Step into the past and rediscover the familiar faces that brought the beloved 90s sitcom "Step by Step" to life. For seven seasons, from 1991 to 1998, this heartwarming show captivated audiences as part of ABC's iconic TGIF lineup, portraying the hilarious and often touching dynamics of a newly blended family. But what happened to the talented individuals who became household names under the roof of that picturesque Wisconsin home?
The "Step by Step" cast, led by TV legends Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers, created an indelible mark on pop culture, showing us the ups and downs of two single parents spontaneously marrying and merging their very different broods. From the tomboyish Al to the cool Cousin Cody, each character resonated with viewers, making us wonder, "Where is the 'Step by Step' cast now?" This comprehensive article dives deep into the lives and careers of these stars, offering a nostalgic look back and an exciting update on what they've been up to since the show's demise.
"Step by Step" was more than just a sitcom; it was a cultural phenomenon that defined Friday nights for a generation. Aired on ABC from September 20, 1991, to August 15, 1997, before moving to CBS for its final season, the show was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren. It revolved around Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy), a divorced contractor with three children, and Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers), a widowed beautician with three children of her own. Their spontaneous marriage during a vacation led to the chaotic yet loving formation of the Lambert-Foster family, living under one roof in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The series tackled common family issues with humor and heart, from sibling rivalries and teenage crushes to the challenges of adjusting to new family members. While "The Brady Bunch" might hold the title of the most popular show about a blended family, "Step by Step" certainly gave it a run for its money, especially in the '90s. The show's success was largely due to its relatable premise, witty writing, and, most importantly, its incredibly charismatic and talented "Step by Step" cast, who brought these characters to life with genuine warmth and comedic timing.
The Lambert-Foster Family: Core Cast Members
The heart of "Step by Step" lay with its two lead actors, Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers, who perfectly embodied the parental figures navigating the complexities of a large, blended household. Their chemistry was undeniable, providing a stable foundation for the series' humor and emotional depth.
Patrick Duffy as Frank Lambert
Patrick Duffy was already a household name before "Step by Step," famously known for his role as Bobby Ewing on the iconic prime-time soap opera "Dallas." His casting as Frank Lambert, the easygoing, blue-collar contractor, brought a familiar and comforting presence to the sitcom. Frank was the quintessential cool dad, often trying to mediate disputes with a laid-back attitude, even if it meant resorting to a little bit of playful mischief. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Born in Townsend, Montana, Patrick Duffy began his acting career in the early 1970s. His role as Bobby Ewing on "Dallas" from 1978 to 1985, and again from 1986 to 1991, cemented his status as a television star. After "Dallas," he seamlessly transitioned into comedy with "Step by Step," showcasing his versatility. Post-"Step by Step," Duffy continued to work steadily in television, with guest appearances on numerous shows, voice acting roles, and even a return to the "Dallas" revival series in 2012. He remains a beloved figure in television. **Patrick Duffy: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Patrick George Duffy
Date of Birth
March 17, 1949
Place of Birth
Townsend, Montana, USA
Spouse
Carlyn Rosser (m. 1974; d. 2017)
Children
2
Notable Roles
Bobby Ewing (Dallas), Frank Lambert (Step by Step)
Suzanne Somers as Carol Foster Lambert
Suzanne Somers, a true TV legend, brought her signature charm and comedic timing to the role of Carol Foster Lambert. Known for her iconic portrayal of Chrissy Snow in "Three's Company," Somers was a perfect fit for the intelligent, somewhat neurotic, and always well-meaning Carol. Carol, a beautician, often served as the voice of reason, though her own quirks provided plenty of laughs. Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy captured the hearts of viewers as the parental figures on "Step by Step," creating a memorable on-screen dynamic. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Suzanne Somers rose to fame in the 1970s with "Three's Company," becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television. Following her departure from that show, she ventured into various projects, including Las Vegas residencies and infomercials for the ThighMaster, which became a massive commercial success. Her role in "Step by Step" marked a triumphant return to network sitcoms, proving her enduring appeal. Beyond acting, Somers was a successful author, entrepreneur, and health advocate, publishing numerous books on health and wellness. Her multifaceted career showcased her incredible drive and business acumen. **Suzanne Somers: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Suzanne Marie Mahoney
Date of Birth
October 16, 1946
Place of Birth
San Bruno, California, USA
Spouse
Alan Hamel (m. 1977)
Children
1
Notable Roles
Chrissy Snow (Three's Company), Carol Foster Lambert (Step by Step)
The Next Generation: The Kids of Step by Step
The "Step by Step" cast of younger actors played a crucial role in the show's success, portraying the diverse personalities of the blended Lambert-Foster brood. Their individual storylines, rivalries, and eventual bonds formed the comedic and emotional backbone of the series.
Staci Keanan as Dana Foster
Staci Keanan played Dana Foster, Carol's eldest daughter, who was portrayed as intelligent, sarcastic, and often the most critical of Frank's more laid-back approach to life. Dana's witty remarks and eye-rolls became a signature part of her character, creating a hilarious dynamic with her new stepfather and step-siblings. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Staci Keanan (born Anastasia Sagorsky) began her acting career in the mid-1980s, gaining recognition for her role in the sitcom "My Two Dads" before joining the "Step by Step" cast. After the show concluded, Keanan pursued higher education, earning a law degree. While she has made occasional appearances in independent films and television projects, her focus shifted towards a career in law. She remains fondly remembered for her sharp portrayal of Dana. **Staci Keanan: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Anastasia Sagorsky
Date of Birth
June 6, 1975
Place of Birth
Devon, Pennsylvania, USA
Spouse
Guy Birtwhistle (m. 2017)
Children
N/A
Notable Roles
Nicole Bradford (My Two Dads), Dana Foster (Step by Step)
Christine Lakin as Alicia "Al" Lambert
Christine Lakin portrayed Alicia "Al" Lambert, Frank's tomboyish middle daughter. Al was known for her love of sports, her no-nonsense attitude, and her often-hilarious rivalry with her step-sister Dana. In 1991, she took her first step towards big fame and landed the role as the tomboyish Al on the Friday night hit "Step by Step." During the sitcom's long run, Christine gracefully grew up on screen, becoming a fan favorite. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Christine Lakin started acting at a young age. Her role as Al Lambert was her breakthrough, and she matured into a talented actress throughout the show's run. After "Step by Step," Lakin has had a remarkably diverse and active career. She has appeared in numerous films (including "The Hottest State," "Valentine's Day"), television shows (like "Boston Public," "Melissa & Joey"), and is a prolific voice actress, lending her voice to animated series and video games. She also has a strong presence in the improv and comedy scene. **Christine Lakin: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Christine Helen Lakin
Date of Birth
January 25, 1979
Place of Birth
Dallas, Texas, USA
Spouse
Andy Fickman (m. 2014)
Children
2
Notable Roles
Al Lambert (Step by Step), Voice of Joyce Kinney (Family Guy)
Angela Watson as Karen Foster
Angela Watson played Karen Foster, Carol's middle daughter, who was portrayed as a budding model and aspiring country singer. Karen was often depicted as being more focused on her appearance and popularity, providing a contrast to her siblings. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Angela Watson's role as Karen Foster was her most prominent acting credit. After "Step by Step" concluded, Watson largely stepped away from the spotlight. She later became an advocate for child actors' rights and financial protection, founding the "Child Actors Supporting Themselves" (CAST) organization, after facing her own financial difficulties related to her earnings from the show. Her work has been instrumental in raising awareness about issues faced by young performers in the industry. **Angela Watson: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Angela Christine Watson
Date of Birth
November 12, 1975
Place of Birth
Danville, Illinois, USA
Spouse
N/A
Children
N/A
Notable Roles
Karen Foster (Step by Step)
Christopher Castile as Mark Foster
Christopher Castile played Mark Foster, Carol's youngest son, a highly intelligent and nerdy character who was often the target of his siblings' teasing but also their source of information. Mark's passion for science and computers often led to quirky and humorous situations. Feeling that he isn't getting enough respect, Mark takes up karate, and when he gets kicked out of class he turns to Cody, who has a black belt, for help training for the big tournament, highlighting his journey for self-improvement. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Christopher Castile was a child actor who, in addition to "Step by Step," was known for his voice work as Zach on "Hey Arnold!" and for playing Ted Newton in the "Beethoven" film series. After "Step by Step," Castile largely retired from acting to focus on his education. He went on to earn a master's degree and became a professor of political science at Biola University in California. His transition from child star to academic is a unique trajectory among the "Step by Step" cast. **Christopher Castile: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Christopher Charles Castile
Date of Birth
June 15, 1980
Place of Birth
Orange County, California, USA
Spouse
N/A
Children
N/A
Notable Roles
Mark Foster (Step by Step), Ted Newton (Beethoven films)
Brandon Call as J.T. Lambert
Brandon Call portrayed J.T. Lambert, Frank's eldest son, who was often depicted as a lovable slacker, more interested in sports and girls than academics. His rivalry with Dana Foster, his intellectual step-sister, was a recurring comedic highlight. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Brandon Call began acting at a young age, appearing in various television shows and films, including "Santa Barbara" and "Baywatch," before joining the "Step by Step" cast. After the series concluded, Call largely withdrew from public life and the acting industry. He has maintained a very private profile since, making him one of the "Step by Step" cast members about whom the least is publicly known regarding his post-show activities. **Brandon Call: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Brandon Spencer Call
Date of Birth
November 17, 1976
Place of Birth
Torrance, California, USA
Spouse
N/A
Children
1
Notable Roles
J.T. Lambert (Step by Step), Hobie Buchannon (Baywatch)
Memorable Supporting Characters and Their Impact
Beyond the immediate blended family, "Step by Step" featured a cast of recurring characters who added significant humor and charm to the show, becoming integral parts of its appeal.
Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert
Sasha Mitchell played Cody Lambert, Frank's quirky and endearing nephew who lived in a van in the Lambert family's driveway. Cody was known for his philosophical musings, martial arts skills (he has a black belt!), and his often-unsuccessful attempts at charming women. Audiences were tickled pink when Cousin Cody, the cool demolition natural who lives in his van, arrived for a weekend visit. His character brought a unique, offbeat energy to the show. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Sasha Mitchell was already known for his role in "Dallas" (as James Beaumont, J.R.'s son) and the "Kickboxer" film series before joining "Step by Step." His character Cody was immensely popular, though he departed the show for a period due to personal issues, making guest appearances later. After "Step by Step," Mitchell continued to act, appearing in various films and television shows, often in action-oriented roles, and maintaining his martial arts background. **Sasha Mitchell: Personal Data & Biodata**
Cody Lambert (Step by Step), James Beaumont (Dallas), David Sloane (Kickboxer films)
Jason Marsden as Rich Halke
Jason Marsden played Rich Halke, J.T.'s best friend, who became a more prominent character in later seasons. Rich was often involved in J.T.'s schemes and provided additional comedic relief, becoming a staple of the show's ensemble. **Biography and Career Highlights:** Jason Marsden has had an extensive career as a voice actor, lending his talents to countless animated films, television series, and video games. Before and after "Step by Step," he was a prolific presence in Hollywood. His voice credits include "A Goofy Movie" (Max Goof), "Spirited Away" (Haku), "Kim Possible" (Felix Renton), and many more. While his face might be less recognized by some, his voice is ubiquitous in animated entertainment, making him one of the most successful voice actors among the "Step by Step" cast. **Jason Marsden: Personal Data & Biodata**
Category
Detail
Full Name
Jason Christopher Marsden
Date of Birth
January 3, 1975
Place of Birth
Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Spouse
Christy Marsden (m. 2004; div. 2020)
Children
1
Notable Roles
Rich Halke (Step by Step), Max Goof (A Goofy Movie), Voice of Haku (Spirited Away)
Step by Step Reunions and Lasting Bonds
The bond among the "Step by Step" cast members clearly extends beyond the screen. Fans were thrilled when "Step by Step" stars Patrick Duffy, Staci Keanan, Angela Watson, Christine Lakin, Christopher Castile, Jason Marsden, and Sasha Mitchell reunited at 90s Con 2024. These reunions are a testament to the lasting friendships formed during the show's seven-season run. Seeing the "Step by Step" (1991 vs 2023) cast, then and now, 32 years after the show premiered, brings a wave of nostalgia and reminds us of the enduring impact of their work. These gatherings allow fans to see the '90s sitcom's stars, like Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers (though Suzanne passed away in 2023, her spirit is always present), today and appreciate their continued connection.
The Enduring Appeal of Blended Family Sitcoms
"Step by Step" tapped into a universal theme: the challenges and joys of family. Its success, much like that of "The Brady Bunch," lies in its exploration of blended family dynamics. It showed how disparate individuals, brought together by circumstance, could learn to live, love, and laugh under one roof. The show's ability to balance humor with genuine emotional moments made it resonate with a wide audience. It offered a comforting, often idealized, view of family life that provided an escape for viewers every Friday night. This enduring appeal is why the "Step by Step" cast remains so beloved, even decades later.
Beyond the Screen: The
'Step by Step' Cast: See the TV Sitcom Stars Then and Now | Closer Weekly
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