When it comes to Canadian sitcoms, there is one show that always comes to mind, Degrassi! While the series first came about back in 1979, it was their 2001 Next Generation series that truly catapulted the show to international levels.
Degrassi: The Next Generation remained on air for a whopping 13 seasons and had some familiar faces that have since become quite the big deal in Hollywood. From Drake playing Jimmy, all the way to the likes of Shenae Grimes, and Nina Dobrev, there are countless Degrassi stars who are still loved to this day.
While the original cast may have parted ways sooner than fans would have liked, the cast all got together for a Degrassi reunion in Drake's music video! Fans of the show were thrilled to see the cast all together again, leaving many to wonder what are they all up to now?
10 Aubrey Graham
Aubrey Graham made his debut on the hit Canadian show, Degrassi where he played the role of Jimmy Brooks. While we all knew and loved Graham during his time on the show, it would be his music career that soared him to international levels.
The star went from actor to rapper and took on the stage name, Drake. Not only is the Canadian star one of the biggest rappers in the industry, but easily one of the biggest names to have come out of the true North strong and free!
9 A.J Saudin
8 Stacey Farber
Stacey Farber joined the cast of Degrassi in its second season playing the role of Ellie Nash. Farber took on the "goth girl" character quite well, however, she grew out of that phase when she attended university.
Following the show, Stacey went on to attend The New School where she later landed a spot as an intern with Teen Vogue, which is very à la Lauren Conrad circa The Hills. Farber later appeared in the short-lived Canadian sitcom, 18 to Life, and has a number of recurring roles on shows such as Rookie Blue and Saving Hope.
7 Adamo Ruggiero
Adamo Ruggiero was easily a fan favorite for his portrayal of Marco Del Rossi. Ruggiero's character resonated with countless members of the LGBTQ+ community as he played a gay character struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.
Following his appearance on the show, Adamo went on to host The Next Star, a Canadian reality talent competition that premiered in 2008. Since then, he has made several appearances in TV shorts and films, however, he has devoted his time to raising awareness through his social media platforms.
6 Lauren Collins
Lauren Collins portrayed the role of Paige Michalchuk, who just so happened to be the Regina George of Degrassi! Despite her mean girl ways, Lauren's character evolved quite a lot come her final few seasons, which left fans quite content with her character development.
Since the show, Lauren has appeared in films such as Take The Lead, and Charlie Barlett, along with guest-starring on Nick Kroll's Comedy Central show, Kroll Show. Collins remains close to a number of her former co-stars, particularly with Adamo Ruggiero!
5 Miriam McDonald
Miriam McDonald played none other than Emma Nelson in Degrassi. McDonald's character is the daughter of Degrassi: Junior High's Spike and Shane McKay, making her a true "next generation" star.
The star has since remained true to her talents, appearing in Orphan Black and Wolves. While she certainly made a name for herself on-screen, Miriam has since stepped away from the limelight and now works as a real estate agent, all while remaining very active on her social media.
4 Cassie Steele
For over 9 seasons, Cassie Steele played the role of Manny Santon on the hit show. During her time on the show, Steele's character was besties with Emma Nelson, played by Miriam McDonalds, both of whom just so happen to be best friends in real life too.
After wrapping up Degrassi, Cassie landed the lead role on the CTV show, The L.A Complex. More recently, Cassie voiced the character of Tammy on Rick & Morty, all while pursuing a music career, which led to her 2012 EP and another two years later!
3 Sarah Barrable-Tishauer
Sarah Barrable-Tishauer portrayed the overachieving know-it-all, Liberty Van Zandt. Despite her rule-following ways, Liberty finds herself pregnant with J.T's baby come the fifth season, however, the two give the baby up for adoption, a topic visited on the show quite often. After saying goodbye to Liberty for good, Sarah moved to Montreal, Canada where she attended Concordia University. After graduating in 2012, Barrable-Tishauer took a position as a digital marketing coordinator at Urban Adventures, a travel tour company.
2 Shenae Grimes
Shenae Grimes is yet another Degrassi alumn to have gone on to remain in the spotlight! She began her acting career in 2004 when she landed a recurring role on the Canadian show as Darcy Edwards, however, in 2006, Grimes joined the cast on a full-time basis.
The star has since appeared in the hit CW series, 90210, where she played the role of Annie Wilson. In addition to her success on-screen, Shenae married hubby, Josh Beech, and the two are now expecting their second child any day now!
1 Nina Dobrev
Nina Dobrev joined the cast of Degrassi during its sixth season playing the role of Mia Jones. While the former cast has gone on to do great things, Nina is amongst the few to have remained in the industry becoming an A-list star.
Dobrev gained massive notoriety when she landed a role in the hit series, The Vampire Diaries, where she appeared alongside Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley for a whopping six seasons.