Degrassi cast where are they now? Where is The Cast Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Apr 07, 2023
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Degrassi: The Next Generation was a popular Canadian teen drama series that aired from 2001 to 2015. It was a continuation of the original Degrassi series, which aired from 1987 to 1991, and followed the lives of a group of students at Degrassi Community School as they dealt with a variety of issues, including relationships, school, and personal struggles.
The show was known for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its willingness to tackle controversial topics, such as abortion, drug addiction, and mental illness. It also launched the careers of several young actors, including Drake (Aubrey Graham), who played the character Jimmy Brooks on the show.
Degrassi: The Next Generation was beloved by fans around the world and continues to have a dedicated following today. Its legacy has been honored with numerous awards and nominations, including several Gemini Awards for Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series.
Degrassi cast where are they now?
Curious about where the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation is now? From acting to music, and even real estate, discover what your favorite actors from the iconic Canadian teen drama are up to these days. Read on to find out
Miriam McDonald as Emma Nelson
Let's talk about Miriam McDonald, the talented actress who brought the character of Emma Nelson to life in Degrassi: The Next Generation for nine unforgettable seasons! Even after bidding farewell to the show, Miriam continued to grace Canadian productions with her incredible acting skills. She also made a cameo appearance in Degrassi: Next Class, leaving fans ecstatic to see her reprising her beloved role.
But did you know that Miriam has also explored other passions beyond acting? She has found success as a yoga instructor, inspiring others to find balance and harmony in their lives. And if that wasn't impressive enough, Miriam has also made a name for herself in the real estate industry, proving that she is a true force to be reckoned with both on and off screen.
Miriam's versatility and determination have earned her a loyal fanbase that continues to support her every move. Whether she's acting, teaching yoga, or helping clients find their dream homes, there's no doubt that Miriam McDonald is a true powerhouse who never fails to impress!
Cassie Steele as Manny Santos
Let's talk about the talented Cassie Steele, who stole our hearts as Manny Santos in Degrassi: The Next Generation for nine unforgettable seasons! After the show, Cassie went on to star in The L.A. Complex, a drama series on The CW, showcasing her impressive acting skills.
But Cassie isn't just a one-trick pony - she also has a musical talent that she showcased in 2014 with the release of her EP. Cassie continues to act, appearing in various made-for-TV movies that showcase her range and versatility as an actress.
In 2018, Cassie tied the knot with Trent Garrett, who fans will recognize from his appearance on Disney Channel's Andi Mack. However, in 2020, Cassie made headlines when she deleted all photos of Trent from her social media, confirming that they had parted ways. But fear not - Cassie found love again with boyfriend Favian Martinez, a sales executive from Colorado, who has stolen her heart and made her fans happy to see her in a happy place. Cassie Steele is truly a star who continues to shine brightly in everything she does!
Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as Liberty Van Zandt
Sarah Barrable-Tishauer, who brought the beloved character Liberty Van Zandt to life for eight seasons on Degrassi, made a triumphant return to the show in 2016 for an episode of Degrassi: Next Class. However, since graduating as valedictorian from Concordia University in 2012, Sarah has been busy exploring other passions outside of acting.
These days, Sarah has established herself as a talented DJ and account manager, balancing her daytime job with her love of bass music. While it can be a challenge to balance both, Sarah has found a way to make it work, performing weekend gigs and taking on only a few performances a month. She has found joy in living a dual life, and is selective about the gigs she takes on, making sure to keep her priorities in check.
In addition to her successful career, Sarah has also found love and is now engaged. It's clear that Sarah Barrable-Tishauer is a true multi-talented force to be reckoned with, and we can't wait to see what she'll accomplish next!
Aubrey Drake Graham as Jimmy Brooks
Let's talk about the incredible journey of Aubrey Drake Graham, who rose to fame as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi and went on to become a music superstar! Drake made his mark in the music industry with his hit single "Best I Ever Had" in 2009, and since then, he has released six chart-topping studio albums and amassed four Grammy wins out of an incredible 47 nominations.
Despite his huge success in music, Drake has never forgotten his roots and returned to the Degrassi set in 2018 to film a music video for his song "I'm Upset," reuniting with several of his former castmates. It was a nostalgic moment for fans who had grown up watching him on the show and a testament to his loyalty to the show that helped launch his career.
In addition to his music career, Drake is also a proud father to son Adonis, whom he shares with ex Sophie Brussaux. Drake's journey from playing a beloved character on Degrassi to becoming one of the biggest names in music today is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. It's safe to say that Aubrey Drake Graham is a true icon in every sense of the word!
Nina Dobrev as Mia Jones
Nina Dobrev's journey from playing Mia Jones on Degrassi to becoming a household name is nothing short of remarkable! After three seasons on the show, Dobrev left to star in The CW's hit series, Vampire Diaries, as Elena Gilbert, a role that would catapult her to even greater fame.
Although she left Vampire Diaries in 2015, Dobrev returned for the series finale in 2017, giving fans the closure they needed. Since then, she has focused on film roles and even tried her hand at television again, starring in the short-lived CBS sitcom Fam.
But that's not all: Dobrev's personal life has also been making headlines! In 2020, she started dating Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, and the couple has been going strong ever since.
From playing a teenage mom on Degrassi to becoming a Hollywood star, Nina Dobrev's career is a testament to her talent and hard work. We can't wait to see what she'll do next!
Shenae Grimes as Darcy Edwards
Shenae Grimes may have started as a recurring character on Degrassi, but she quickly became a mainstay during seasons 6 and 7 as the popular Darcy Edwards. However, when she landed the lead role on the CW's Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot in 2008, Grimes announced her exit from the show. She did make a return for the season 8 premiere to wrap up Darcy's storyline.
After leaving Degrassi, Grimes starred as Annie Wilson on 90210 for five seasons, cementing her status as a TV favorite. And she didn't stop there: in 2020, she reunited the 90210 cast via Zoom for her popular YouTube channel, proving that the show's fans are still as passionate as ever.
But Grimes' personal life is just as exciting! In 2018, she and husband Josh Beech welcomed daughter Bowie, and although she missed Drake's music video shoot due to her pregnancy, she was back in action in no time. In fact, Grimes gave birth to the couple's second child, son Kingsley, in August 2021.
From Degrassi to 90210 and beyond, Shenae Grimes' career has been nothing short of amazing. We can't wait to see what she'll do next!
Shane Kippel as Spinner Mason
Shane Kippel, who played Spinner Mason for nine seasons on Degrassi, has kept himself busy since the show ended. He even made a comeback to the Degrassi world with a guest role on the series’ reboot, Degrassi: Next Class, in 2016. Alongside his acting career, Kippel also has a passion for playing the drums and occasionally produces his own projects.
Despite not being as close as their on-screen characters, Kippel and Drake still keep in touch through social media. “The crazy thing about the relationships and the bonds that we all shared growing up there, we started our careers there, and it was like the heat of our teenage years, so no matter how much time passes, a couple of weeks or over a decade, it's still like no time at all," Kippel shared in a radio interview. "The bond still transcends time.”
Kippel is also a part of a sketch comedy group and is currently dating a ballet teacher named Esra Leia.
Lauren Collins as Paige Michaelchuk
Lauren Collins, better known to Degrassi fans as Paige Michaelchuk, has been keeping busy since leaving the show after seven seasons. She's continued to act, popping up in TV films and recurring roles on hit shows like Being Erica, Kroll Show, and FX's The Strain. Collins even reprised her role as Paige for Degrassi: Next Class in 2016 and frequently shares behind-the-scenes pics from her days on set. And it's clear that she still has a soft spot for her iconic character, as her Instagram bio proudly declares: "Not a mean girl but I played one on TV."
But that's not all that's been keeping Collins busy. She and her husband, Canadian actor Jonathan Malen, welcomed their first child, son Charlie, in March 2020. And the couple just announced that they're expecting their second child, due later this year. With a growing family and a thriving career, it's clear that Collins is living her best life.
Melissa McIntyre as Ashley Kerwin
Melissa McIntyre, who played Ashley Kerwin on Degrassi, left the show after four seasons but returned for seasons 6 and 7. While she hasn't had any notable acting credits since her time on the show, she made waves in 2018 with a hilarious response to a fan on Twitter who asked if she still tells people she kissed Drake.
McIntyre's response was epic: "Every. Day. Of. My. Life." With just five words, she reminded fans of her iconic storyline with the rapper-turned-superstar and showed that her sense of humor is just as sharp as ever.
Christina Schmidt as Terri McGreggor
Christina Schmidt, who brought the sweet and sassy Terri McGreggor to life on Degrassi for three seasons, left the show to pursue a career in modeling. She has since made a name for herself in the fashion industry and has strutted down runways across the world. Despite leaving acting behind, Schmidt still holds a special place in fans' hearts and is often remembered for her character's dramatic storyline, which involved an abusive relationship with Rick that ultimately put Terri in a coma. Today, Schmidt resides in Canada with her boyfriend Landon, living her best life and continuing to inspire fans with her modeling work.
Ryan Cooley as JT Yorke
The shocking demise of Ryan Cooley's character, JT Yorke, in season 6 of Degrassi left fans reeling. Though Cooley's on-screen presence was sorely missed, the actor did little acting work afterwards, save for voiceover work on the Canadian animated series Oh No! It’s an Alien Invasion. However, the rapper Drake extended an olive branch to his former co-star, inviting him to appear in his "I'm Upset" music video. Unfortunately, Cooley initially thought the invitation was a hoax! Regardless, Cooley has since moved on and announced his engagement to his sweetheart Stef in 2019.
Daniel Clark as Sean Cameron
Daniel Clark, who played the bad boy with a heart of gold, Sean Cameron, on Degrassi, had a rollercoaster ride on the show. He left the show after season four but returned for season six, only to leave again after season seven. After his exit from the show, Clark took a different path and went on to graduate from New York University with a degree in political science and a business minor in 2012. He then landed a job as a news producer for ABC.
While his professional life was on track, Clark was surprised to find himself missing from Drake's "I'm Upset" music video in 2018. Fans were shocked by the absence of the beloved actor, and Clark revealed to Page Six that he too was taken aback. Despite the hiccup, Clark continues to excel in his career and has left an indelible mark on Degrassi's history.
Jake Epstein as Craig Manning
From Degrassi to Broadway! Jake Epstein, who played Craig Manning on the hit show, has been taking the theater world by storm. After appearing in nearly 90 episodes of Degrassi, Epstein left the small screen behind to pursue his passion for the stage. He has since starred in numerous stage productions including Spring Awakening, Billy Elliot the Musical, and American Idiot. In 2012, Epstein made his Broadway debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. But that was just the beginning, as he went on to originate the role of Gerry Goffin in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in 2014, earning rave reviews for his performance. With his impressive talent and undeniable charm, Epstein is a true star on stage and screen.
Degrassi cast where are they now - FAQs
Degrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama television series that follows the lives of a diverse group of high school students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including relationships, sexuality, drug use, mental health, and more.
Degrassi: The Next Generation first aired on CTV in Canada on October 14, 2001.
Degrassi: The Next Generation has 14 seasons and a total of 385 episodes.
Yes, Degrassi: The Next Generation is available to stream online on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube.
Degrassi: The Next Generation tackles a wide range of social issues that affect teenagers, including but not limited to: sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, mental health, self-harm, drug use, addiction, bullying, racism, poverty, and domestic violence.