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Home · Entertainment

The Cast Of 'Coming 2 America' Then And Now

Take a look at where each character left off in the original movie and how they'll appear in the sequel before its premiere on March 5
By Essence · Updated March 4, 2021

When Coming To America arrived in theaters in 1988, the comedic fairytale skipped over wicked stepsisters and glass slippers to become a runaway hit and an important part of the Black film canon.

Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Shari Headley, the colorful characters in the movie introduced us to actors we’d be watching for decades as we followed the Prince of Zamunda on his quest to find love in Queens, New York. 

Tomorrow, many of those stars will be back on our screens as they reprise their original roles for the film’s sequel, Coming 2 America, streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Take a look at where each character left off in the original movie and how they’ll appear in the sequel before its premiere on March 5 below.

01
Then: Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy)
The jaded Prince of Zamunda was full of hope that he could find someone who cared more about his personality than his position.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
02
Sagittarius (November 23-December 21)
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The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
03
Then: Lisa (Shari Headley)
The philanthropist and greasy fry heiress was every teenage boy’s fantasy.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
04
Now: Lisa
The duchess of McDowell’s turned Queen of Zamunda proves the royal treatment is as good as hyaluronic acid. After 32 years of wedded bliss, she’s still flawless.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
05
Then: King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones)
The no-nonsense king arrived stateside ready to set his son straight before being surprisingly set on the right path by his queen.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
06
Now: King Jaffe Joffer
Sadly, King Jaffe has lost his Queen (Madge Sinclair passed away in 1995), but his stern attitude persists.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
07
Then: Semmi (Arsenio Hall)
The mischievous servant came to Queens ready to help Akeem find the one and have a little reckless fun along the way.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
08
Now: Semmi
The prince’s right hand man is still at his side and still causing trouble.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
09
Then: Saul, Clarence and Morris (Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall)
The trio sat in the barbershop arguing about civil rights and boxing bouts more than they cut hair.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
10
Now: Saul, Clarence and Morris
The barbershop crew is still sitting in swivel chairs telling tall tales and giving questionable advice.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
11
Then: Oha (Paul Bates)
Prince Akeem’s rigid servant made announcements, handed out bribes, and hit a convincing falsetto with an elegance reserved for royalty.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
12
Now: Oha
Oha is still in the royal service, ready to ensure that the Joffer family has everything they need to rule the kingdom.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
13
Then: Randy Watson (Eddie Murphy)
The performer heated up the stage with an unforgettable dose of sexual chocolate and a dash of Jherri curl juice.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
14
Now: Randy Watson
Watson is still letting his soul glo as he entertains audiences all over the globe.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
15
Then: Cleo McDowell (John Amos)
The corner-cutting restaurateur was all about promoting his business and marrying his daughter off to Akeem once he found out he was a prince.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
16
Now: Cleo McDowell
McDowell’s left the meddling behind to focus on expanding his empire and spending time with his grandchildren.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
17
Then: Imani Izzi (Vanessa Bell Calloway)
The beauty was destined to be the future queen before Prince Akeem went off the royal script.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
18
Now: Imani Izzi
We don’t want to spoil anything, but Imani might look strikingly like she did back in 1988 when you see her in the sequel — a testament to Vanessa Bell Calloway’s enduring beauty.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
19
Then: Rose (Garcelle Beauvais)
The future leading actress played the background as one of a few designated rose throwers.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
20
Now: Rose
The actress has received a promotion (and apparently access to the fountain of youth).
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
21
Then: Maurice (Louie Anderson)
The lettuce supervisor truly believed in McDowell’s, proudly explaining how he was working his way up the fast-food ladder.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
22
Now: Maurice
Holding it down for McDowell’s actually paid off. Maurice was at the side of the royal family when their first Zamundan location opened its doors.
The Cast Of ‘Coming 2 America’ Then And Now
TOPICS:  coming 2 america coming to america Eddie Murphy
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