Before they became widely recognized figures in Hollywood, Julia Stiles, Kerry Washington, and many other talented individuals showcased their dance prowess in the beloved 2001 film, Save the Last Dance.
This iconic teen drama centers around Sara Johnson (portrayed by Stiles), a gifted young ballerina with aspirations of joining the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. However, her dreams are disrupted when her audition takes an unexpected turn, followed by the sudden passing of her mother. Sara decides to abandon ballet and relocate to Chicago’s South Side to live with her father (played by Terry Kinney). It is in this new environment that she discovers hip-hop dance and expands her dance repertoire with the guidance of Derek Reynolds (portrayed by Sean Patrick Thomas), a young man with ambitions of attending Georgetown University.
Save the Last Dance rapidly gained popularity, achieving global box office success with over $130 million in earnings and leading to a direct-to-DVD sequel in 2006. While Stiles did not reprise her role in the sequel, she was already familiar with complex choreography, thanks to her earlier role in 10 Things I Hate About You. In a 2014 interview with Us Weekly, Stiles mentioned that her dance scene at Bogey Lowenstein’s party in 10 Things I Hate About You played a role in securing her part 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 humorously remarked. “That’s what I was told.”
Despite her previous dance experience, Julia Stiles dedicated herself to rigorous training for Save the Last Dance and insisted on performing her own complex dance sequences without a stunt double. At just 19 years old when the movie premiered, Stiles felt the need to constantly validate her dancing abilities on set.
Let’s delve into the current endeavors of the cast of Save the Last Dance and explore where their careers have taken them since the film’s release.
Save The Last Dance Where Are They Now
‘Save the Last Dance’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Exploring the Journeys of Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, and More
Save the Last Dance not only captivated audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic dance sequences but also introduced a cast of actors who have since carved out significant paths in the entertainment industry. Fans often wonder, “Where are the actors from Save the Last Dance now?” This article provides an in-depth look at what the stars of this iconic movie have been up to since its release.
Julia Stiles save the last dance where are they now
Julia Stiles (Sara Johnson)
Julia Stiles had already made a name for herself with her role as Kat Stratford in the 1999 hit 10 Things I Hate About You before taking on the lead role in Save the Last Dance. Her portrayal of Sara Johnson, the ballet dancer who discovers hip-hop, solidified her status as a leading actress. Following Save the Last Dance, Stiles continued to build an impressive filmography. She starred alongside Matt Damon in the Bourne series (2002-2016), playing Nicky Parsons in The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Jason Bourne. Stiles also appeared in critically acclaimed movies such as Mona Lisa Smile (2003) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Beyond film, Julia Stiles has ventured into television, with notable roles in series like Dexter, Blue, and Hustlers. In her personal life, she got engaged to Preston J. Cook in January 2016, who worked on her 2015 movie Blackway. They married in September 2017 and welcomed their first son, Strummer, shortly after. Expanding her family, Stiles announced her second pregnancy in November 2021 and welcomed her second child, Arlo, in January 2022. Julia Stiles continues to be an active presence in Hollywood, balancing both her acting career and family life.
Sean Patrick Thomas save the last dance where are they now
Sean Patrick Thomas (Derek Reynolds)
Sean Patrick Thomas’s portrayal of Derek Reynolds, Sara’s dance mentor and love interest in Save the Last Dance, was a breakout role for him. Prior to this, he was recognized for his role in Cruel Intentions (1999). After Save the Last Dance, Thomas secured a prominent role as Detective Temple Page in the CBS series The District (2000-2004). His film career also flourished with roles in popular movies like Barbershop (2002) and Halloween: Resurrection (2002).
Sean Patrick Thomas has maintained a steady acting career in both film and television. He has appeared in series such as Lie to Me, Ringer, American Horror Story: Murder House, and Reasonable Doubt. In his personal life, Thomas met his wife, Aonika Laurent, at a party hosted by Barbershop director Tim Story. They married in April 2006 and have since welcomed two children, Lola and Luc. Sean Patrick Thomas remains a recognizable face in the industry, consistently taking on diverse roles.
Kerry Washington save the last dance where are they now
Kerry Washington (Chenille Reynolds)
Kerry Washington played Chenille Reynolds, Derek’s sister and Sara’s friend, in Save the Last Dance. While Save the Last Dance was an early success, Washington achieved widespread fame and critical acclaim for her role as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama Scandal (2012-2018). Her performance in Scandal garnered her multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe nomination.
Washington’s career extends beyond Scandal with notable roles in films like Ray (2004), The Last King of Scotland (2006), Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012), American Son (2019), and the miniseries Little Fires Everywhere (2020), where she also served as an executive producer. Known for her activism, Kerry Washington is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and women’s empowerment. She is married to Nnamdi Asomugha and they have two children, Isabelle and Caleb. In 2023, Washington released her memoir, Thicker Than Water, offering personal insights into her life and career.
Terry Kinney save the last dance where are they now
Terry Kinney (Roy)
Terry Kinney portrayed Roy, Sara’s father, in Save the Last Dance. Kinney was already well-established in the industry before the film, particularly known for his role as Tim McManus in the HBO series Oz (1997-2003). His character, the creator of Emerald City in Oz, remains one of his most recognized roles.
Following Save the Last Dance and Oz, Terry Kinney continued to work extensively in television, with recurring roles in The Good Wife, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CSI: NY, The Mentalist, Being Human, Billions, Elementary, and Fargo. He also appeared in the film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019). Terry Kinney has been married twice, first to Elizabeth Perkins (1984-1988) and later to Kathryn Erbe (1993-2005), with whom he has two children, Maeve and Carson.
Fredro Starr save the last dance where are they now
Fredro Starr (Malakai)
Fredro Starr, known for his role as Malakai in Save the Last Dance, is also famous as a member of the 80s rap group Onyx. He and Jill Scott performed the theme song for Save the Last Dance, further connecting him to the movie’s soundtrack.
Beyond his music career and Save the Last Dance, Fredro Starr has made appearances in television series such as Law & Order, Moesha, The Wire, and CSI: NY. He continues to perform music and act. Fredro Starr married Korina Longin in 2007, and they have two children together.
Bianca Lawson save the last dance where are they now
Bianca Lawson (Nikki)
Bianca Lawson, who played Nikki in Save the Last Dance, has an extensive list of television credits. Notably, she is the former stepdaughter of Tina Knowles.
Lawson has been a familiar face on television since the 90s, with roles in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Sister, Sister, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson’s Creek, The Vampire Diaries, Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars, and Rogue. Her consistent work in popular TV series has made her a recognizable and respected actress in the industry.
Elisabeth Oas save the last dance where are they now
Elisabeth Oas (Diggy)
Elisabeth Oas played Diggy in Save the Last Dance. Following her role in the dance film, she transitioned into thriller movies.
Oas appeared in Under the City (2005) and Witches’ Night (2007). Her last credited role is in the movie Into Temptation (2009). While her later career shifted towards thrillers, her role in Save the Last Dance remains a memorable part of her acting journey.
Vince Green save the last dance where are they now
Vince Green (Snookie)
Vince Green played Snookie in Save the Last Dance. After his role in the popular dance movie, Green continued to act, securing supporting roles in films and television.
He appeared in Barbershop (2002) and Of Boys and Men (2008). Green also made guest appearances on well-known TV series like Criminal Minds, Everybody Hates Chris, and The Soul Man. His consistent work across different platforms showcases his dedication to acting.
Garland Whitt save the last dance where are they now 1
Garland Whitt (Kenny)
Garland Whitt played Kenny in Save the Last Dance. Whitt has had roles in notable films and television shows.
He had smaller roles in Training Day (2001) and The Hurricane (1999). Whitt also made appearances in TV series such as Law & Order, Cold Case, and NCIS: Los Angeles. More recently, he has ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to the Netflix animated series The Last Kids on Earth (2019-present). Garland Whitt has shown versatility in his career, spanning live-action and voice work.
The cast of Save the Last Dance has undoubtedly gone on to achieve diverse and impressive careers since the movie’s release. From leading roles in blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed television series and films, the actors have continued to captivate audiences worldwide. Save the Last Dance remains a significant early credit for many of these talented individuals, marking a key moment in their successful journeys in Hollywood.
