13 TGIF Stars Who Made Friday Nights Must-See TV in the ’80s & ’90s

For fans of ABC’s legendary lineup, TGIF remains one of television’s most iconic eras, bringing together families for must-see Friday night laughs with timeless hits and scene-stealing stars. Decades later, many of these favorite faces have grown into seasoned stars, directors, authors, and advocates — but they still bring the same charisma that once kept us glued to our screens. Take a look at your favorite TGIF idols and discover where life has taken them, from red carpet moments to ongoing creative ventures.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete exudes elegance at a high-profile event, radiating the grace and warmth that made her a TGIF favorite. As the memorable Vanessa Russell on Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, she championed the beloved character and later became a passionate author and activist. She and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, established the HollyRod Foundation in 1997 after being inspired by her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, according to the Harvard Football Players Health Study. Her presence continues to inspire fans on screen and beyond.

Danielle Fishel

Danielle Fishel, forever known as Topanga from Boy Meets World, has an effervescent style that captures her transition from teen star to successful actress and director.

Since 2017, she has directed episodes of multicamera television, including Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home, work that earned her one Emmy nomination, as reported by ABC. Fans continue to celebrate her work both in front of and behind the camera, cherishing her enduring role in pop culture.

Jaleel White

Jaleel White, the iconic Steve Urkel himself on Family Matters, lights up the scene with sophistication. Long past his breakout sitcom days, White has built a diverse career in acting and voice work. In Growing Up Urkel (2024), White described the double-edged legacy of Steve Urkel, crediting the role with launching his career while acknowledging that it overshadowed much of his subsequent work, according to NPR, and always embracing the quirky charm that made his character unforgettable.

Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Joan Hart, famously from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, transitioned from TGIF staple to acclaimed director and producer. Hart continues to enchant audiences with her versatility. She made history in 2021 as the first celebrity to win the $1 million grand prize on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, playing on behalf of her charity, Youth Villages, per Artist and Brand, proving some television magic never fades.

Will Friedle

Will Friedle, the lovable Eric Matthews from Boy Meets World, instead of remaining a sitcom actor, he shifted mostly into voice work, later lending his talents to characters such as Ron Stoppable on Kim Possible and Blue Beetle on Batman: The Brave and the Bold, according to SlashFilm. With a flourishing career in voice acting and continued connection with beloved TV families, Friedle remains a favorite for his humor and heart.

Jodie Sweetin

Jodie Sweetin, best known as Stephanie Tanner on Full House, publicly opened up about growing up in Hollywood and the challenges of an identity crisis, as reported by Simon & Schuster. Her lively personality and candid storytelling have made her an inspiration for many, both reflecting on her TGIF legacy and sharing her personal journey of growth and resilience

Candace Cameron Bure

Candace Cameron Bure brings bubbly energy to all her projects, from product lines to TV movies. As a staple of wholesome comedies and holiday films, she has embraced new challenges as a media executive. In 2022, she left the Hallmark Channel, where she had appeared in films for more than a decade, to become chief creative officer of Great American Family, according to Great American Media, while maintaining the wholesome appeal that made her an essential part of TGIF history.

Sasha Mitchell

Sasha Mitchell, who won hearts as Cody Lambert, shares a playful moment at a fan convention. He had already played Patrick Duffy‘s nephew on the soap opera Dallas before the two reunited in the same on-screen family dynamic as Cody Lambert on Step by Step, per IMDb. His cheerful spirit off-screen reflects his easygoing TV persona, and he continues to delight longtime fans eager to reconnect with the stars of TGIF’s golden age.

Rider Strong

Rider Strong graces a red carpet, capturing the same cool charisma he brought to Boy Meets World. Since his days on the sitcom, he has dedicated much of his time to directing, writing his own scripts, and making short films, even helming several episodes of Girl Meets World, according to Forbes, proving that TGIF stars have never stopped breaking new ground in entertainment.

Ben Savage

Ben Savage, forever Cory Matthews, but beyond acting, he ventured into local politics, running for a seat on West Hollywood’s City Council in 2022 before finishing seventh in a race where only the top three prevailed, as reported by NBC News. Having gracefully balanced TV fame, education, and future aspirations, Savage is a symbol of how TGIF’s familiar faces have become successful adults in their own right.

Christine Lakin

Christine Lakin, known as the spunky “Al” from Step by Step, a shift sparked by her success as a theater choreographer that eventually led her to direct television comedy, per People. Her journey from sitcom child star to accomplished director makes her an enduring favorite in the TGIF lineup.

Trina McGee-Davis

Trina McGee-Davis brought warmth and depth to Boy Meets World as Angela Moore, one of the series’ most beloved later additions. She later reprised the beloved role on Girl Meets World and expanded her career behind the camera as a writer, producer, and director on several independent films, including Confessions of Isabella and Detainment. Beyond acting, McGee has been a thoughtful advocate for greater representation and diversity in entertainment, earning admiration for using her platform to inspire meaningful conversations both on and off screen, according to Wikipedia.

Mark Curry

Mark Curry, the unforgettable Mark Cooper, starred as the title character; his sitcom became a staple of ABC’s highly popular Friday night TGIF lineup, per Essence. As a comedian and host, Curry continues to bring laughter and heart into the spotlight, touring around comedy clubs and theaters.