The OG Cast: A Deep Dive into the Original Stars of Iconic Shows
The world of entertainment is filled with iconic shows that have left an indelible mark on pop culture. From the magical world of Wizards of Waverly Place to the supernatural adventures of Ghostbusters, these original casts have captivated audiences with their unique characters and unforgettable performances. In this article, we delve into the lives of the original cast members of these beloved shows, exploring their journey from their early days to their current endeavors.
1. The Original Cast of Wizards of Waverly Place
The magical Russo family, consisting of Alex Russo (Selena Gomez), Justin Russo (David Henrie), and Max Russo (Jake T. Austin), first enchanted audiences with their spellbinding adventures on Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. The show, which premiered in 2007, followed the lives of three siblings who discover they are wizards and must navigate their magical abilities while attending a regular high school. Selena Gomez, who skyrocketed to fame with her role as Alex Russo, has since become a global music sensation and executive producer of the hit series Only Murders in the Building . She also launched her own beauty brand, Rare Beauty, which is committed to inclusivity and mental health advocacy.
David Henrie, who played Justin Russo, has been busy with various projects including directing. He is set to reprise his role as Justin Russo in the upcoming reboot of Wizards of Waverly Place. Jake T. Austin, who played Max Russo, has appeared in several TV shows and films, including Dancing with the Stars . Jennifer Stone, who played Alex's best friend Harper Finkle, co-hosts the Wizards of Waverly Pod podcast with David DeLuise and is set to return for the reboot.
2. The Original Cast of Ghostbusters
The iconic crew from the 1984 classic Ghostbusters has reunited for a new adventure titled Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire . The original cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts are back to confront a new ghostly threat alongside newcomers Paul Rudd and Mckenna Grace. Bill Murray recalled receiving the initial script draft early in the morning and immediately deciding to participate. The cast reunited for the sequel film Ghostbusters II in 1989 and then again in 2021 for Ghostbusters: Afterlife .
Paul Rudd returns in the new movie as Gary Grooberson, a teacher who knows of the legacy of the original Ghostbusters. Rudd expressed his awe at being part of such an iconic crew, saying it's 'incredible' and 'unreal.' Mckenna Grace plays Egon Spengler's granddaughter, keeping the late Harold Ramis' spirit alive in a story that continues the Ghostbusters legacy. The movie hits theaters on March 22.
3. The Original Cast of SIX
Broadway's SIX, a Tudor pop musical created by Tony winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, is set to say goodbye to its current cast of queens. Original cast members Brittney Mack, Andrea Macasaet, and Samantha Pauly will all play their final performances on December 4 at the recently renamed Lena Horne Theatre. Brittney Mack announced her departure on Instagram as did Andrea Macasaet prior to an official announcement.
The show follows the six wives of King Henry VIII of England in a historical remix that turns the Tudor royals into pop queens. The production features set design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Gabrielle Slade, lighting design by Tim Deiling, and sound design by Paul Gatehouse. The show's press reps confirmed that December 4 will also be the final performance for Jackson, Lark, Fuller, Maedke, Lambert, Mack, and Hodgens.
4. The Original Cast of Gossip Girl
Seventeen years after its premiere, the original cast of Gossip Girl continues to captivate audiences with their enduring chemistry and memorable performances. The ensemble cast including Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen), Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey), Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf), Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald), Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey), and Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams) became significant figures in the entertainment industry during their six-season journey.
Blake Lively, who played Serena van der Woodsen, has appeared in several films including The Age of Adaline and The Shallows . She is married to actor Ryan Reynolds and they have two daughters together. Penn Badgley, who played Dan Humphrey, has gained attention for his portrayal of the obsessive Joe Goldberg in Netflix's hit series You. He is happily married to Domino Kirke since February 2017 and they have a child together.
Leighton Meester, who brought the character of Blair Waldorf to life, has made strides in the comedy scene recently appearing in ABC's Single Parents . She is married to actor Adam Brody and they are parents to two children. Chace Crawford, who charmed audiences as Nate Archibald for six seasons, has taken on various projects since the series ended in 2012 including roles in ABC's Blood & Oil and films like Eloise and All About Nina . He currently stars in Amazon's original series The Boys .
Taylor Momsen, who was only 14 when she joined Gossip Girl, has evolved significantly since her days as Jenny Humphrey. She departed from the series in 2010 to pursue her passion for music and formed her band The Pretty Reckless by age 17. Jessica Szohr, who made her mark as Vanessa Abrams in Gossip Girl, has since appeared in films such as The Internship and Two Night Stand . She welcomed her daughter Bowie Ella with fianc Brad Richardson in January 2021 and they married in August 2024.
Sebastian Stan, who played Carter Baizen in Gossip Girl, has achieved significant fame since then particularly for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Captain America and Avengers films. He has also starred in Disney+'s The Falcon and Winter Soldier alongside Anthony Mackie. Hilary Duff guest-starred on Gossip Girl as Olivia Burke and developed a romance with Dan while at NYU. She has since starred in her successful series Younger and How I Met Your Father .
Conclusion
The original casts of these iconic shows have left an indelible mark on pop culture. From the magical world of Wizards of Waverly Place to the supernatural adventures of Ghostbusters and the dramatic lives of Gossip Girl's Upper East Siders, these actors have captivated audiences with their unique characters and unforgettable performances. As they continue to evolve in their careers, they remain beloved figures in the entertainment industry.
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