What The Cast Of A Different World Looks Like Today

Not many people at the college level could manage coaching the football, basketball, baseball, and track programs, but then, not many people are Walter Oakes. This colorful character was another recurring personality that eventually became a part of the main cast. A graduate student, he was a mentor to some of the younger characters and a peer to the more mature Jaleesa, with whom he would embark on a long and winding romantic relationship. Walter would ultimately depart Hillman to return to his hometown of Philadelphia and manage a community center.

While David Adkins, better known as Sinbad, was a relatively unknown stand-up comedian at the time he was cast on A Different World, the show would serve as his launching pad to a prolific career. First, he crushed it in comedy, recording a series of successful specials for HBO. For two years, he served as the host of the venerable variety and talent show It's Showtime at the Apollo. From there, he was given the opportunity to head up his own sitcom as the star of The Sinbad Show, which, unfortunately, only lasted a single season. That didn't serve to diminish Sinbad's momentum, however, and the actor has appeared in numerous films and shows since, as well as occasionally working as himself in such capacities as serving as a spokesperson for Apple products. You'll also recognize his voice as that of Mr. Smiley on Steven Universe, and as Milton, the titular character's father on Rel.