What the Original Cast of ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ Looks Like Today! Where They Are Now

Ryan Cooley (J.T. Yorke)

Fans know Ryan Cooley as J.T. Yorke and were crushed after his heartbreaking death in season 6. Since his Degrassi days, he’s stepped away from the camera and attended the University of Toronto.

After college, Ryan got engaged in 2019 and went on to become vice president for the Konrad Group, a company that “helps businesses and brands succeed in the digital age,” according to their website.

Daniel Clark (Sean Cameron)

Daniel Clark played bad boy Sean Cameron but nowadays, he’s still a working actor and also a producer. The Canada native is also married after tying the knot in July 2023 with his wife, Mandee Baulo.

Lauren Collins (Paige Michalchuk)

Lauren Collins played It Girl Paige Michalchuk but now she’s conquering mom life! After welcoming baby No. 1 with husband Jonathan Malen in March 2020, she continues to share her talents on screen. Lauren starred in the series Slip and has started production on My Dead Mom, a six-part short-form comedy series.

Lauren and Jonathan later welcomed baby No. 2 in April 2023.

Cassie Steele (Manny Santos)

Cassie Steele was known as Manny Santos back at Degrassi High, but the actress has since expanded her talents! Although she continues to act, Cassie is also a musician and a mother. The Degrassi alum welcomed her first child in November 2023.

Jake Goldsbie (Toby Isaacs)

Jack Goldsbie has lived a quiet life since leaving his role as J.T. Yorke’s best friend. Apart from being an actor, he also hosts a Toronto Blue Jays podcast.

In 2023, Jake made it down the aisle and married Cassie Leigh. “Did a wedding. Three years too late but worth the wait,” he shared via Instagram that August. “That rhymes, Marge, and you know it rhymes. I’m so tired.”

Aubrey Drake Graham (Jimmy Brooks)

Drake! Arguably one of the most famous Degrassi alums, the Toronto, Canada native — who last appeared during season 8 — has gone on to become a hip hop goat, winning multiple awards, including Grammys for Best Rap Song, Rap Album, and more.

Shane Kippel (Gavin “Spinner” Mason)

Known as Spinner Mason to Degrassi fans, Shane is not only an actor but a comedian, drummer, producer and student pilot, according to his Instagram bio.

Apart from making comedic content online, he also often participates in Comic-Cons to interact with longtime Degrassi fans.

Miriam McDonald (Emma Nelson)

Although Miriam continues to act in Canadian productions, she also worked as a yoga instructor and real estate agent.

Melissa McIntyre (Ashley Kerwin)

Melissa McIntyre was known for playing Drake’s love interest for many years during the series. She appeared in the first four seasons and returned for seasons 6 and 7. Not much is known about the actress following her time on Degrassi. However, she gained viral attention in 2019 by responding to a fan’s tweet that asked, “Do you still tell people you kissed Drake?”

“Every. Day. Of. My. Life,” she wrote back.

Nowadays, Melissa travels across the country to attend Comic-Cons and interact with fans of the show.

Sarah Barrable-Tishauer (Liberty Van Zandt)

Sarah Barrable-Tishauer gained fame for portraying the smart girl Liberty Van Zandt on the teen drama for eight seasons. After graduating from Concordia University in 2012, she transitioned to a career as an account manager and DJ.

“You can probably imagine having a nine-to-five job and also DJing until 3 a.m. is kind of a difficult thing to balance, so I’ve just tried to keep my gigs on weekends and just a couple times a month because I just don’t have a lot of time. So, it’s kind of like I live this dual life,” the actress told Refinery29 in August 2017. “Marketing by day, bass by night, but I’m really loving it. I think it’s a lot of pressure if you’re trying to DJ full time, so I’m really lucky that I’m trying to be more selective with what I wanna do.”

Christina Schmidt (Terri McGreggor)

Christina Schmidt appeared in the iconic teen drama for three seasons before leaving the series to pursue modeling full-time. She still models and lives with her boyfriend Landon in Canada.

Apart from modeling, Christina also works as a creative director.

Jake Epstein (Craig Manning)

Jake Epstein was a musician on and off the screen. Known for his role as rocker Craig Manning, he continued acting after the show. He appeared in stage productions of Spring Awakening, Billy Elliot the Musical and American Idiot.

Jake took the Broadway stage in 2012, marking his debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark before leaving the production to star in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in 2014.

Aside from his professional endeavors, Jake tied the knot with his wife Vanessa Smythe and the pair welcomed their first child in May 2023.

“I wanted to introduce you to our new little guy … This is Miles August Epstein,” he shared on Instagram in June 2023. “I’m in total awe of his mama and how she is transforming into this amazing new mum before my eyes.”

Andrea Lewis (Hazel Aden)

Andrea played Paige’s BFF Hazel Aden for 5 seasons before moving to Los Angeles, California.

She’s now a full-time digital creator, who also is a film producer. In November 2021, she confirmed she married Felix Howard in a romantic ceremony in London.