About A Different World

A Different World is an American television sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1993. The show was a spin-off from The Cosby Show and centered around Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, and her life at Hillman College, a fictional historically black college in the state of Virginia. After Bonet's departure in the first season, the ensuing seasons primarily focused on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert, played by Jasmine Guy, and mathematics whiz kid Dwayne Wayne, played by Kadeem Hardison.

Making / Production

The series was developed and initially produced by Bill Cosby and Debbie Allen, who also served as the chief creative force behind the series. Under Allen's direction, the show dealt with real-life issues and controversial topics such as race, identity, relationships and modern life in America.

Actors

• Lisa Bonet played Denise Huxtable, a free-spirited art student at Hillman College.
• Jasmine Guy played Whitley Gilbert, the Southern belle who struggles with her identity and culturally-diverse friendships.
• Kadeem Hardison played Dwayne Wayne, a math whiz who eventually falls in love with Whitley.
• Dawnn Lewis played Jaleesa Vinson, a mature, responsible student who often plays the mothering role.
• Charnele Brown played Kim Reese, a pre-med student who is roommates with Whitley.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was actually filmed at Spelman College, a real-life Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Atlanta, Georgia.
• The show was known for its famous guest stars including Tupac Shakur, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti LaBelle.
• The series initially underperformed, but upon Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison becoming the series leads, it gained a significant increase in viewership.

Awards

Over its run, A Different World received several awards and nominations. Jasmine Guy won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for six straight years from 1990 to 1995. The series itself was also nominated for and won several awards for its writing and directing.

Quotes

• "Relax, relate, release!" - Whitley Gilbert
• "We are all products of our environment, but we must learn to shape our futures." - Dwayne Wayne
• "A world full of people, yet solitude is the name of the game." - Kim Reese

Music, Soundtrack

• Phoebe Snow performed the original theme song for the first season.
• From the second season forward, the theme song was performed by Aretha Franklin.
• The series featured a number of noted contemporary R&B artists of the time, such as Marisa Tomei and En Vogue.