is working on the Cassandra Project, consisting of short films which aim to highlight the importance of believing women. She shared a trailer of the first short film on her Instagram account.

The actress was married to Brad Bratcher from 2010 to 2020. They have two daughters, Marlowe Monroe and Gray Audrey.

3. Mo’Nique (Nikki Parker)

Promotional photos of Mo'Nique as Nikki Parker and the actress in Stockbridge
Promotional photos of Mo'Nique as Nikki Parker in 1999 (L). Mo'Nique performs onstage during The Bridge Comedy Show in 2023 in Stockbridge, Georgia (R). Photo: CBS, Paras Griffin (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 11 December 1967
  • Age: 57 years old (as of August 2025)
  • Place of birth: Woodlawn, Maryland, United States
  • Profession: Comedian, actress

Mo’Nique's performance in the American sitcom earned her four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.

After The Parkers, she went on and appeared in other films such as Almost Christmas and The Deliverance. She has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. Some of them include Golden Globe, BET, and Satellite awards.

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According to an Instagram post she shared on 17 July 2025, she continues to do stand-up comedy. Mo’Nique announced that on 26 September 2025, she will be at The Keswick Theatre to entertain her fans.

4. Kara Brock (Regina Foster)

Kara Bustos as Regina Foster in 1999 and the actress posing for a selfie
Kara Bustos as Regina Foster in 1999 (L). Kara Bustos posing for a selfie inside her house (R). Photo: @siftbykara on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 29 March 1974
  • Age: 51 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United States
  • Profession: Actress

Kara Brock portrayed Regina Foster, the sorority sister of Kim Parker, in the 1999 sitcom. Her snobbish and stuck-up personality made the film more interesting. She has been featured in films such as The Game and Crossing Jordan since the series ended.

The actress is also known for her baking skills. She had a baking business where she created intricate cakes and designed cookies. However, according to her Instagram profile, she closed her baking business to go back to her acting career.

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On 21 July 2018, she shared a post on Instagram telling her fans that she stopped baking and is now focusing on her family as she continues to carve out her path back into acting.

Just popping in to say hello! I haven’t baked a cake since March, and I don’t miss it. Enjoying the summer with the kids as I continue to carve out my path back to acting. Headshots in two weeks!

The actress is married to Joseph Bustos. She married him in 2004, and they have three children: Sophia Gabriella Bustos, Nora Simone Bustos, and Fiona Helena Bustos.

5. Dorien Wilson (Professor Oglevee)

Dorien Wilson as Professor Stanley Oglevee in 1999 and the actor in 2019
Dorien Wilson as Professor Stanley Oglevee in 1999 (L). Wilson during Sacrifice Premiere Event at Landmark Theatre in 2019 in Los Angeles, California (R). Photo: CBS, Leon Bennett (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 5 July 1963
  • Age: 62 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Lompoc, California, United States
  • Profession: Actor

Dorien Wilson played the charming and popular with women Professor Oglevee. He was already an established actor before his role in The Parkers. His performance in the 1999 sitcom earned him an NAACP Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

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The actor remained active in the acting world after The Parkers ended in 2004. As per his IMDb profile, he has been featured in over 87 films and television series. Some of the films he has appeared in after The Parkers include Grey’s Anatomy, The Family Weekends, and Cherish the Day. One of his recent films is the 2025 Mind Your Business, where he played the role of John.

6. Ken Lawson (Thaddeus Tyrell 'T' Radcliffe)

Ken Lawson as Thaddeus Tyrell 'T' Radcliffe in 1999 and him posing during BET Awards
Ken Lawson as Thaddeus Tyrell 'T' Radcliffe in 1999 (L). Ken Lawson posing during BET Awards event (R). Photo: @iamkenl on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 19 January 1976
  • Age: 49 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: West Covina, California, United States
  • Profession: Rapper, actor

Ken Lawson is an American rapper and actor who took the role of Thaddeus Tyrell 'T' Radcliffe in The Parkers. He is known as a member of the music group Free Style Unity. His role in The Parkers was not his first one.

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Ken Lawson had been in the acting world before the 1999 sitcom. Some of the films he had previously featured in include Malibu’s Most Wanted and The Learning Curve.

The actor continued being active in the entertainment industry. Since The Parkers ended, he has appeared in other popular films such as The Oval, In The Cut, and Love That Girl. According to an Instagram post he shared on 25 June 2025, he is working on a project called Run, which involves an alien invasion theme. The movie will be released on 29 August 2025.

7. Kym Whitley (Gertie Lowe)

Kym Whitley as Gertie Lowe in 1999 and her in Los Angeles on 7 June 2025
Kym Whitley as Gertie Lowe in 1999 (L). Kym during the 9th annual Culture Creators Awards Brunch in LA (R). Photo: @kimwhitley on Instagram, Michael Tullberg via Getty Images (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 21 July 1961
  • Age: 64 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States
  • Profession: Comedian, actress, podcaster

Kym Whitley played the role of Gertie Lowe in The Parkers. Whitley had established her acting career before The Parkers. She was established as an actress before the role of Gertie Lowe. Some of the films she had been in before getting a role in The Parkers include Grown Ups, A Private Affair, and Sparks.

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Kym Whitley is still acting. She has over 138 acting credits. Some of her recent films include Happy Gilmore, Killing Mary Sue and The Upshaws. The actress attends comedy events to entertain her fans. She is the co-host of the Two Funny Mamas podcast with Sherri Shepherd, where they talk about topics such as love, life, marriage and relationships.

8. Yvette Wilson (Andell Wilkerson)

Yvette Wilson as Andell Wikerson in 1999 and her posing while wearing a black leather jacket
Yvette Wilson as Andell Wikerson in 1999 (L). Yvette Wilson posing while wearing a black leather jacket (R). Photo: CBS via Getty Images, @highperspectivesart on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 6 March 1964
  • Date of death: 14 June 2012
  • Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Profession: Comedian, actress

Yvette Wilson was a comedian and actress who portrayed the role of Andell Wilkerson in The Parkers. Before getting her role in the 1999 sitcom, she was established in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian. She later transitioned into acting in the early 90s, appearing in films such as Blankman and Poetic Justice.

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Yvette rose to fame in 1995 when she played Andell Wilkerson in Moesha. In 1999, she was featured in The Parkers, which is a spin-off of Moesha. Aside from her acting and comedy career, she was managing a record label called Fat Daddy Records.

Yvette Wilson passed away on 14 January 2012. According to BBC News, she succumbed to cervical cancer. Shortly before her death, she married Jerome Harry, with whom she had two daughters.

9. Trent Cameron (Jerel Goodrich)

Trent Cameron as Jerel Goodrich and him smiling while leaning to the front
Trent Cameron as Jerel Goodrich (L). Trent Cameron smiling while leaning to the front (R). Photo: @tyffanygriffinbell on Facebook, @wordup.official on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 16 May 1979
  • Age: 46 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Profession: Actor

Trent Cameron is also one of the cast members in The Parkers sitcom series. He played the role of Jerel Goodrich. Trent appeared in several episodes, adding to the comedic situations in the series.

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The American actor has also appeared in other films such as Boston Public, Cold Case, and American Dreams. He has chosen to lead a personal life.

10. Paulette Braxton (Veronica Cooper)

  • Date of birth: 31 January 1965
  • Age: 60 years old (as of 2025)
  • Place of birth: Houston, Texas, United States
  • Profession: Actress

Paulette Braxton is an actress who is known for the role of Veronica Cooper in The Parkers. She is known for her confidence and her strong fashion sense in the sitcom. The actress appeared in thirteen episodes from 1999 to 2002.

Paulette Braxton has also been featured in other films such as CSI: Miami, In Justice, and Las Vegas. She is one of The Parkers cast members who has decided to lead a private life.

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11. Steven Wash Jr (Jamal)

Steve Wash Jr as Jamal and him posing in a multicoloured shirt
Steve Wash Jr as Jamal (L). The actor posing in a multicoloured shirt (R). Photo: @greatjobhansel on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Date of birth: 1 August
  • Place of birth: United States of America
  • Profession: Actor

Steven Wash Jr played the role of Jamal in The Parkers, but not as the main cast. Jamal is the little boy who raps and appeared on the show during the storyline involving the Free Style Unity rap group. He started appearing in the series in 2003 and was featured in one episode.

Steven Wash Jr’s acting career extends beyond The Parkers. He is known for other films such as Cold Case, Eleventh Hour and Land of the Lost. His most recent credit as an actor is the Man and Wife television series.

Was Nikki pregnant on The Parkers?

Nikki was pregnant when she was in high school, which prompted her to drop out of school and get married to Stanley. However, this was a past pregnancy that resulted in her having her daughter, Kim, at a young age.

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Why was Countess Vaughn not in season 5 of The Parkers?

Countess Vaughn (Kim) was not in season 5 of The Parkers because of her real-life pregnancy. She was written out of the first few episodes of season 5. According to BET, the actress almost terminated her pregnancy to save her career.

Who is the little boy rapping on The Parkers?

The little boy who raps in The Parkers sitcom is Steven Wash Jr. He portrays Jamal and was featured in one episode.

What is the white girl's name on The Parkers?

The white girl in The Parkers sitcom series is Jenna von Oÿ. She portrays the sarcastic and intelligent Stevie Van Lowe, who is Kim’s best friend.

The Parkers cast featured a remarkable mix of young talents who gave an unforgettable performance. While some of them are still active in the entertainment industry, others have chosen to lead private lives far from the spotlight. One of the main cast members, Yvette Wilson, passed away in 2012.

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Legit.ng recently published an article about the Mary Poppins cast. Mary Poppins is a Disney musical masterpiece that was released in 1964. The lives of the Mary Poppins cast unfolded in different ways after the film was released.

Some of the cast members, like David Tomlinson, continued to work with Disney after Mary Poppins, while others, like Michael Banks, passed away. Some of the main cast members of Mary Poppins include David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, and Matthew Garber. Read on to discover more about what the Mary Poppins cast members are up to now.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Brian Oroo avatar

Brian Oroo (Lifestyle writer) Brian has worked as a writer at Legit.ng since 2021. He specialises in lifestyle, celebrity, and news content. He won the Writer of the Year Award at Legit in both 2023 and 2024. Brian holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), earned in 2021. He completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques in 2023 and the Google News Initiative course in 2024. His email is brianoroo533@gmail.com

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