Breakout television series, “Living Single,” aired for five years from 1993 to 1998. The series was about single friends sharing a brownstone in New York City. It was ironic for several reasons. But what happened to the cast of Living Single? And where are they now?
The series featured an all-star cast of rapper Queen Latifah, child star Kim Fields, and former “In Living Color” star Kim Coles. But maybe the most important thing was that the NBC show “Friends” was based on this show. “Friends” ran for 10 years on NBC from 1994-2004, and while “Living Single” never got credit and the recognition it deserved, we are here to give the show and its stars their flowers for their pioneering series, as we find out what happened to the original cast of “Living Single.”
Queen Latifah – Khadijah James
When “Living Single” started, the Queen was in the middle of a very successful rap career; little did we know that she could act and do comedy. As Khadijah James, the owner and publisher of “Flavor Magazine”, Latifah’s turn as one of the few Black business women on network television inspired many young Black women to become business owners. Latifah, of course, would have a successful career as an actress who just finished a long run as “The Equalizer” and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Chicago.
Kim Fields – Regine Hunter
The child star played man-eater and fashionista Regine Hunter. Before her role on Living Single, Fields played Tootie on the teen comedy “The Facts of Life.” We saw her grow from a pre-teen into a grown woman before our eyes, but a younger audience probably identifies her more with this role than her role on The Facts of Life. Regine was always searching for a wealthy man and the latest fashion trends. Regine was also always there with a funny quip or some juicy gossip for her girlfriends. Fields continued her successful career as an actress and director and briefly appeared for one season on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
John Henton – Overton Wakefield Jones
Little-known actor/comedian John Henton played handyman Overton Jones, best friend of stockbroker Kyle Barker, and later the husband of Sinclair James. Overton was similar to Sinclair in that he was wiser than people thought and a kind soul. His chemistry from the get-go with Sinclair was off the charts and kept the fans tuned into their romance as it played out over the years. But besides that, Overton was always there for his boy, especially when Kyle would mess up in his personal life, which was a lot. Henton went on to star in other comedies like the ‘Hughleys” but was severely injured in a car crash back in 2000 and has been rarely seen but has recovered from his injuries.
Kim Coles – Sinclair James
If there was one person who was clearly the heart of the show, it was Sinclair James. Sinclair was Khadijah’s cousin, and she came to New York to become an actress. Sinclair not only became an actress but also landed herself a man as well. Sinclair was insightful, witty at times, and a bit naive, but she always supported her girlfriends, and her wedding to Overton was one of the show’s main highlights. She and Erica Alexander just started a podcast recalling their days on the show called “Reliving Single.”
T.C. Carson – Kyle Barker
T.C. Carson’s Kyle Barker was arrogant, full of himself, and a bit narcissistic, but he was still lovable. Kyle’s back and forth with friend/lover/nemesis Maxine Shaw was maybe the best part of the show. Their on-again/off-again romance was never dull, as the audience cheered for them to figure things out. Before his role on Living Single, Carson was a Broadway actor, and the show sometimes allowed him to showcase his singing talent. His character was released before their five-year run, and he claims he was fired. Carson has been on shows like “Greenleaf” and has become a voice actor for the Star Wars animated show “Star Wars: Clone Wars.”
Erika Alexander – Maxine Shaw
Erika Alexander’s Ironic turn as lawyer Maxine Shaw encouraged young black women around the country to become lawyers. Although Max’s professional life was on track, her personal life and her love/hate relationship with Kyle Barker kept audiences roaring with laughter. Their funny digs at each other were hilarious, and it reminded you of another couple on another network whom we mentioned earlier. Alexander has continued her acting career over the years in the horror movie “Get Out” and has a new podcast with former co-star Kim Coles about the series.
