Actor and director Kadeem Hardison became known for his role as the fast-talking, flip-sunglass-wearing Dwayne Wayne on the hit ‘90s show A Different World alongside Lisa Bonet, Jasmine Guy and Debbie Allen. This role made him an instant icon and a memorable television figure, whose legacy influences young Black people even today. Following his breakout role, Hardison most recently starred in Moonhaven for AMC, was a series regular on Teenage Bounty Hunters for Netflix and had a recurring role on the Showtime comedy series Black Monday. He also starred in the Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover opposite Zendaya for three seasons and guest starred and recurred on various shows such as Grown-ish, Parenthood, Girlfriends, and Everybody Hates Chris, along with many others.
While Hardison’s prolific career has spanned several genres and mediums, including television, film, theater, animation and voiceover work, he has found value and growth in all these spaces but indicated that acting is still his favorite medium. In an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Hardison elaborates that television is different from film and plays and while the preparation process for these are all unique, the opportunity to act is paramount.
Hardison and his former A Different World castmates have been praised for decades for the show’s longstanding impact. The series, which ran for six seasons, has been attributed to a significant increase in enrollment at HBCUs and college attendance for young Black students although none of the core cast members attended an HBCU. The show’s cast is currently touring different HBCUs across the country as part of the A Different World HBCU College Tour 2024, celebrating the 35-year legacy of Hillman College and HBCUs’ mission to educate the next generation of leaders.
Some may be aware that Hardison is the son of former model, advocate and activist Bethann Hardison, who is the subject of the documentary Invisible Beauty, in which Kadeem appears. Ms. Hardison is known as a groundbreaker in the fashion industry and has guided the careers of some of the most prominent models while championing diversity through her advocacy work. Hardison credits his mother with providing much-needed guidance, particularly early in his career. “She was the one that pushed me towards whatever I wanted to do. If there’s anything that people see in me that they like, know that it comes from her and my father [Donald McFadden].”
Hardison has observed firsthand the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, particularly for Black talent. When asked about some of the highlights and pitfalls of show business in the earlier days of his career compared to current times, he references a lyric from A Tribe Called Quest’s popular song: Things Go in Cycles, meaning that many themes tend to recur in life. He mentions the drug abuse that was rampant among young stars in the 90s and the disheartening observation of some of this being repeated today. Highlights include being able to work as an actor during such a unique era. “It was the best time of all time,” he reminisces. “You spend the rest of your life chasing that lightning and hopefully you’re lucky enough to catch it.”
When asked what Black men need, Hardison suggests that a certain need should be met from childhood, replying, “Black boys need love. As a man, you kind of move on to something else that you may need, but it’s important for boys to get love early and often.”
Although tight-lipped about sharing any upcoming projects, Hardison hinted that there were some projects in the pipeline, and he’ll be sure to share as he’s able to. Until then, he can be seen as Professor Gardner in new episodes of The Chi airing on Fridays.
