Sitcom “Punky Brewster” debuted on NBC in 1984 and ran in syndication through 1988. The show about a smart, funny young girl abandoned by her family but saved by a grouchy but lovable widower lives on in many memories. After Penelope “Punky” Brewster’s father leaves the family, her mother abandons Punky at a shopping center in Chicago. With just her dog, Brandon, Punky finds shelter in a nearby abandoned apartment building. Although the premise is depressing, Punky Brewster was about the huge personality of Punky and the friendships she makes as she finds happiness. Apartment manager Henry Warnimont finds Punky in the building. She has already made friends. Widower Henry becomes a father figure to Punky, and when the court orders her to a home for orphans, Henry takes her in as a foster child and eventually adopts her. “Punky Brewster” is known for its heart, fun and poignant story lines.
Whatever happened to the “Punky Brewster” cast when the show ended?
Soleil Moon Frye
Soleil Moon Frye was born to play Punky. She began acting when she was 2 years old and was cast as Punky at the age of 7. After the series ended, Frye had guest spots on several television shows and some supporting roles in film. She finished school at Manhattan’s New School. In 1998, Frye married producer Jason Goldberg. The same year she directed the film “Wild Horses”. She played the role of Roxie King, Sabrina’s best friend and roommate on “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”. Frye and Goldberg have 4 children, and she continues voice acting. In the meantime, Frye owns an organic clothing shop for kids and hosts a blog and web series. She also hosts “Home Made Simple” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Frye wrote the book “Happy Chaos: From Punky to Parenting and My Perfectly Happy Adventures In Between” which was published in 2011.
George Gaynes
Finnish-American actor George Gaynes began his career in soap operas and film during the 1960’s. Soap opera fans will remember him as mob boss Frank Smith who was brought down by Luke Spencer on “General Hospital”. After playing grouchy but lovable foster dad Henry Warnimont in “Punky Brewster”, Gaynes played high powered theatrical producer Arthur Feldman on televisions “The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd”. He played Commandant Eric Lassard in the 1994 comedy “Police Academy. Gaynes was married to actress Allyn Ann McLeric and had two sons. Gaines died in 2016 at the age of 98.
Cherie Johnson
Cherie Johnson played Punky’s best friend, Cherie Johnson, on “Punky Brewster”. Johnson auditioned for the role because her uncle, David W. Dudon, was one of the show’s creators. When “Punky Brewster” ended, Johnson played supporting roles on television shows including the role of Laura Winslow’s best friend Max on “Family Matters“. Johnson played small roles in film and wrote, produced and starred in the movie “I Do…I Did!”. Johnson published three novels and a book of poetry. She writes regular columns for Success News, Glam Couture Magazine, Dimez Magazine and Temptation Magazine. Johnson also co-hosts a sports show for thebottomlinesportsshow.com. She has two daughters.
Susie Garrett
Susie Garrett played the role of Cherie Johnson’s mom, Betty, who was also a surrogate mom to Punky on “Punky Brewster”. Garrett is the older sister of actress Marla Gibbs. Garrett performed in jazz clubs, theater and appeared on several television series. She appeared on “The Twilight Zone”, ‘My Three Sons”, “The Jefferson’s” and “227” before “Punky Brewster. Susie Garrett passed away in 2002.
T.J. Carter
Comedian T.J. Carter played Mike Fulton, an elementary school teacher, on “Punky Brewster”. Prior to “Punky Brewster”, Carter appeared on television in shows including “Police Woman” and “Good Times”. He was in movies including “Seems Like Old Times” and “The Thing”. After “Punky Brewster”, Carter continued a successful career playing supporting actors in film and television. He continued to act until 2007 after appearing on popular shows including Disney Channel’s “Good Morning Bliss”, HBO’s “The Corner”, “The Steve Harvey Show”, “A Different World”, “Moesha”, “Saved By the Bell”, “The Nanny”, “NYPD Blue” and “Everybody Hates Chris”.
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