Before they became widely recognized stars, Julia Stiles, Kerry Washington, and many others showcased their dance moves in the 2001 hit movie, Save the Last Dance. This popular teen drama centers around Sara Johnson (played by Stiles), a talented young ballerina with dreams of attending the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her audition goes poorly and her mother tragically passes away. Sara decides to give up ballet and move to Chicago’s South Side to live with her father (Terry Kinney). In this new environment, she discovers hip-hop dance and expands her dancing abilities with the help of Derek Reynolds (Sean Patrick Thomas), who is preparing to attend Georgetown University.
Save the Last Dance quickly resonated with audiences, becoming a box office success with over $130 million earned globally. It even led to a direct-to-DVD sequel in 2006. Although Julia Stiles did not return for the sequel, her dance background, including a memorable scene in 10 Things I Hate About You, helped her handle the complex choreography in Save the Last Dance. In a 2014 interview with Us Weekly, Stiles humorously mentioned that her dance scene in 10 Things I Hate About You might have been instrumental in landing her role in Save the Last Dance. “That’s how I got the job in Save the Last Dance, by the way, I think it was from that scene,” she joked. “That’s what I was told.”
Despite having some dance experience, Stiles dedicated herself to perfecting her performance and was committed to performing her own dance sequences without relying on a stunt double. At just 19 years old when the movie premiered, she felt the need to consistently prove her dancing abilities on set. Let’s take a look at where the cast of Save the Last Dance is now and what they’ve been up to since the film’s release.
Julia Stiles (Sara Johnson)
Julia Stiles, originally from New York City, gained significant attention for her role as Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You in 1999, two years before Save the Last Dance. Her career continued to flourish as she starred alongside Matt Damon in the Bourne series from 2002 to 2016. She also appeared in critically acclaimed films such as Mona Lisa Smile (2003) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In her personal life, Julia Stiles announced her engagement to Preston J. Cook, who worked on her 2015 film Blackway, in January 2016. They married in September 2017 and welcomed their first son, Strummer, a couple of months later. Adding to their family, Stiles revealed her second pregnancy in November 2021 at the premiere of The Humans and welcomed their second child, Arlo, in January 2022. Julia Stiles continues to act in film and television, maintaining a successful and dynamic career since her breakthrough role in Save the Last Dance.
Sean Patrick Thomas (Derek Reynolds)
Sean Patrick Thomas is widely recognized for his compelling portrayal of Derek Reynolds in Save the Last Dance. Beyond this role, he is also well-known for playing Detective Temple Page in the CBS series The District from 2000 to 2004. Hailing from Delaware, Thomas has also appeared in popular movies like Barbershop and Halloween: Resurrection, both released in 2002, further establishing his presence in Hollywood.
Sean Patrick Thomas’s personal life also blossomed during his career. He met his wife, Aonika Laurent, at a party hosted by Tim Story, the director of Barbershop. They married in April 2006 and have since built a family, with two children, Lola and Luc. Sean Patrick Thomas continues to be active in acting, taking on diverse roles in both television and film, proving his lasting appeal since his role in Save the Last Dance.
Kerry Washington (Chenille Reynolds)
Kerry Washington, originally from the Bronx, achieved widespread acclaim for her iconic role as Olivia Pope in the ABC political drama Scandal. The series, which ran from 2012 to 2018, not only solidified her status as a leading actress but also earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Drama. Prior to Scandal, and after Save the Last Dance, Washington has built an impressive filmography including roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012), the stage-play adaptation American Son (2019), and the miniseries Little Fires Everywhere (2020).
Beyond her acting career, Kerry Washington is also a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and women’s empowerment, using her platform to promote social justice and equality. In her personal life, she is married to Nnamdi Asomugha, and they have two children, Isabelle and Caleb. In 2023, Washington added author to her list of accomplishments with the release of her memoir, Thicker Than Water. Kerry Washington’s career continues to thrive, marked by impactful roles and significant contributions both on and off-screen since her role in Save the Last Dance.
Terry Kinney (Roy)
Terry Kinney is perhaps best known for his compelling role as Tim McManus, the creator of Emerald City, in HBO’s gritty prison drama Oz. The series aired from 1997 to 2003, earning Kinney critical praise for his complex character portrayal. His career in television is extensive, with notable roles in The Good Wife, Elementary, and Fargo, showcasing his range across different genres and character types. In film, Kinney appeared in the Netflix movie Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019), alongside Zac Efron, where he played a character in the narrative of serial killer Ted Bundy.
Terry Kinney has had a notable personal life as well. He was married to actress Elizabeth Perkins from 1984 to 1988 and later to actress Kathryn Erbe from 1993 to 2005. With Erbe, he has two children, daughter Maeve (born in 1995) and son Carson (born in 2003). Terry Kinney remains active in acting, frequently appearing in both television and film projects, maintaining a steady career since his role in Save the Last Dance.
Fredro Starr (Malakai)
Fredro Starr, born Fred Lee Scruggs, Jr., is primarily known for his work with the influential 80s rap group Onyx. As a member of Onyx, he achieved fame with hits and albums that defined a part of the hip-hop era. Besides his music career, Starr has also ventured into acting, making appearances in television series such as Law & Order, Moesha, The Wire, and CSI: NY. His connection to Save the Last Dance extends beyond acting; he also performed the movie’s theme song with Jill Scott, further embedding him in the film’s legacy.
Originally from New York City, Fredro Starr is also dedicated to his family life. He married Korina Longin in 2007, and together they have two children. Fredro Starr continues to balance his music career with acting roles, demonstrating his multifaceted talents since his appearance in Save the Last Dance.
Bianca Lawson (Nikki)
Bianca Lawson, a Los Angeles native, has built a solid career in television, particularly known for her recurring and guest roles in numerous popular series. Interestingly, she is also Tina Knowles’ former stepdaughter, adding to her connections within the entertainment industry. Lawson has an extensive list of credits, including roles in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Goode Behavior, Pretty Little Liars, and The Vampire Diaries, showcasing her consistent presence on television screens.
Bianca Lawson’s career is marked by her ability to embody diverse characters across various genres. While she may not always be in leading roles, her consistent work and recognizable face in popular TV shows have made her a familiar figure in the entertainment world since her role in Save the Last Dance.
Elisabeth Oas (Diggy)
Elisabeth Oas, originally from Michigan, played Diggy in Save the Last Dance. Following her role in the dance film, she transitioned into roles in thriller movies, appearing in Under the City (2005) and Witches’ Night (2007). Her career in acting, though not as extensive as some of her Save the Last Dance castmates, saw her exploring different genres post the teen drama.
Elisabeth Oas’s last known acting credit is in the 2009 film Into Temptation. While information on her recent activities is less publicly available compared to some of her co-stars, her shift towards thriller roles after Save the Last Dance marked a change in her career path.
Vince Green (Snookie)
Vince Green is known for his role as Snookie in Save the Last Dance. After his appearance in the popular dance movie, Green secured supporting roles in films such as Barbershop (2002) and Of Boys and Men (2008), expanding his filmography. He has also made guest appearances in several well-known television series including Criminal Minds, Everybody Hates Chris, and The Soul Man, demonstrating his versatility across both film and television.
Vince Green has continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles that showcase his acting skills. While perhaps not always in the spotlight, his consistent work in both movies and TV keeps him active in the acting world since Save the Last Dance.
Garland Whitt (Kenny)
Garland Whitt played Kenny in Save the Last Dance. He has also appeared in smaller roles in significant films like Training Day (2001) and The Hurricane (1999), contributing to his experience in the movie industry. Whitt has also made brief appearances in popular TV series such as Law & Order, Cold Case, and NCIS: Los Angeles, adding to his television credits.
More recently, Garland Whitt has ventured into voice acting, providing voice work for Netflix’s animated series The Last Kids on Earth, which premiered in 2019. This demonstrates a diversification in his career, exploring different facets of performance since his role in Save the Last Dance.
The cast of Save the Last Dance has gone on to achieve varied levels of success and recognition in the entertainment industry and beyond. From leading roles in major television series to continuing work in film, and even branching out into music and voice acting, the actors from this beloved movie have shown their diverse talents and enduring careers. Their journey since Save the Last Dance is a testament to the film’s impact and the lasting appeal of its cast.
