Where is the Thirtysomething cast now? See the stars 38 years after the critically acclaimed dram...

Find out the latest from Ken Olin, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, and more cast members from the Emmywinning drama series. Where is the Thirtysomething cast

Find out the latest from Ken Olin, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, and more cast members from the Emmy-winning drama series.

Where is the Thirtysomething cast now? See the stars 38 years after the critically acclaimed drama's debut

Find out the latest from Ken Olin, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, and more cast members from the Emmy-winning drama series.

By Maureen Lee Lenker

Maureen Lee Lenker

Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at ** with over nine years of experience. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, *Ms. Magazine*, *The Hollywood Reporter*, and more.

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September 29, 2025 7:30 a.m. ET

Peter Horton as Gary Shepherd, Melanie Mayron as Melissa Steadman, Polly Draper as Ellyn Warren, Brittany/Lacey Craven as Janey Steadman, Ken Olin as Michael Steadman, Mel Harris as Hope Murdoch Steadman, Luke Rossi as Ethan Weston, Patricia Wettig as Nancy Krieger Weston, Timothy Busfield as Elliot Westen, and Jordana Shapiro as Brittany Weston in a promotional photo for 'Thirtysomething'. Credit:

Bob D'Amico/ABC/Courtesy Everett

The critically acclaimed drama series *Thirtysomething* (frequently stylized as *thirtysomething*) wasn't the first project to tackle the angst of being an adult in the modern world, but its impact is immeasurable. While influenced by films such as 1983's *The Big Chill*, *Thirtysomething* allowed its characters to go even deeper in its exploration of the responsibilities of adulthood — juggling work and personal lives among many other relevant issues — with a sensitive touch that felt cathartic for viewers who could relate to them.

Centered on a married couple — Michael (Ken Olin) and Hope Murdoch Steadman (Mel Harris) — and their tight-knit group of friends, the series gave ample opportunity for its cast to sink their teeth into meaty material week after week, making it a huge Emmy favorite. For its portrayal of mature problems with a realistic touch, the four-season drama has influenced the likes of *My So-Called Life*, *Parenthood*, and *This Is Us*, among many others over the years.

Unfortunately, *Thirtysomething* is still languishing in streaming purgatory, with the show only available to watch on DVD. Harris, however, has offered a promising update, indicating that not only could it come to a streamer but also that a revival series may be in the works. "Significant progress is being made towards both the streaming and sequel show," Harris tweeted on June 22. "That's all I can share at the moment, but know that your enthusiasm is being seen by the people making the decisions, so let's keep it up!"**

Ahead, we're exploring the careers of each of the *Thirtysomething* cast members following the show's conclusion in 1991.**

Mel Harris (Hope Murdoch Steadman)

Mel Harris as Hope Murdoch Steadman in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Mel Harris at for the premiere of Hulu's 'Shut Eye' at ArcLight Hollywood on Dec. 1, 2016. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Greg Doherty/Getty Images

Mel Harris was a relative newcomer when she was cast as Hope Murdoch Steadman, a dissatisfied stay-at-home mom with dreams of being a writer. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in 1989.

Following *Thirtysomething*, Harris had a series regular role on the *Brady Bunch*-esque divorce comedy *Something So Right*, as a twice-divorced woman who finds love again (Harris herself has been married six times)*. *She had recurring roles on Hulu's *Shut Eye* and Bravo's *Imposters*, as well as guest-starred in a holiday episode of *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend* as Greg's (Santino Fontana) mom.

Harris revealed in July 2024 that she still makes time for her *Thirtysomething* castmates, telling *Closer Weekly*. "We do reunions and get-togethers. When we do see each other, it's like we never stopped. It's a really good group. You don't get that with many shows."

Harris has two children with her sixth husband, writer-producer Bob Brush, whom she married in 2009.

Ken Olin (Michael Steadman)

Ken Olin as Michael Steadman in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Ken Olin at the ATX Television Festival in 2017. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Rick Kern/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Before *Thirtysomething*, Ken Olin made memorable impressions with his swarthy good looks in single-season stints on *Hill Street Blues *and *Falcon Crest*. He shot to major stardom as Michael Steadman, a man struggling to be a good husband and father while working in advertising and dreaming of being a writer. On *Thirtysomething*, Olin also fed his appetite for behind-the-camera work, directing several episodes.

"We were all peers on *Thirtysomething*, the seven of us. There was about a three or four-year age span between us. That was all," Olin told *Variety* in September 2017. "There's a sense that the show is even a little bit bigger than the sum of the parts. And that's unique. There wasn't, on *Thirtysomething*, a sense that, 'OK, I'm this number on the call sheet, so I'm a little bit bigger a part."

Olin is now a major force in television, executive producing shows like *Alias*,* Brothers & Sisters*,* Sleepy Hollow*,* *and *This Is Us*. He still regularly directs as well, often on the shows he has a hand in producing, notably helming the devastating "The Train" episode of *This Is Us*, as well as its heart-wrenching series finale.

Olin has been married to Patricia Wettig since 1982, before they were even costars on *Thirtysomething*. They have two children.

Timothy Busfield (Elliot Weston)

Timothy Busfield as Elliot Weston in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Timothy Busfield on the red carpet for the opening night of "ART" at the Pasadena Playhouse on Jan. 29, 2012. Everett Collection; Tibrina Hobson/WireImage

Timothy Busfield had already done major recurring roles on *Reggie *and *Trapper John, M.D. *when he took on the role of Elliot Weston, a graphic designer who works with and is friends with Michael and Hope Steadman. Busfield was the only member of the ensemble to be nominated at the Emmys for all four years, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the final season.

"At the time, you could find a great dramatic role on television but you'd be on a doctor show or you're a spy," Busfield recalled in a September 2017 interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. "Finally, here was a great dramatic role that felt personal. Our show wasn't the first to try doing something about family, but the others didn't do it as well."

Since *Thirtysomething *ended in 1991, he has gone on to a string of supporting roles on screens big and small. Busfield's been a favored player of writer Aaron Sorkin, appearing as White House Correspondent Danny Concannon on *The West Wing* and *Studio 60* director Cal Shanley on *Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip*.

He has had regular roles on shows such as the 2019 Fox series *Almost Family *and the ABC thriller *For Life *from 2020 to 2021. Busfield also took an interest behind the camera during *Thirtysomething *and has moved steadily into television directing in the years since, overseeing episodes of *This Is Us*, *Nashville*, *Rosewood*, and more.

Busfield married actress Melissa Gilbert in 2013. He has three children from previous marriages.

Polly Draper (Ellyn Warren)

Polly Draper as Ellyn Warren in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Polly Draper at a screening of 'Demolition' at the SVA Theater on March 21, 2016. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Jim Spellman/WireImage

Polly Draper first caught Hollywood's eye with her portrayal of *Thirtysomething'*s Ellyn Warren, Hope Steadman's childhood friend and a career politician with a rocky love life. She earned an Emmy nomination for playing Ellyn in the show's first season.

Since then, Draper has guest-starred on a diverse range of shows, including *The Good Wife*, *Billions*, and *Hacks*.

The actress has also switched more to writing and directing, creating Nickelodeon's musical comedy series *The Naked Brothers Band —* which starred her and husband Michael Wolff's two sons, Nat and Alex Wolff — and the 2018 film *Stella's Last Weekend*, among others.

Peter Horton (Gary Shepherd)

Peter Horton as Gary Shepherd in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Peter Horton at Lupus LA's Orange Ball: A Night of Superheroes at Fox Studios on May 7, 2016. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Peter Horton broke hearts as the womanizing literature professor Gary Shepherd, who met abrupt tragedy only shortly after settling down with Susannah Hart.

"For four seasons, I fell in love with *Thirtysomething*," Horton wrote for *The New York Times* in January 2017. "The scripts, the actors, the crew, acting, even fame. That feeling of walking into a room and having people turn to you with a predetermined respect. An unspoken thumbs up for being part of it. For being that guy on that show."

Horton continues to act in guest star roles and appeared more regularly on the short-lived *Brimstone* and *The Geena Davis Show*. But, after delving into television directing on *Thirtysomething*, his interests have mainly been behind the camera. He's directed numerous episodes of television, including the pilot episode of *Grey's Anatomy*, on which he also served as an executive producer from 2005 to 2007. He has also directed multiple episodes of *New Amsterdam*, another series he executive-produced.

Horton was married to Michelle Pfeiffer from 1981 to 1988 and has been married to Nicole Deputron, with whom he has two children, since 1995.

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Melanie Mayron (Melissa Steadman)

Melanie Mayron as Melissa Steadman in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Melanie Mayron at the 16th annual Women's Image Awards at Beverly Hills Women's Club on Dec. 14, 2014. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Melanie Mayron won an Emmy among three total nominations for her portrayal of Melissa Steadman, a successful photographer who was also Michael's cousin and Gary's ex-girlfriend.

"Getting cast on *Thirtysomething* was a gift beyond gifts. For four years, our little acting ensemble had the time of our lives, and we all learned so much," Mayron told PremiumBeat in April 2019.

She has continued to take on guest-starring roles in television, and most notably, recurred on *Jane the Virgin* as Marlene Donaldson, Jane's (Gina Rodriguez) college adviser*.*

Mayron is yet another member of the *Thirtysomething *cast to build an active life behind the camera. She's directed episodes of shows ranging from *Dynasty* to *Grace and Frankie* to *Julia *to *Pretty Little Liars*.

Mayron was in a relationship with filmmaker Cynthia Mort that ended in 2008.

Patricia Wettig (Nancy Krieger Weston)

Patricia Wettig as Nancy Krieger Weston in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Patricia Wettig at the 2015 New York Stage and Film Gala at the Plaza Hotel on Nov. 15, 2015. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images

Already married to Ken Olin when she scored the role of Nancy Weston, Wettig and her real-life husband often confused audiences as her character was married to Timothy Busfield's Elliot. She had a recurring role on *St. Elsewhere* before breaking out as a dramatic actress as dissatisfied homemaker and aspiring artist Nancy Krieger Weston, for which she won three Emmys and a Golden Globe.

Wettig noted in an August 2009 interview with NPR that though *Thirtysomething*'s characters were often accused of being narcissistic by critics, their self-involvement was also reflective of the time. "I believe that often, when you're in your 30s and you're involved in marriages and the intimacy of that and the problems of that and raising children, there is an aspect of that time in your life that...does seem narcissistic. But I think it also reflects something that is very truthful about actually being in that stage of life."

Wettig had a memorable role as Billy Crystal's wife in 1991's *City Slickers*, but has since mostly appeared in recurring roles on television, ranging from *Alias* to portraying the vice president (and eventual president) on *Prison Break*. She had another major role as Holly Harper, the family friend and secret mistress of the deceased patriarch on *Brothers & Sisters*.

The actress has slowed down her onscreen acting career following the conclusion of *Brothers & Sisters* in 2011, though she has popped up on such series as *Major Crimes* and *Dolly Parton's Heartstrings*.

David Clennon (Miles Drentell)

David Clennon as Miles Drentell in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; David Clennon at the premiere of 'Reversion' at Downtown Independent Theater on Sept. 29, 2015. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Keipher McKennie/Getty Images

David Clennon already had a robust list of credits when he signed on to play Miles Drentell, Michael and Elliot's ethically challenged, ruthless boss. The actor earned an Emmy nomination for the show's final season.

Clennon reprised the role nearly a decade later on *Once and Again*, marking the rare appearance of the same character on two series that are not spinoffs or directly correlating properties. In addition to many guest-starring roles, he's played recurring characters on *Ghost Whisperer*, *Weeds*, *House of Cards*, *Code Black*, and more.

The actor married Perry Adleman in 1996. They have two children together.**

Patricia Kalember (Susannah Hart)

Patricia Kalember as Susannah Hart in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; Patricia Kalember at the Manhattan Theatre Club celebration of Lynne Meadows 40th Anniversary as artistic director at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on June 18, 2012. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Ben Hider/Getty Images

Patricia Kalember had several series regular roles under her belt when she joined *Thirtysomething *in its second season as Susannah Hart, the social worker who won the heart of womanizing Gary Shepherd and ultimately faced immense tragedy.

Kalember has had an impressive onscreen career since, portraying level-headed sister "Georgie" Reed Whitsig on the NBC drama *Sisters*. She recurred as a judge on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, as well as featuring on shows like *Veep*, *Madam Secretary*, and *Orange Is the New Black*. She's also been seen as Kate Egan on Starz's *Power*, as well as the 2022 spinoff *Power Book IV: Force*, and played Joan on Amazon's reboot of *The Tick*.

Some of Kalember's film work includes roles in *Jacob's Ladder* (1990), *Signs* (2002), *Rabbit Hole* (2010), and *Limitless* (2011).

Kalmeber has been married to actor Daniel Gerroll since 1986; they have three children.

David Marshall Grant (Russell Weller)

David Marshall Grant as Russell Weller in an episode of 'Thirtysomething'; David Marshall Grant at the Family Equality Council's Impact Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on March 11, 2017. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images; Jesse Grant/Getty Images

As Russell Weller, David Marshall Grant played one of the first "gay best friends" on television and was the subject of a story line that cost the network several sponsors when an episode depicted his relationship with another man.

"I was told not to do it by a lot of people," Grant told *Philadelphia Gay News* in December 2022. "But it's a great part. I was beginning to leave my dreams of being a movie star behind, so maybe in 1986, maybe, there was a place to be a gay actor — maybe? So, I did *Thirtysomething*, and I don't regret it for a minute."

Grant has continued to act, playing A.D.A. Charlie Harmon on *Law & Order*, as well as guest-starring on shows like *Alias*,* CSI: Miami*, and *Party Down*. He had a memorable turn as Andy's (Anne Hathaway) father, Richard, in *The Devil Wears Prada* (2006).

However, like many of his costars, he's concentrated his efforts behind the camera, executive producing shows like *Smash*, *Code Black*,* *and *A Million Little Things*.

Grant has a child with husband K.C. Reischerl.

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