The $1 Billion Child Stars: Where Is The 'Kids Incorporated' Cast Now In 2024?

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The iconic 1980s and 90s musical variety show, Kids Incorporated, launched the careers of some of the biggest names in Hollywood and pop music, creating a powerhouse cast whose collective net worth today is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. As of late December 2025, the show, which ran from 1984 to 1993, is experiencing a massive resurgence in fan interest, fueled by the show's 40th Anniversary and a dedicated fan-run podcast that continues to feature original cast and crew members. This deep dive uncovers the current lives of the main cast members, from global superstars to private educators, revealing how the foundational experience of Kids Inc. shaped their adult careers.

The Disney Channel and syndication hit was more than just a children's show; it was a rigorous training ground that required the young cast members to sing, dance, and act in fully produced music videos every week. The alumni list is a testament to the show's success, featuring future Grammy winners, primetime television hosts, and major movie stars. Here is the full biography of the core cast and a look at their current projects.

Kids Incorporated Main Cast: Full Biography & Current Status

The cast of Kids Incorporated saw several changes over its nine-season run, but the show consistently featured a core group of talented young performers. Below is a list of the most recognizable and longest-running cast members, including their full names, birth dates, and their current pursuits as of 2024 and 2025.

  • Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson (Stacy): Born March 27, 1975, in Hacienda Heights, California. She was on the show from 1984–1989.
  • Mario Lopez (Mario): Born October 10, 1973, in San Diego, California. He was a cast member from 1989–1990.
  • Jennifer Love Hewitt (Robin): Born February 24, 1979, in Waco, Texas. She joined the cast in 1989 and stayed until 1991.
  • Marta "Martika" Marrero (Gloria): Born May 18, 1969, in Oakland, California. She starred in the first two seasons (1984–1986).
  • Renee Sands (Renee): Born Renee Ilene Sandstrom on January 15, 1974, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was a cast member from 1984–1987 and 1988–1992.
  • Rahsaan Patterson (The Kid/Rahsaan): Born January 11, 1974, in The Bronx, New York. He was on the show from 1984–1987.
  • Ryan Lambert (Ryan): Born March 29, 1971, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a cast member from 1985–1988.
  • Devyn Puett (Devyn): Born Devyn June Puett on November 22, 1977. She was on the show from 1988–1990.
  • Connie Lew (Connie): Born Conore Lew on May 24, 1974. She was a cast member from 1987–1988.

The Global Superstars: Fergie, Mario Lopez, and Jennifer Love Hewitt

The most famous alumni of Kids Incorporated leveraged their early start into massive, multi-decade careers across music and television. Their success stories are often cited as the ultimate example of a child star making a successful transition to adult stardom.

Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson: From Wild Orchid to Black Eyed Peas

Fergie's career trajectory is perhaps the most impressive musical success story from the show. After leaving Kids Incorporated, she, along with fellow cast member Renee Sands and Stefanie Ridel, formed the pop trio Wild Orchid. The group released two successful albums before Fergie found global superstardom as the female vocalist for the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas.

Following her tenure with the Peas, she launched a hugely successful solo career with the album The Dutchess. While she has been less active in the music industry in recent years, her legacy as a Grammy-winning artist and fashion icon remains firmly intact. She occasionally makes appearances, reflecting on her journey that began with her role as "Stacy" on the children's show.

Mario Lopez and Jennifer Love Hewitt: The TV Mainstays

Mario Lopez and Jennifer Love Hewitt joined the cast later in the show's run, but their time on Kids Inc. immediately preceded their breakout roles. Mario Lopez quickly moved on to play A.C. Slater on the iconic teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, establishing himself as a permanent fixture in American pop culture. Today, he is one of the most recognizable television hosts in the country, currently serving as a long-time host of Access Hollywood and maintaining a presence on various entertainment news programs.

Jennifer Love Hewitt, who played Robin, also used Kids Inc. as a springboard. She went on to star in major films like I Know What You Did Last Summer and television hits like Party of Five and Ghost Whisperer. As of 2024, Hewitt continues her successful acting career, most recently starring in the hit procedural drama 9-1-1, proving her longevity in Hollywood.

The Hidden Gems: Martika, Rahsaan Patterson, and Renee Sands

Beyond the three biggest names, other cast members went on to have significant careers in the music industry and beyond, often becoming cult favorites among R&B and pop enthusiasts. These stories highlight the diverse talents that originated from the show’s unique format.

Martika: The "Toy Soldiers" Pop Sensation

Marta Marrero, known professionally as Martika, was part of the original Kids Incorporated cast. After leaving the show, she launched a major international pop career, most famously for her 1989 hit single "Toy Soldiers." The song achieved massive success worldwide, cementing her status as a global pop star.

Her work in the late 80s and early 90s, including the Prince-penned song "Love... Thy Will Be Done," continues to be celebrated. Martika has maintained a presence in the music scene, occasionally performing and releasing new material, and remains a nostalgic icon of the era.

Rahsaan Patterson: The Soulful R&B Artist

Rahsaan Patterson, who played "The Kid," is arguably the most accomplished R&B artist to emerge from the cast. Following his time on the show, Patterson transitioned into a successful career as a contemporary soul and R&B singer-songwriter. He has released multiple critically acclaimed albums and co-founded his own independent label, Artistry Music.

Patterson's powerful voice and unique style have earned him a dedicated following in the soul and R&B communities. As of 2024, he continues to tour and perform, with his concert history updated for 2025, demonstrating an active and vital career in music, far removed from his child star days but rooted in the performance skills he learned.

Renee Sands: The Wild Orchid Connection

Renee Sands (Renee Ilene Sandstrom) was one of the longest-running cast members and, like Fergie, was a founding member of the pop trio Wild Orchid, alongside Stefanie Ridel. After Wild Orchid, Sands stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her personal life and family. Her early career on Kids Inc. and her subsequent pop success demonstrate the strong musical foundation the show provided.

40th Anniversary Celebration: The Kids Inc. Podcast in 2024

A major focus of the Kids Incorporated fandom in 2024 is the 40th Anniversary of the show's debut. This milestone has been celebrated through various fan-driven events and, most notably, the official-sounding Kids Inc. Podcast, which has dedicated its second season to the celebration.

The podcast, which has released new episodes as recently as late 2024, features in-depth interviews with key figures who rarely speak publicly about the show. Guests have included original Producer Tom Lynch and actors like Moosie Drier (Riley) and Jerry Sharell (Mickey).

These episodes offer unique, fresh perspectives, discussing behind-the-scenes stories, what the cast learned from their time on the show, and even teasing rare songs and photos that have never aired before. This fan-led initiative has successfully brought the show's legacy back into the public consciousness, satisfying the curiosity of long-time fans and creating new ones.

The Next Chapter: Ryan Lambert, Devyn Puett, and Connie Lew

For many cast members, Kids Incorporated was a stepping stone to a life outside of the intense Hollywood spotlight. Their stories reflect a desire for a more private or non-acting career path.

Ryan Lambert (Ryan), who also starred in the cult classic film The Monster Squad, largely stepped away from mainstream acting after his time on the show. He pursued a music career, becoming the frontman for the alternative rock band Elephone. Lambert has maintained a private life, a common choice for child actors who prefer a quieter existence away from the entertainment industry.

Devyn Puett (Devyn), who joined the show in the late 80s, is another example of a cast member who chose education over acting. Puett officially retired from acting in 1995 to pursue her education, graduating from Diamond Bar High School in 1996. She has since focused on her personal life and family, maintaining a private profile outside of the industry.

Connie Lew (Connie), who was on the show for a single season, also opted for a career outside of the entertainment world. After her tenure, she focused on her studies, eventually graduating from UCLA. While she has appeared in fan-organized events, her professional life has been dedicated to a non-acting career, demonstrating how the skills learned on the show can be applied to any field.

The $1 Billion Child Stars: Where Is the 'Kids Incorporated' Cast Now in 2024?
kids incorporated cast
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