Ron O'Neal and A Different World Overview
Ron O'Neal is best known for his role as Paul Robinette in the long-running television series Law & Order, not A Different World. A Different World was a spin-off of The Cosby Show that aired from 1987 to 1993 and focused on the lives of students at Hillman College. Ron O'Neal did not appear in A Different World, though his name sometimes appears in search queries alongside the show due to overlapping cultural references. The series starred Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, and Jasmine Guy, and was produced by Debbie Allen and Ed. Weinberger. Public data from entertainment databases confirms Ron O'Neal's filmography does not include A Different World episodes or films.
Ron O'Neal's most notable film role was in the 1971 blaxploitation movie Shaft, where he played the title character. The film grossed over $12 million in its initial release and was followed by sequels Shaft's Big Score! and Shaft in Africa. Public box office data and film databases list Ron O'Neal's career spanning from the early 1970s to the 2000s, with roles in movies such as The Hitter and Killjoy. His television credits include appearances in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and NYPD Blue. These facts are sourced from public entertainment databases and verified filmography records.
A Different World Key Facts and Figures
A Different World aired on NBC from September 24, 1987, to July 9, 1993, spanning six seasons and 144 episodes. The show was created by Earl Hamner Jr. and executive produced by Debbie Allen, who also starred as the fictional physical education instructor Whitley Gilbert. Public ratings data from Nielsen and entertainment archives show the series consistently ranked among the top 10 primetime shows during its first three seasons. The show was filmed at Universal Studios and later at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.
The series featured a predominantly Black cast and addressed topics including racism, classism, and campus life. Notable guest stars included Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, and Muhammad Ali. Public data from entertainment industry sources indicates the show launched the careers of several actors, including Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy. A Different World also generated significant merchandise and syndication revenue, with reruns continuing to air on networks such as BET and TV One.
Production and Network Details
Network and Broadcast Data
A Different World was broadcast by NBC and produced by Carsey-Werner Company. The show was part of NBC's Thursday night lineup, which also included The Cosby Show. Public broadcast schedules and network archives confirm the show's time slot was 8:00 PM Eastern on Thursdays during most of its run. The series was later syndicated in reruns and made available on streaming platforms, though availability varies by region and platform.
Cast and Character Data
The main cast included Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne, Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert, and Lou Myers as Vernon Gaines. Public cast data and episode guides list guest appearances by actors such as Tupac Shakur, who appeared in an episode addressing campus sexual assault. The show's ensemble cast was recognized by the NAACP Image Awards, receiving multiple nominations and wins during its run.
Ron O'Neal Career and Public Data
Ron O'Neal was born on June 1, 1939, in Harlem, New York, and passed away on October 11, 2004. Public biographical data from sources such as the Internet Broadway Database and film archives confirm his career spanned