Credit: 21 Jump Street
For younger fans, their exposure to 21 Jump Street was all thanks to its film adaptation in 2012, which starred Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. But for those who grew up in the ’80s, the 21 Jump Street TV series will always be the original. The show was created by Patrick Hasburgh, Stephen J. Cannell, and Elizabeth Curtis. Its theme was composed by notable musician Liam Sternberg, best known for writing the Bangles hit “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
The show provided an avenue for young actors to build their careers. Most of those who performed for the show have been able to carve out very successful showbiz careers for themselves. If you want to know what’s happened to the original cast of this police procedural series, read ahead. Here’s an update on the cast members of the highly acclaimed Fox TV police procedural TV show 21 Jump Street.
Johnny Depp
Credit: 21 Jump Street
Johnny Depp starred in 21 Jump Street, portraying the character of Officer Thomas Hanson for four of the show’s five seasons. Rumor has it that Depp tried to get fired off the show, according to Screen Rant, to pursue more lucrative career options. According to the website: “The exit of Johnny Depp from 21 Jump Street understandably spelled doom for the series. Season 5 went straight to off-network syndication since it struggled to meet ratings after Depp and Harry Truman Ioki actor Dustin Nguyen left. Once it had fallen out of its primetime slot, 21 Jump Street quickly got snuffed out, with season 5 being the last one.” Depp, of course, would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Most notably, he starred in the highly successful fantasy franchise Pirates of the Caribbean, which would continue to become the actor’s most high-profile work. He also snagged a villain role in the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise but had to leave the project due to personal struggles.
Holly Robinson
Holly Robinson played Sergeant Judith Hoffs in 21 Jump Street, one of only two actors who stayed as the main character throughout the series. After the show, Robinson joined an ABC sitcom, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, which aired from 1992 to 1997. More recently, she starred in For Peete’s Sake, Meet the Peetes, and Morning Show Mysteries. She also has a recurring role in the fifth season of American Housewife. Robinson did have a cameo on the film adaptation of her series, which she discussed with Pop Sugar, saying: “Yes, I did make an appearance on it. I worked one day. I don’t have as big a part as Johnny, but I did make a cameo. The only thing I’m panicked about is that I had to say a curse word, and my kids are going to go, “Oh my G-d!” But I’m excited to be in it.”
Peter DeLuise
Peter DeLuise portrayed Officer Douglas Penhall in 21 Jump Street, starring in its first four seasons and also appearing in its last. The son of legendary Hollywood performers, DeLuise eventually appeared in shows like Prep, Landing, and Sanctuary. He’s also made a career for himself as a director, having directed TV episodes for shows like When Calls the Heart, Love Under the Olive Tree, and Shadowhunters.
Dustin Nguyen
Dustin Nguyen portrayed Sergeant Harry Truman Ioki in 21 Jump Street. Like Depp, Nguyen also left the show after starring in it for four seasons. Currently, Nguyen plays a lead role in the martial arts drama series Warrior, portraying the character of Zing. On film, he made a cameo on 22 Jump Street and appeared in The Man with the Iron Fists 2, Jackpot, Zero Tolerance, Gentle, I’ll Wait, and Voodoo Doll.
Steven Williams
Credit: 21 Jump Street
Steven Williams played Captain Adam Fuller in 21 Jump Street. Like Robinson, Williams stayed as a lead character in the series, having portrayed Fuller for five show seasons. The veteran actor reprised his role in 22 Jump Street. Other film credits of his include The Trust, It, Velvet Buzzsaw, and Birds of Prey. On TV, right after 21 Jump Street, Williams began appearing in The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage. He was also a recurring cast member in The X-Files. More recently, he’s been cast in recurring roles for shows like Ambitions, Locke & Key, Stumptown, and Snowfall.
Michael DeLuise
Michael DeLuise, the brother of Peter DeLuise, also appeared in 21 Jump Street as Officer Joey Penhall, starring in the series in its last season. After the show, DeLuise appeared in 34 episodes of SeaQuest DSV and Brooklyn South. Some of his more recent projects include appearances in Gilmore Girls, Bloodsuckers, and Bunheads. DeLuise hasn’t been active since 2013.
Michael Bendetti
Michael Bendetti played Officer Anthony McCann in the last season of 21 Jump Street. Bendetti hasn’t been active on screen since 1995, with his last TV credit being 1995’s Amanda and the Alien. He did produce a comedy film n 2003 titled Between the Sheets.
Follow Us
