Hey there, fellow fans of fabulous! Remember that show that made us all re-evaluate our retirement plans, our friendships, and probably our eyeliner choices? Yep, I’m talking about Grace and Frankie. Those two queens, along with their delightfully dysfunctional brood, gave us years of laughs, tears, and some seriously questionable business ventures.
So, now that the final curtain has fallen on their beachside empire (and their various entrepreneurial misadventures), you might be wondering, “Where are those incredible actors now?” Well, grab your organic kombucha, settle into your comfiest loungewear, and let’s dish about what our favorite septuagenarian (and beyond!) stars have been up to since we last saw them navigating the wild world of modern aging.
Jane Fonda (Grace Hanson)
First up, the incomparable, the legendary, the ever-evolving Jane Fonda. Grace Hanson, with her perfectly coiffed hair and razor-sharp wit, was practically an extension of Fonda herself. But let’s be real, Jane Fonda has been a cultural icon for decades. She’s a film legend, an activist, and, let’s not forget, the queen of 80s aerobics. Seriously, who else can pull off a leopard print leotard and inspire millions?
Since Grace and Frankie wrapped, Jane hasn't exactly been lounging around. She’s still a force to be reckoned with, using her platform to advocate for issues she cares deeply about. You can catch her making powerful statements and looking effortlessly chic doing it. She’s also been busy with her film projects, proving that age is truly just a number when you’ve got talent like hers.
And let’s not forget her continued commitment to environmental activism. She’s been a vocal leader in the climate change movement, even participating in protests. Talk about inspiring! I mean, some of us struggle to get to the recycling bin on time, and she’s out there saving the planet. #Goals.
Lily Tomlin (Frankie Bergstein)
Oh, Frankie. Our free-spirited, tie-dye-loving, wonderfully eccentric Frankie. And who else but the comedic genius that is Lily Tomlin could bring her to life so perfectly? Tomlin has a career that spans generations, from her groundbreaking work in sketch comedy on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In to her iconic film roles. She’s a true pioneer, a master of observation, and her comedic timing is chef’s kiss.
Lily, much like Jane, is not one to slow down. Post-Grace and Frankie, she’s continued to grace us with her presence in various projects. She’s been involved in theatre, lending her incredible voice to animated features, and of course, continuing her advocacy work. She’s a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and her voice is a vital one in the fight for equality.
You might have also seen her in other recent TV appearances, reminding us all why we fell in love with her in the first place. Her ability to find the humor in the absurd, coupled with her profound humanity, makes her simply irresistible. And honestly, the thought of a world without Lily Tomlin’s comedic brilliance is just too bleak to contemplate. Thankfully, we don’t have to!
Martin Sheen (Robert Hanson)
Robert Hanson, the man who dropped the bombshell that sent our beloved duo spiraling into a new chapter of life. And who better to play the charmingly flawed lawyer than the evergreen Martin Sheen? Sheen is a Hollywood legend, known for his powerful performances in everything from Apocalypse Now to The West Wing. He’s got that gravitas, that twinkle in his eye, and a voice that could read the phone book and make it sound like Shakespeare.
Since the dust settled on Robert’s marital escapades, Martin Sheen has remained a busy bee. He’s continued to act in films and television, often taking on roles that allow him to showcase his depth and experience. He’s also a dedicated activist, passionately involved in various social justice causes, much like his on-screen family.
He’s been seen in a variety of projects, often playing wise, paternal figures or characters grappling with complex moral dilemmas. It’s clear that he’s not afraid to take on challenging roles, and his dedication to his craft and his causes is truly admirable. Plus, he’s just a really, really nice guy in real life, which is always a bonus, right?
Sam Waterston (Sol Bergstein)
Ah, Sol. The sweet, slightly bewildered, and ultimately lovable Sol. Playing him was the ever-talented Sam Waterston, an actor who has a knack for portraying intelligent, empathetic characters. Waterston has had a long and distinguished career, gracing both the big and small screen with his presence. From his early days in The Great Gatsby to his iconic role as Jack McCoy in Law & Order, he’s a familiar and comforting face.
Post-Grace and Frankie, Sam Waterston has been keeping quite busy. He’s continued his legendary run as Jack McCoy on Law & Order, a role that has cemented his place in television history. Honestly, how many people can say they’ve been a prosecutor on a hit show for that long? It’s a testament to his enduring appeal and talent.
He’s also been involved in other television and film projects, often lending his distinctive voice or his thoughtful presence to new stories. He remains a respected figure in the industry, known for his thoughtful performances and his dedication to his work. It’s wonderful to see him still so active and engaged in the arts.
Brooklyn Decker (Brianna Hanson)
Brianna, Grace’s sharp, business-savvy, and often hilariously uptight daughter. Portraying her was the stunning and talented Brooklyn Decker. While she may have started her career in modeling, Decker has proven herself to be a formidable actress with a fantastic sense of comedic timing. She perfectly embodied the often-strained relationship between mother and daughter, and her journey of self-discovery was one of the highlights of the show.
Since saying goodbye to the Hanson-Bergstein clan, Brooklyn Decker has continued to pursue her acting career. She’s appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing her versatility. She also co-created and starred in the Netflix comedy series Love And Anarchy, demonstrating her ability to lead a project and her comedic chops.
Beyond her acting, Brooklyn is also a devoted wife and mother. She’s active on social media, sharing glimpses into her life and connecting with her fans. She’s also a strong advocate for various causes, including women’s health and environmental awareness. She’s definitely grown from the often-anxious Brianna, and it’s exciting to see where her career takes her next!
Baron Vaughn (Bud Bergstein)
Bud! The sweet, slightly awkward, but ultimately good-hearted Bud. Bringing him to life was the wonderfully understated Baron Vaughn. Vaughn is a talented comedian and actor who brought a unique blend of sincerity and humor to the role. He was the grounding force for Frankie’s more eccentric tendencies and often provided some much-needed common sense.
After Grace and Frankie, Baron Vaughn hasn’t been resting on his laurels. He’s continued to perform stand-up comedy, delighting audiences with his sharp observations and relatable stories. He’s also been active in television, appearing in various shows and lending his voice to animated projects. You might have caught him in shows like Fauda or The Last O.G.
He’s also a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to speak out and encourage open conversations. His willingness to be vulnerable and his commitment to making a difference are truly commendable. He’s a comedian with a conscience, and we love him for it!
Ethan Embry (Coyote Bergstein)
Coyote, Frankie’s spiritual, often-misunderstood son. And who better to play this complex character than the ever-engaging Ethan Embry? Embry has a long and varied acting career, often bringing a raw honesty and vulnerability to his roles. He was perfect as Coyote, navigating his own spiritual journey and his complicated family dynamics.
Since his days as Coyote, Ethan Embry has been a busy man. He’s continued to act in a variety of television series and films, often taking on supporting roles that add depth and texture to the projects. He's been seen in shows like Sweet Tooth, The Unicorn, and Stargirl, showcasing his diverse range.
He’s also been open about his personal life and his journey towards sobriety and mental well-being. His honesty and resilience are inspiring, and it’s clear that he’s found a strong sense of purpose. He’s a testament to the fact that life, much like the show, is about growth, healing, and embracing all the messy, beautiful parts of ourselves.
June Diane Raphael (Brianna Hanson)
Wait, didn't we just talk about Brianna? Yes, but it’s important to distinguish the actresses! While Brooklyn Decker played the younger Brianna, the incredibly funny and talented June Diane Raphael took over the role of Brianna as she matured, particularly in the later seasons. Raphael is a phenomenal comedian and writer, known for her sharp wit and her ability to deliver hilariously deadpan lines. She made Brianna’s journey even more nuanced and, let's be honest, funnier.
Since her time as the older, bolder Brianna, June Diane Raphael has been thriving. She’s a sought-after comedian, writer, and actress. She co-hosts the popular podcast How Did This Get Made? with her husband, Paul Scheer, where they hilariously dissect terrible movies. It’s pure comedic gold, and her contributions are always brilliant.
She's also continued to act in various television shows and films, often bringing her signature comedic flair. She’s a true force in the comedy world, and her presence in any project is a guarantee of laughs. We’re so glad she got to bring her talent to the fantastic character of Brianna!
The Enduring Magic
So there you have it! Our beloved cast of Grace and Frankie are not only still around, but they’re continuing to shine, to create, and to inspire. They’ve proven that age is merely a number, and that life, love, and laughter can be found at every stage.
It’s so wonderful to see them all pursuing their passions, using their platforms for good, and continuing to entertain us with their incredible talents. They remind us that it’s never too late to start something new, to embrace change, or to find your tribe. And honestly, just thinking about them makes me want to go call my best friend, grab a cocktail (or two!), and have a good, long laugh. Here’s to Jane, Lily, Martin, Sam, Brooklyn, Baron, Ethan, June, and all the fabulous people who made Grace and Frankie so special. Keep shining, you legends!
