Two decades have passed since "Step Up" first hit theaters in 2006, a film that blended romance, hip-hop, and Noughties street style to become a box office success. Starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, the movie grossed over $114 million worldwide and launched a franchise that includes four sequels and a television series. The original film, which depicted the unlikely romance between a self-taught hip-hop dancer and a privileged ballerina, remains a fan favorite, largely due to the undeniable chemistry between its leads.
Channing Tatum: From Breakout Star to Hollywood Producer
Channing Tatum, now 46, transitioned from his breakout role as Tyler Gage to become a prominent Hollywood actor and producer. His background in dance, showcased in "Step Up," paved the way for his starring role in the "Magic Mike" franchise. Tatum has also starred in a series of successful films, including "21 Jump Street," "She's the Man," and the "G.I. Joe" series. His romance with "Step Up" co-star Jenna Dewan blossomed on set, leading to their marriage in 2009 and the birth of their daughter, Everly, in 2013. The couple announced their separation in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences. Following their divorce, Tatum dated singer Jessie J and was later engaged to Zoë Kravitz. He is currently in a relationship with Inka Williams.
Jenna Dewan: Expanding Her Career and Family
Jenna Dewan, 45, a former backing dancer for Janet Jackson, P!nk, and Christina Aguilera, leveraged her "Step Up" role into a career in hosting and judging for television shows like "World of Dance," "Flirty Dancing," and "Come Dine With Me." She has also acted in series such as "The Rookie" and "Superman & Lois." Dewan has focused on motherhood and her relationship with Steve Kazee, with whom she has two children: son Callum and daughter Rhiannon. Her divorce from Tatum was complicated by disputes over royalties from the "Magic Mike" franchise, which were eventually settled.
Mario Dewar Barrett: A Return to Music and Acting
Mario Dewar Barrett, 39, achieved early fame as an R&B singer, securing his first record deal at 14 and earning a Grammy nomination for his hit song "Let Me Love You." His acting career includes a role as Miles Darby in "Step Up." After experiencing career setbacks, including canceled albums and label issues, Barrett made a comeback with well-received performances on "The Masked Singer" and released his first album in six years. He also competed on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2008.
Drew Sidora: From "Step Up" to Reality Television
Drew Sidora, 41, who played Nora's best friend Lucy, has had a diverse career, including a recurring role on Disney's "That's So Raven" and appearances in numerous films. In recent years, she has focused on motherhood and starred on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Sidora is currently involved in a contentious divorce from her husband, Ralph Pittman, with whom she shares two children. A judge ordered her to vacate their shared home, a decision she stated could leave her and her eldest child homeless due to financial constraints.
Rachel Griffiths: Acclaimed Actress and Director
Rachel Griffiths, 57, received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for her role as Director Gordon in "Step Up." The Australian actress went on to star in the TV show "Brothers & Sisters," earning two Emmy nominations. She has three children with her husband Andrew Taylor. More recently, Griffiths has directed episodes of TV series and the feature-length biopic "Ride Like a Girl."
Damaine Radcliff: Transition to Producing
Damaine Radcliff, 47, who played Marcus 'Mac' Carter, has moved from acting to producing. He served as executive producer on "Rambo: Last Blood" in 2019 and "Tesla" the following year. He previously starred in the sports drama "Glory Road."
Josh Henderson: A Career Marked by Personal Challenges
After his role as Brett Dolan, Josh Henderson appeared in "Desperate Housewives" and "90210." His personal life has garnered attention, including past high-profile relationships and a 2018 arrest on suspicion of breaking into a neighbor's home, though charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Alyson Stoner: Navigating Childhood Fame and Trauma
Alyson Stoner, 33, known for roles in "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Camp Rock," has spoken about the challenges of childhood fame. In their memoir "Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything," Stoner recounts experiences of sexualization, a foiled kidnapping plot, and a rape incident. They have also discussed body image struggles and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in Hollywood. Stoner continues to act, recently returning to the Disney animated series "Phineas and Ferb."
Heavy D: A Tragic Loss
Jamaican-born rapper and actor Heavy D, a founding member of Heavy D & the Boyz, appeared in "Step Up" and other films like "Tower Heist." He passed away in November 2011 at the age of 44 due to a pulmonary embolism.
Deirdre Lovejoy: Overcoming Health Adversity
Deirdre Lovejoy, 64, known for her roles in "Step Up" and "The Wire," has also appeared in "Orange Is the New Black," "American Horror Story: Asylum," and "The Post." Her career was impacted in the 2000s by a series of unexplained seizures that affected her memory, mobility, and speech for nearly a year. This health crisis inspired her autobiographical solo stage show.
