What Really Happened To The Cast Of Popular?
The following references suicide and mental health struggles.
There was a notable spate of teen dramas in the 1990s, with the WB series "Popular," an early Ryan Murphy venture, being one of the lesser known incarnations of teenage angst. When it comes to its '90s rivals, however, "Popular" was never as... popular. While the likes of "Dawson's Creek" (also shown on the WB) and "Beverly Hills, 90210" were huge successes, "Popular" was a surprising dud in Ryan Murphy's otherwise triumphant back catalog, as The New Yorker notes.
Although Murphy deems the show a failure, and has lamented the appalling homophobia he faced from WB execs when penning the series, "Popular" was undeniably groundbreaking for its time. The series covered many of the issues — such as discordant love, LGBTQ+ identity, and the perils of high school cliques — that would later come to typify the TV powerhouse's most famous works. "It was like an early 'Glee,' without the singing," series star Leslie Bibb told Advocate in 2013. "[Murphy] was so smart and provocative to tackle issues that kids were really dealing with."
"Popular" first aired in 1999 before abruptly coming to an end in 2001, with the series finale famously leaving fans with more questions than answers. Since the show's cancelation, its stars have been keeping super busy, albeit at varying levels. While many have gone on to experience glittering Tinseltown success, others have sadly seen their careers wane; meanwhile, some have opted to leave showbiz behind entirely. Let's find out what happened to the cast of "Popular."
Leslie Bibb had a career resurgence thanks to Netflix
Innumerable teen shows have used the popular/unpopular girl trope since "Popular" aired. But whereas "it" girls are often portrayed as shallow and cruel, Leslie Bibb was adept at depicting the multifaceted nature of Kennedy High's vaunted cheerleader, Brooke.
Following the show's cancellation in 2001, Bibb appeared in various television shows, including lead roles in "Line of Fire," and a stint as a reformed mean girl in the comedy "GCB" alongside Kristin Chenoweth. On the big screen, she was introduced to mainstream audiences when she starred in the "Iron Man" franchise as reporter Christine Everhart. She reprised the role for a viral video in 2016, as part of the promotion of "Captain America: Civil War," per Entertainment Weekly. Continuing with the comic book theme, she was cast in Netflix's "Jupiter's Legacy" in 2021, playing Grace Sampson, aka Lady Liberty. Discussing the superhero role with Backstage, Bibb explained that she saw Grace as a pioneer. "She was a woman who was working in a man's world, she was picking career over family and relationships which was not normal, in 1929," she said.
Behind the scenes, Bibb is married to Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell. Chatting with Vogue, she explained that her training for action roles had a positive impact on the couple's marriage. Recalling an instance in which Rockwell slipped in the shower, she said, "Like a cat, I caught him with my arm. We were sitting there and he was like, 'Jesus Christ. You're like a superhero!'"
Carly Pope has starred in dozens of films and TV shows
Self-assured and socially conscious, Carly Pope's ambitious school reporter, Sam, was the polar opposite of cheerleader Brooke. When "Popular" ended, Pope went on to act in a string of films in the 2000s. Most notably, she starred in 2007 LGBTQ+ classic "Itty Bitty T**ty Committee," directed by Jamie Babbit of "But I'm a Cheerleader" fame.
In 2020, she reunited with her "Popular" co-star, Leslie Bibb, for the film "The Lost Husband." Chatting to TV Fanatic about the reunion, Pope revealed that she and Bibb maintain a close bond to this day. "She's a gorgeous loving friend," she enthused. "I feel very lucky we got smashed together so many moons ago."
The following year, she ventured into horror films with a starring role in "Demonic," where she played a woman with a strained, and ultimately horrifying, relationship with her mother. In an interview with Screen Rant, she revealed that the movie was shot during the pandemic and essentially took her from one terrifying scenario and into another. "I was sitting in curfews and terror in my house," she said. "So, it was an opportunity to get out and shake that up a bit, and to have something to focus on other than masks and viruses – even though, of course, that was still a backdrop." On the small screen, she had a recurring role on "Suits," alongside the future Duchess of Sussex, and was cast in "Arrow" in 2016.
Tammy Lynn Michaels is focused on family life
Portraying Kennedy High's resident mean girl, Nicole, Tammy Lynn Michaels was somewhat of the Regina George of "Popular" — pouty, preening, and practically sociopathic. A year after the series ended, Michaels starred in the ill-fated sitcom "That '80s Show," alongside "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" alum Glenn Howerton. Since then, Michaels' film and TV work has been sparse. Her most recent on screen appearance was in the Dolly Parton-themed anthology series "Heartstrings," appearing in the 2019 episode "Cracker Jack." She also has a blog, Hollywood Farm Girl, which she has used as a personal and creative outlet since 2005.
These days, Michaels opts to stay out of the limelight. For almost a decade, she was in a relationship with musician Melissa Etheridge, but the couple became embroiled in a bitter custody dispute following their split in 2010 (they were eventually awarded joint custody), per TMZ. Speaking to After Ellen in 2012, Michaels said she was more interested in focusing on her first love — writing — and raising her kids, as opposed to acting. "I had to let a lot of time pass," she explained, "let a lot of things pass and let life sort of marinate... And at that point, I felt, 'OK. I'm going to try to get back to one of the things I love, which is writing.' And so, I'm talking about what my life is, and it's my kids."
Tamara Mello became a jewelry designer
The socially conscious Lily was a pioneering character for the '90s, a woke heroine before the term entered the mainstream cultural lexicon. Lily was played by Tamara Mello, and the role remains her biggest to date. By 2004, Mello had all but stopped appearing on the big screen. Her final film role was in the thriller "Clean," which focuses on the seediness and excesses of Hollywood. Meanwhile, she last appeared on TV in 2017, in a guest role on the "School of Rock" small screen spinoff. Additionally, she partnered with "Community" star Danny Pudi for T-Mobile's rib-tickling butt dialing commercial in 2009.
Ditching Hollywood for homemade accessories, Mello now focuses on her creative pursuits. Under the name MadreDeOlivia, Mello sells jewelry on Etsy, where she receives glittering reviews for her unique craftsmanship and friendly service. According to her Etsy profile, she creates sustainable jewelry via repurposed metal, with each piece being hand stamped. On her brand's Instagram account, Mello has recruited celeb pal and fellow '90s star Rachel Leigh Cook to model her creations. In April 2020, Mello posted a photo of herself keeping super busy with jewelry making at the height of the pandemic, quipping that her work-from-home life had hardly changed in the midst of lockdown. "The crazy thing is this is how I dressed for work before the pandemic so really it's just business as usual over here," she wrote.
Christopher Gorham entered the DC Extended Universe
Christopher Gorham played socially awkward teen Harrison on "Popular" and has had a consistent career since the show's end. In the mid 2000s, he played Henry on "Ugly Betty," a role he cheekily reprised in a skit with co-star Becki Newton in 2022, per Deadline. In 2008, he entered the DC Extended Universe when he was cast in animated series "The Batman," voicing the Wrath. He continued his DC work, voicing The Flash in a series of "Justice League" animated films. Discussing the role with CBR, Gorham said that, as a DC fan, the role was a dream come true. "The fact that I made through the whole series without getting fired is a feat of personal pride," he joked. Aside from his superhero stints, he has appeared in shows such as "The Lincoln Lawyer" and "Covert Affairs." For the latter role, he was required to get ripped, as he revealed to Men's Journal.
Away from the cameras, Gorham campaigns for autism awareness, as his son is autistic, per Disability Scoop. He told the outlet that he went public with his son's diagnosis due to pervasive stigma and misinformation surrounding autism. However, he also emphasized his son's right to live as a disabled person without becoming an autism spokesperson. "I don't plan on trotting him out in front of the cameras or having him talk about it or be the face of whatever," he said. "But I'm open to talking about my experience, what it's like as a parent."
Sara Rue has had steady TV work
An aspect of "Popular" that hasn't aged particularly well is its portrayal of Carmen, who is mocked for her weight. "I was so often cast in roles where my character needed to 'overcome a major obstacle,' which frankly was usually a result of the character's weight," Sara Rue, who played Carmen, later told PR Newswire. Of course, Rue is worth so much more than her weight. For the past 30+ years, she has enjoyed a bustling acting career.
Fans of "The Big Bang Theory" will know her as Season 2's Stephanie, the assertive doctor who steals the heart of Leonard. Elsewhere on the small screen, she has starred in "Mom," "Bones," and most recently, in the Chuck Lorre-produced sitcom "B Positive." These days, Rue isn't particularly active on the big screen. But back in 2006, she appeared in Mike Judge's cult classic "Idiocracy," as a woman who is appointed as an advisor to President Camacho. In a cheeky Twitter throwback, Rue poked lighthearted fun at her role as the sexy Attorney General, writing, "IT'S GOT ELECTROLYTES" alongside a screengrab of her in the film.
Behind the scenes, Rue and her husband, Kevin Price, have two daughters, the youngest of whom is adopted, per People. "We just wanted another child to complete our family, and it really didn't matter where she came from as long we were her mom and dad," she said of her adoption experience.
Bryce Johnson starred on Pretty Little Liars
In "Popular," Bryce Johnson played Josh, the most, well, popular guy at Kennedy High (he later becomes the love interest of Lily). Johnson has had countless guest parts on TV shows over the past two decades, reuniting with Ryan Murphy for his shows "Nip/Tuck" and "Glee." In 2010, he scored a recurring role on "Pretty Little Liars" as Officer Darren Wilden. In an interview with Rave It Up TV, he emphasized that he's worlds apart from the creepy police officer, though he nevertheless relished the meaty role. "I'm a really sweet guy... Playing more of, like, a mysterious character or a creepy character, you know, a dark character is always a little bit more fun for me," he said.
Johnson also starred in the "Supernatural" spin-off "Bloodlines" in 2014. Additionally, he worked with Ryan Murphy again in 2021 when he was cast as Neil Armstrong in "American Horror Story: Double Feature." On Twitter, he shared a snap of himself on the show, strongly resembling the legendary astronaut.
Aside from his acting work, he has dabbled in presenting. In 2021, he hosted the investigative show "Expedition Bigfoot" for the Discovery Channel. Discussing the newfound venture with KTLA 5, he said that he was eager to delve into the enduring legend and mystery of Bigfoot. "Stay tuned, you know, we might have just captured something with the thermal scope," he revealed.
Ron Lester died young
As the deeply insecure Michael "Sugar Daddy" Bernardino, Ron Lester added some pathos to "Popular." Like Michael, Lester struggled throughout his life. In a 2014 interview with Grantland, he revealed that he was unhappy with his weight for many years, resulting in him undergoing gastric bypass surgery. However, he said that he regretted the surgery as it ended up curtailing his career. "Am I alive? Yes. Am I happy? No. Did I throw away my career to be skinny? Yes," he said in a devastating admission. "I wouldn't do [the surgery] again. I would much rather have died happy, rich, and kept my status and gone out on top." At the time, he was in the midst of making the NASCAR-themed film "Racing Legacy." Poignantly, he said that he was going to dedicate the film to the late Paul Walker, who starred alongside him in the 1999 film "Varsity Blues."
In 2016, TMZ reported that Lester was gravely ill due to liver and kidney failure. He also had a history of heart problems. Sadly, he died soon after, aged just 45. His "Popular" co-stars paid tribute to him on social media. "Rest in peace, old friend," tweeted Christopher Gorham, conceding that he was glad he had the opportunity to know Lester, however briefly. Bryce Johnson shared a sweet snap of Lester holding him in their "Popular" heyday, tweeting, "To my good buddy #RonLester you always made me smile brother. I was blessed to have known ya."
Leslie Grossman is still working with Ryan Murphy
Cutesy cheerleader Mary Cherry was played by Leslie Grossman, who has maintained a strong working relationship with Ryan Murphy ever since "Popular" ended. In 2012, she appeared in Murphy's series "The New Normal," playing Melissa in the pilot. Then, five years later, she starred as various characters in "American Horror Story: Cult." In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she enthused about her glee in reuniting with Murphy. "When Ryan [Murphy] lets you know that he would like for you to be in the next season of American Horror Story, you say, 'thank you so much, that sounds like a really good idea,'" she said. "Could you imagine if I was like, 'I don't know. Try to sell me on it, Ryan.'" By 2022, she had appeared in five seasons of the anthology horror series, the most recent of which being "NYC." The actor told the outlet that she was thrilled to continue working on the show, since she herself is a big fan.
In addition to "American Horror Story," she appeared in teen drama "Love, Victor," a spinoff of LGBTQ+ classic "Love, Simon," from 2020 to 2022. Grossman's co-star, Bebe Wood, told Pop Culturalist that she was thrilled to play her onscreen daughter, the pair having first worked together when Wood was a child. "It was an absolute trip for her because she was like, 'What is happening? How are you an adult?'" she joked. "We had a really good time."
Sandra Oh found colossal fame
Before she was an A-list superstar, Sandra Oh had a minor role on "Popular," playing a teacher. The then little-known actor went on to appear in indie films such as "Sideways," which was directed by her then husband, Alexander Payne, "Hard Candy," and "For Your Consideration." In 2005, she was first introduced to mainstream audiences when she starred as Dr. Cristina Yang on Shonda Rhimes' acclaimed medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." Oh left the series in 2013, telling The Hollywood Reporter that she was ready to explore a different role. "Creatively, I really feel like I gave it my all, and I feel ready to let her go," she explained.
In 2018, Oh landed a much different role when she landed the titular character in the British espionage thriller "Killing Eve." Chatting to Vulture, she revealed that she was stoked to be offered the lead in a series, since she was all too often relegated to BFF roles, something that she blamed on racism inculcated by the industry. "I didn't even assume when being offered something that I would be one of the central storytellers," she admitted. "Why?... After being told to see things a certain way for decades, you realize, 'Oh my god! They brainwashed me!' I was brainwashed! So that was a revelation to me." As elusive agent Eve Polastri, Oh has garnered critical acclaim, not to mention legions of fans, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community.
Delta Burke has struggled with health problems
Delta Burke played Mary's cruel and domineering mother on "Popular." But behind the scenes, the TV icon, who is best known for her role on '80s and '90s sitcom "Designing Women," was the one being subjected to cruelty. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight (via News Channel 10), she revealed that she was relentlessly targeted by the tabloids, which led to her feeling suicidal.
These days, Burke, who has appeared in a number of shows and TV movies since "Popular" ended, has been focusing on raising awareness of issues close to her heart. For many years, she suffered from health problems, including anxiety, depression, and diabetes. Campaigning for greater awareness of the latter illness, she became a spokesperson for the diabetes drug Byetta, per Healthline. "I think it helps when anyone well-known speaks out about a condition," she told the outlet. "A lot of people don't want to talk about these things. To be perceived in Hollywood as weak in any way is difficult. ... But I've spoken about it publicly and I haven't lost any work."
In addition to her work for diabetes awareness, she is also a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, per Advocate. Burke explained that she first became interested in campaigning for LGBTQ+ causes when she was studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, where she befriended numerous gay men. "In my perfect world there will no longer be the need to give Equality Awards, because equality will simply be," she said.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Scott Bryce starred in soaps
Scott Bryce played Brooke's father on "Popular," with his relationship with his daughter becoming increasingly fraught when he proposes to the mother of her rival, Sam. A soap opera mainstay, Bryce appeared on "One Life to Live" and "As the World Turns." His role on the latter series, in which he played the villainous Craig Montgomery, lasted from 1982 to 2008. Discussing his departure from the long-running soap with TVGuide (via TV Fanatic), Bryce said that he was distraught at being fired for the first time in his life. "I'd started thinking to myself, 'Wow, maybe I stink,'" he conceded, "but the response from the fans has been so amazing and overwhelming that it's helped soften the blow."
Since then, Bryce has moved away from soaps, with roles in meatier productions. In 2010, he appeared in a couple of episodes of "30 Rock," portraying two different characters. In 2021, he featured in "The Avenging Angel," a Season 9 episode of "The Blacklist," playing a wealthy villain not unlike his "As the World Turns" alter ego, as TV Acute notes.
But Bryce's greatest love is the stage, as he revealed to Celebrity Parents Magazine. A theater veteran, he works closely with the New Paradigm Theatre. "It's congregation as temple, and theater as church," he said. "Because here are all these people, who don't know each other, laughing together, crying together... There's a great hope in that, because it truly is the best of humanity."
Alley Mills has faced tragedy
Alley Mills played Harrison's mom on "Popular" and has had an extensive TV career spanning the late '70s to the present day. Notably, she played Kevin's mom on "The Wonder Years." Her most recent work has been on "General Hospital," taking over the role of Heather Webber in 2022.
Much like the aforementioned Scott Bryce, Mills is a lifelong lover of the theater, per DC Theater Arts. She worked on stage with her husband of 27 years, acclaimed actor Orson Bean, and the couple were known for their frequent work with the Pacific Resident Theatre, per the Los Angeles Times. In November 2019, the pair collaborated together for the final time, on the play "Bad Habits." Discussing the play with KTLA 5, Bean poked fun at the couple's age gap. "She's 22 years younger than me. She said, 'You're gonna make me fall in love with you and then you're gonna die!'" he quipped. "I said, 'What are you worried about? The new guy will take you to the funeral!" Sadly, his words turned out to be prophetic.
Just three months later, Bean died in a tragic accident. Crossing a road in Los Angeles, the actor was hit by a car; as he lay on the ground, he was then fatally hit by a second vehicle, per ABC 7. He was 91. In 2021, Mills told DC Theater Arts that she was starting to come to terms with her grief.