Following its successful run on Fox, the original cast of 21 Jump Street has cemented their places in Hollywood. This groundbreaking crime drama, which aired from 1987 to 1991, captivated audiences with its focus on young-looking undercover police officers tackling crimes in high schools and colleges. The show launched the careers of several stars, including Johnny Depp, Holly Robinson Peete, and Peter DeLuise. Let’s take a look at where the cast of the original 21 Jump Street is now and explore their journeys since leaving the hit series.
Image Credit: Johnny Depp as Officer Tom Hanson in 21 Jump Street, showcasing his early breakout role.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Officer Tom Hanson in 21 Jump Street catapulted him to teen idol status. However, Depp was determined to avoid being typecast and strategically chose roles that showcased his versatility and range. He quickly transitioned into more character-driven projects, collaborating with director Tim Burton in iconic films like Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Depp further solidified his A-list status with roles in Donnie Brasco and the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, where his unforgettable portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his place as a global superstar. Beyond Burton and big franchises, Depp has taken on diverse roles in Alice in Wonderland and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, proving his enduring appeal across genres.
Off-screen, Depp’s personal life has often been as much in the spotlight as his professional achievements. His past engagements to actresses Jennifer Grey, Sherilyn Fenn, and Winona Ryder, followed by his relationship with Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has two children, Lily-Rose and Jack, have been widely reported. More recently, his tumultuous marriage and subsequent legal battles with Amber Heard have dominated headlines, becoming a highly publicized and closely followed saga. Despite personal controversies, Johnny Depp remains a significant figure in Hollywood, with a career spanning decades and a global fanbase.
Image Credit: Holly Robinson Peete, known from 21 Jump Street, pictured during her time as a co-host on The Talk.
Holly Robinson Peete
Holly Robinson Peete, who played Officer Judy Hoffs, has enjoyed a diverse and enduring career in television since her 21 Jump Street days. She quickly followed up her success on 21 Jump Street with another popular sitcom, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, further establishing her as a prominent face on television. She continued to work steadily in sitcoms with For Your Love, showcasing her comedic talents.
Expanding beyond acting, Peete ventured into daytime television, becoming one of the original co-hosts of The Talk. This platform allowed her to connect with audiences in a new way, discussing current events and sharing personal experiences. Her versatility extends to made-for-television movies, particularly within the Hallmark Channel, where she has become a familiar face starring in numerous films such as A Family Christmas Gift, The Christmas Doctor, Our Christmas Journey, and the Morning Show Mysteries series.
Alongside her acting career, Holly Robinson Peete is also a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for autism awareness, inspired by her son’s diagnosis. She established the HollyRod Foundation, which provides support and resources to families affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease. In her personal life, she has been married to former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete since 1995, and they have four children, twins Ryan and Rodney Jr., son Robinson, and son Roman. Holly Robinson Peete’s career is marked by consistent work in television, her forays into hosting, and her impactful advocacy work.
Image Credit: Peter DeLuise, formerly Officer Doug Penhall on 21 Jump Street, now recognized for his directing work, particularly in the Stargate franchise.
Peter DeLuise
Peter DeLuise, known to 21 Jump Street fans as Officer Doug Penhall, has carved out a successful career both in front of and behind the camera. While beloved for his role in the series, DeLuise transitioned into directing and writing, particularly within the science fiction genre. He became heavily involved in the Stargate franchise, directing numerous episodes across Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe. His work on Stargate solidified his reputation as a reliable and versatile director in television.
Beyond Stargate, DeLuise has directed episodes of other popular television shows, including Supernatural, further expanding his directing credits across different genres. His early acting career included roles in Highlander: The Series and SeaQuest DSV, demonstrating his range before focusing more intently on directing.
Peter DeLuise’s personal life includes a previous marriage to Gina Nemo, and he is currently married to Anne Marie Loder, whom he wed in June 2022. They share a child together. Peter DeLuise’s career trajectory showcases a successful shift from acting to directing, with a significant impact on the science fiction television landscape.
Image Credit: Dustin Nguyen, who played Officer Harry Ioki in 21 Jump Street, in a more recent role in the series Warrior.
Dustin Nguyen
Dustin Nguyen, who played the role of Officer Harry Truman Ioki in 21 Jump Street, has built a diverse acting career spanning both television and film. Nguyen’s role in 21 Jump Street was particularly significant for Asian American representation on television during the late 1980s and early 1990s. After 21 Jump Street, he continued to work in television, taking on roles in animated series like Phantom 2040, action shows like VIP, and more recently in acclaimed dramas such as This Is Us. He also appeared in Warrior, showcasing his continued presence in contemporary television.
Nguyen has also ventured into film, with credits including Fool for Love, The Man with the Iron Fists 2, and Zero Tolerance, demonstrating his versatility across different genres and formats. His film work includes both Hollywood productions and international projects, broadening his reach as an actor.
In his personal life, Dustin Nguyen was married to Angela Rockwood from 2002 to 2012. He later married model Bebe Pham, and they have two daughters. Dustin Nguyen’s career is notable for its longevity and variety, moving from a groundbreaking role in 21 Jump Street to continued work in both television and film across different genres.
Image Credit: Steven Williams, Captain Adam Fuller from 21 Jump Street, pictured in his role in the modern series Yellowstone.
Steven Williams
Steven Williams, who played the stern but supportive Captain Adam Fuller in 21 Jump Street, has enjoyed a prolific career in television, often portraying authority figures and memorable character roles. Following 21 Jump Street and its spin-off Booker, Williams became a familiar face in numerous popular television series. He had recurring roles in iconic shows like The X-Files, Stargate SG-1, and The Bernie Mac Show, showcasing his range from science fiction to comedy.
Williams has continued to be a consistent presence on television in recent years, with appearances in hit series like iZombie, The Chi, Yellowstone, Black-ish, Locke & Key, Stumptown, and Snowfall. His extensive filmography demonstrates a career marked by consistent work across a wide array of genres and television’s most popular shows.
Steven Williams’ career is characterized by his reliability and versatility as a character actor, consistently delivering memorable performances in both leading and supporting roles across a wide spectrum of television programming. From his foundational role in 21 Jump Street to his ongoing work in contemporary series, Williams has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry.
The cast of the original 21 Jump Street has proven that their early success was just the beginning. Each cast member has navigated their careers in unique and impressive ways, leaving lasting marks on television and film. From Johnny Depp’s global superstardom to Holly Robinson Peete’s multifaceted career and advocacy, Peter DeLuise’s directing success, Dustin Nguyen’s diverse roles, and Steven Williams’ consistent presence, the legacy of the 21 Jump Street cast continues to evolve and inspire.
