A Different World follows Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet), Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) at Hillman College, a historically Black college.
Main cast
- Denise HuxtableLisa Bonet1Main
- Dwayne WayneKadeem Hardison1–6Main
- Whitley GilbertJasmine Guy1–6Main
- Ron JohnsonDarryl M. Bell1–6Main
- Freddie BrooksCree Summer2–6Main
- Kimberly ReeseCharnele Brown2–6Main
- Walter OakesSinbad1–6Main
- Colonel Bradford TaylorGlynn Thurman1–6Main
- Lettie BosticMarie-Alise Recasner1–3Main
- Jaleesa VinsonDawnn Lewis1–4Main
Supporting cast
- Vernon GainesLou Myers3–6Supp
- Millicent ‘Miss’ GiddingsJenifer Lewis2–4Supp
- Professor LocoC.S. Howard5–6Supp
- Terrence TaylorCory Tyler5–6Supp
- Olivia KendallRaven-Symoné4–6Supp
Guest & voice
- Dr. Erin WillsJada Pinkett Smith4Guest
- ShazaBranford Marsalis4Guest
- CarolynTisha Campbell5Guest
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About this cast
Set at the fictional Hillman College, a historically black university, A Different World follows a group of students navigating academics, relationships, and social issues. The show originally centred on Denise Huxtable from The Cosby Show before expanding its ensemble cast.
FAQs
Who plays Denise Huxtable in A Different World?
Lisa Bonet played Denise Huxtable for the first season only.
How many seasons did A Different World run?
The show aired for six seasons from 1987 to 1993.
Was A Different World a spin-off of The Cosby Show?
Yes, it was a spin-off focusing on Denise Huxtable while she attended Hillman College.
Who played Dwayne Wayne?
Dwayne Wayne was played by Kadeem Hardison for all six seasons.
What network originally aired A Different World?
NBC broadcast the series from 1987 to 1993.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026