Lena Waithe Shares a Moving Tribute to the Cast of A Different World

Writer-director-producer Lena Waithe gave a heartfelt message to the cast of A Different World during a special episode of E!'s Reunion Road Trip on June 24. Get the details here.

By Samantha Bergeson Jun 25, 2021 2:00 AMTags
Watch: "Reunion Road Trip: It's A Different World" College Secrets

It's a different world today, thanks to A Different World

On tonight's episode of E!'s Reunion Road Tripthe cast of It's A Different World came together to reflect on their monumental series that ran from 1987 to 1993. Former co-stars SinbadJasmine GuyKadeem HardisonDarryl M. BellDawnn Lewis and Cree Summer recalled OMG-worthy behind-the-scenes moments and favorite memories. 

The heartfelt reunion was later heightened by special celebrity tributes to the iconic spin-off of The Cosby Show.

Writer-producer-director Emmy winner Lena Waithe shared a moving message to the "iconic" ensemble cast. "You have affected my life tremendously," Waithe said in a video message. "There is a reason why my production company is called Hillman Grad Productions. I think that's because I feel it's where I got to be educated as well about what it means to be Black, and you all showed me how beautiful my Blackness was."

photos
Cast Reunions That Are Lifting Our Spirits

Waithe made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series in 2017 for Master of None. 

"I am just so grateful that you all decided to walk in your purpose because you inspired me to walk in mine," The Chi creator beautifully told the A Different World cast. "I wish you all nothing but love and light and all the flowers your hands can hold because you deserve them."  

Rich Fury/Getty Images for dcp

Hip hop producer and DJ Ninth Wonder similarly shared his admiration for the series. "Man, you're talking about a show that changed the generation," he explained. "I was a dark-skinned Black kid and Dwayne Wayne [played by Hardison] who was a smart, dark-skinned Black boy...I just want to say thank you so much for giving me something to look up to when I was 14, 15 years old. Thank you very, very much for changing my life, our life, 100 percent."

The celebrity tributes touched the cast, as Summer called the day "very deep" while Sinbad expressed his gratitude for being part of "greatness." 

"It's really my honor—I'm going to cry—to be a part of this legacy," Lewis summed up. 

Watch the clip from tonight's episode above for more A Different World reunion details. 

Latest News