ATLANTA, Ill. — Three decades after the final episode of the iconic Cosby Show spin-off “A Different World” aired, the cast reunited at the Atlanta University Center to celebrate the lasting impact of the beloved series on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The six-season show, which captured the hearts of audiences globally, showcased fictional Hillman College but often featured scenes filmed at the real Atlanta University Center. For many, like Spelman student Kendall Felton, who grew up watching reruns, the series served as entertainment and inspiration.
“I came to Spelman and I toured it, and they told me that they filmed ‘A Different World’ here,” Felton said. “They really made that scene possible for me.”
Now, the cast is embarking on a 10-stop tour of the country’s HBCUs, reconnecting with fans old and new. The reunion event in Atlanta saw cheers and excitement from the crowd, highlighting the show’s timeless appeal.
From its humble beginnings to notable triumphs, the cast members, including Jasmine Guy, who portrayed Whitley Gilbert, reminisced about the impact of the series on their lives and the broader cultural landscape.
“I love that we were able to marry the humor, the drama, the tears, the laughter, all in a 25-minute episode of our lives on camera,” Guy said.
Glynn Turman, known for his role as Colonel Taylor, reflected on the impressive roster of guest stars the show brought on board, including Lena Horne, Richard Roundtree, and Diahann Carroll.
For fans like Clark Atlanta University Student Najaiah Williams, the show’s memorable moments and relatable characters continue to resonate.
“My favorite moment was when Dwayne crashed Whitley’s wedding,” Williams said. “You can see yourself in Freddie. You can see yourself in Ron. I always wanted to be like Ron Johnson. So that was my favorite character.”
Despite its name, “A Different World” remains a familiar comfort for students at HBCUs, a testament to its enduring relevance and impact.
Atlanta kicked off the first of the ten stops for the tour, with the next scheduled event set to take place at Howard University in April.
