Almost three decades later, we are still not over B.A.P.S. As we celebrate the 90s cult classic film, check out what the B.A.P.S. cast is doing today.
The 1997 comedy turned two hairdressers from Georgia into cultural icons and gave us one of the most quotable Black films of the decade. If you grew up rewatching this movie on repeat, you already know the glamorous costuming, the accents and the one liners lived rent free in our heads long after the credits rolled. A recent Black Hollywood YouTube video took a deep dive into the cast, and it reminded us just how much this film still matters.
Though many of the cast members are no longer here with us, these stars went on to create a lasting impact in Hollywood. The Hollywood Reporter shared that Natalie Desselle Reid, who portrayed Mickey in B.A.P.S., passed at 53 from a private battle with colon cancer. The actress and comedic talent was also a recurring character in the UPN sitcom, Eve. Reid is among a few of B.A.P.S. cast members who are no longer living. Yet, their vibrancy onscreen lives on forever.
With the love for this classic film still ever-present, we decided to catch fans up on where the B.A.P.S. cast is today.
B.A.P.S. Where Are They Now
Halle Berry (Nisi)
Halle went on to become one of the biggest names in Hollywood. She made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball and has since built a career that spans acting, producing and directing.
Natalie Desselle Reid (Mickey)
Natalie played the fast-talking best friend who stole nearly every scene she was in. The beloved actress passed away in December 2020 at just 53 years old after a private battle with colon cancer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, her manager Dolores Robinson called her a bright light and an amazing actress and comedienne who was also an awesome mother and wife. She left behind her husband Leonard and her three children, Sereno, Summer and Sasha.
Martin Landau (Mr. Blakemore)
Martin played the ailing millionaire whose fortune sets the whole plot in motion. He passed away in 2017. He was already a respected veteran actor who had won an Oscar for Ed Wood before joining the B.A.P.S. cast.
Ian Richardson (Manly)
Ian played the proper butler tasked with keeping an eye on the ladies. The acclaimed British actor, known for his stage work and the political drama House of Cards, passed away in 2007.
Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac’s comedic legacy only grew after B.A.P.S. He went on to headline his own hit sitcom and star in major films before passing away in 2008 at the age of 50 due to complications from pneumonia.
Heavy D
The beloved rapper and actor brought his charm to the film and continued making music afterward. He passed away suddenly in 2011 at the age of 44.
LL Cool J
LL has had one of the most impressive second acts in entertainment. Beyond his legendary music career, he became a television star with a long run on NCIS: Los Angeles and continues to act and produce today.
Rudy Ray Moore
The comedy legend, best known for creating the character Dolemite, brought his signature humor to B.A.P.S. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 81, but his influence on comedy lives on through the 2019 biopic Dolemite Is My Name.
Troy Byer
Troy wrote and directed B.A.P.S. and has continued working as a writer, director and producer in the years since, staying active behind the scenes in Hollywood.
Dennis Rodman
The basketball Hall of Famer took a break from the court for a cameo in the film. He has remained a headline making figure over the years, known for his outspoken personality and occasional trips into pop culture and politics.
Faizon Love
Faizon has stayed busy in comedy ever since, with memorable roles in films like Friday and Elf, and he continues to perform stand-up and act.
Pierre Edwards
Pierre has continued working as a character actor, picking up steady roles in film and television over the years.
Luigi Amodeo
Luigi has continued to work in acting, taking on supporting roles in various projects since his time in B.A.P.S.
Jonathan Fried
Jonathan has kept busy as a working actor, appearing in television and film roles in the years following the movie.
B.A.P.S. may have been dismissed by critics back in the day, but it has aged into a beloved piece of Black pop culture. The cast’s legacy, including the ones we lost along the way, continues to live on every time someone hits play.
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