Hi guys if you’re anything like me you’re well aware that coming to america is one of the most exceptional romantic comedy movie of all time so sit back relax and let’s dive into the world of coming to america like never before we’ll have the entire cast of then and now and i will be revealing all the juicy details about the original names of the characters and how the actors have changed since then okay let’s see it together eddie murphy was born on april 3rd 1961 in brooklyn new york city and raised in the boroughs bushwick neighborhood he
Played the character prince akeem in the movie when he was 27 years old in 1988. Currently he’s living happily at the age of 62. To my sanitation duties maybe we’ll have a san francisco when they get the whale and all that well like a funny one but i was like they were i was going to be the one that they met when they got to san francisco arsenio hall was born on february 12 1956 in cleveland ohio he played the character semi in the movie when he was 32 years old in 1988.
currently he’s living happily at the age of 67. Semi should i make it four hundred thousand you think that’d be enough you are right 500 left but we’re both trying to get eddie to do it again i think it’s so cathartic it’s made my life complete it’s like the woman that i missed and james earl jones was born in arkabutla mississippi on january 17 1931.
He played the character king jaffe joffer in the movie when he was 57 years old in 1988. Currently he’s living happily at the age of 92. This is so good i want you to prove that you wrote this do you remember standing up and reading that oh yeah and getting through it without surgery john amos was born on december 27 1939 in newark new jersey he played the character cleo mcdowell in the movie when he was 49 years old in 1988.
currently he’s living happily at the age of 83.3 got this little misunderstanding see they’re mcdonald’s madge sinclair was born on april 28 1938 in kingston jamaica she played the character queen aeolian in the movie when she was 50 years old in 1988. Sadly sinclair died on december 20th 1995 after a 13-year battle with leukemia she was 57 years old just a moment what is he doing it looks as if he’s coming down here to talk to us sherry headley was born on july 15 1964 in queens new york city she played the character lisa mcdowell in the movie
When she was 24 years old in 1988. Currently she’s living happily at the age of 58. Beat up this girl or or young boy europe you’re a part of it right okay if we’re doing eric lasalle was born on july 23 1962 in hartford connecticut he played the character daryl jenks in the movie when he was 26 years old in 1988.
Currently he’s living happily at the age of 60. literally came out and started running after us and george and i are like you know frankie faison was born on june 10 1949 in newport news virginia he played the character landlord in the movie when he was 39 years old in 1988. Currently he’s living happily at the age of 73 age of seven okay now what the do you want we desire a room you better not be waiting that they were a casting for this role in this film actually i was doing a broadway show called fences a legendary piece louis
Anderson was born on march 24 1953 and raised in saint paul minnesota he played the character maurice in the movie when he was 35 years old in 1988. On january 18 2022 anderson had been hospitalized in las vegas for large b-cell lymphoma he had first been diagnosed with cancer a decade earlier but kept the information private anderson died of complications from the cancer three days later on january 21st at the age of 68.
see i’m washing lettuce soon i’ll be on fries then the grill a year or two i make assistant manager and then there’s a step i go oh a chef either way though if you fell down will we be huge samuel l jackson was born in washington dc on december 21st 1948. He played the character the hold up man in the movie when he was 40 years old in 1988.
currently he’s living happily at the age of 74. Thank you it was a platy hat you know it’s one of those patterns and it’s stylish too yeah uh number three here samuel l jackson does not do more than three takes of any scene vanessa bell was born on march 20th 1957 in cleveland ohio she played the character imani izzy in the movie when she was 31 years old in 1988.
Currently she’s living happily at the age of 66. Like are you saying that no matter what i tell you to do anything i say in school and in the summertime i would go to ales and dance and work in a boutique and so i did that for years and and uh while i was in high school dancing billy gordon was born on september 2nd 1954 in dowagiac michigan she played the character large woman in the movie when she was 34 years old in 1988.
Currently she’s living happily at the age of 68. See the rand corporation the department of defense oh no in paramount okay can you imagine the four before we wrap up this journey through the world of the movie coming to america i want to hear from you who is your favorite character from the movie what’s this thing that they have that it’s so appealing to you share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below and don’t forget to turn on the bell notification so you’re always the first to know when new
Content is released your support and engagement mean the world to me thank you for joining me on this journey down memory lane
The Stunning Transformations of the Coming to America Cast: Where Are They Now?
The 1988 classic Coming to America remains one of the most beloved and iconic romantic comedies in the history of cinema. For generations, the story of Prince Akeem Joffer from the fictional, prosperous African nation of Zamunda, who travels to Queens, New York, in search of his soulmate, has captivated hearts with its humor, heart, and unforgettable performances. It is a film that balances slapstick comedy with genuine sentimentality, creating a cultural touchstone that still resonates powerfully today. But have you ever stopped to wonder, after all these years, what became of the stars who brought these unforgettable characters to life?
As we pull back the curtain on the cast of Coming to America, we find a tapestry of lives lived in the spotlight, some marked by long-standing success, others by quiet wisdom, and some, unfortunately, by the inevitability of loss. This is not just a collection of “then and now” photographs; it is a celebration of the human experience through the lens of a film that defined an era.
The journey begins, as it must, with the incomparable Eddie Murphy. In 1988, he was a 27-year-old whirlwind of talent, a superstar in the making who captured the world’s imagination as the noble, naive Prince Akeem. With his infectious charm and impeccable timing, Murphy crafted a character that felt both royalty and relatable. Today, as a 62-year-old, Murphy is not just an actor but a legend, an icon who paved the way for generations of Black comedians. Seeing him now, one cannot help but notice the quiet dignity that has replaced the frantic energy of his youth, though the sparkle in his eyes remains undiminished.
Beside him, the ever-loyal Semmi, played by the hilarious Arsenio Hall, remains a cornerstone of the film’s enduring charm. At 32, Hall was a comedic force, providing the perfect counterpoint to Murphy’s princely poise. Now 67, Hall’s transition from the sidekick we adored to the seasoned veteran he is today serves as a poignant reminder of the passing of time. Watching him reflect on the film is a masterclass in gratitude; he speaks of the project as a life-altering experience, a testament to the bonds forged on set that have, in many ways, transcended the decades.
And then, there is the voice that could command a room from a whisper: James Earl Jones. As King Jaffe Joffer, he brought a gravitas to the film that elevated it from a mere comedy to something regal, something profound. At 57, he was the embodiment of paternal strength. Seeing him now, at 92, we are struck by the frailty that comes with such incredible longevity, yet his spirit seems just as luminous. To witness him still sharing stories about his craft is nothing short of a blessing, a reminder of the monumental impact he has had on the world of film.
What would you have done in this situation? If you had been cast alongside such legends, would you have been overwhelmed by the pressure, or would you have thrived under the weight of such talent? It is a question that invites us to imagine ourselves in their shoes, navigating the bright, unforgiving lights of Hollywood.
Then there is the heart of the film: Lisa McDowell, played by Shari Headley. At 24, she was the picture of youthful optimism and independence, the woman who would be queen not because of a title, but because of her strength of character. Today, at 58, Headley radiates a beauty that is earned, a grace that reflects a life well-lived. She remains a symbol of the very qualities we loved in Lisa: poise, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
Of course, the film was also populated by colorful characters that added depth and absurdity to the world of Queens. Consider Cleo McDowell, the man who built an empire on hamburgers and big dreams. John Amos, at 49, gave us a performance that was equal parts grumpy and endearing. Now, at 83, Amos’s smile feels like a warm embrace from an old friend. He remains, quite simply, an American treasure, a reminder of the power of the working man’s spirit that his character so masterfully represented.
We must also pause to remember those who are no longer with us. Madge Sinclair, the Queen Aoleon, a woman of such commanding presence and quiet elegance. She was 50 when she graced our screens and left us far too early at 57. Her legacy is one of profound grace, a reminder that some lights shine so bright that they seem to linger long after they have dimmed. Similarly, the passing of Louie Anderson, who was 35 at the time and who left us in 2022, hits home in a way that feels deeply personal. We remember him for the humor he brought to the screen, even in the smallest of roles, reminding us that every contribution, no matter how small, is part of the larger fabric of a beloved story.
As we reach the conclusion of this retrospective, we are left with a lingering question that ties all these stories together. Beyond the makeup, the costumes, and the scripted lines, what is the one, indelible mark this film left on your own life? Is it a line you find yourself quoting at dinner parties, a memory of watching it with family, or perhaps the way it made you believe, just for a moment, that true love really can conquer all?
Think about the character that resonated with you the most. Was it the prince looking for himself in a strange land, or perhaps the local shop owner fighting to maintain his dignity? Whatever it is, the beauty of Coming to America is that it allows us all to find a piece of ourselves in its characters. Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below—your voice is the final piece of this enduring legacy.
It is a privilege to revisit these lives, to see how the years have etched their stories onto their faces and into their spirits. These are the people who, for a few hours in 1988, made us believe in magic, in love, and in the enduring power of a good laugh. As we look back, we realize that while the actors have aged, the magic of the performance remains forever young, a testament to the art of storytelling that never fades, no matter how much time passes.
Ultimately, time may change our appearances, but the stories we share and the characters we love remain an eternal part of who we are.
