For five memorable seasons, the 227 cast welcomed viewers to 227 Lexington Place, where neighbors gathered on the front stoop to share laughs, life lessons, and plenty of neighborhood gossip. Airing from 1985 to 1990, the NBC sitcom became a television favorite thanks to its lovable characters and the chemistry between its talented ensemble.
One of the things that helped 227 stand out was its setting. Rather than focusing on a single family inside one home, much of the sitcom’s action unfolded on the front stoop of a Washington, D.C., apartment building, where neighbors naturally drifted in and out of one another’s lives. The series balanced broad comedy with stories about friendship, family, and community, giving audiences characters who felt like people they might actually know.
The Cast Members Who Are Still Alive From ‘227’ Today
According to TVInsider, the passing of Hal Williams in July 2026 prompted many fans to look back at the classic series and wonder which stars are still with us today. While several beloved cast members have passed away, a number of familiar faces continue to build remarkable legacies both on and off the screen.
Marla Gibbs, who played the unforgettable Mary Jenkins, remains the heart of the show’s legacy. Already famous for The Jeffersons, Gibbs helped shape 227 as both an actress and producer, even contributing to the sitcom’s theme song. She continues to make television appearances, released her memoir It’s Never Too Late in 2026, and celebrated her 95th birthday the same year.
Although Marla Gibbs was already a television icon when 227 premiered, the sitcom gave her an opportunity to lead her own series after years scene-stealing as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons. Her portrayal of Mary Jenkins earned Emmy recognition and cemented her status as one of television’s most beloved sitcom stars. Even decades later, fans still associate Gibbs with Mary’s quick wit, steady wisdom, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Regina King, who made her acting debut as Brenda Jenkins, has become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers. Since leaving 227, she has earned four Primetime Emmy Awards and an Academy Award while starring in acclaimed films and television projects.
Jackée Harry, who stole countless scenes as the glamorous Sandra Clark, also remains active in entertainment, appearing in television, films, and stage productions while continuing to delight audiences with her signature humor.
While King went on to become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, Jackée Harry’s breakout performance on 227 launched her into sitcom superstardom. Harry’s portrayal of the fashion-conscious Sandra Clark was so popular that she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1987, becoming the first Black woman to win in that category. Sandra’s confidence, sharp one-liners, and larger-than-life personality made her one of the show’s most memorable characters.
The sitcom also introduced millions of viewers to a young Regina King, who was just a teenager when she joined the cast. Watching her evolve from Brenda Jenkins into one of Hollywood’s most decorated actresses has become one of television’s great success stories, giving 227 an even more remarkable place in entertainment history.
Remembering The Show’s Impact On TV
Although several members of the original ensemble are no longer with us, their performances continue to entertain new generations. Alaina Reed Hall, Helen Martin, Curtis Baldwin, and Hal Williams each helped create the warmth and humor that made the sitcom such a lasting success. Their characters turned an ordinary apartment building into one of television’s most memorable neighborhoods.
Even years after leaving the air, 227 has continued to find new audiences through reruns and streaming, allowing younger viewers to discover the series alongside longtime fans. Its humor has proven surprisingly timeless, while its focus on close-knit neighbors looking out for one another remains as relatable today as it was during its original NBC run.
For many viewers, revisiting 227 is about more than nostalgia. It’s a chance to appreciate a sitcom that showcased Black family life and community with warmth, humor, and authenticity during a pivotal era of network television. The series helped launch careers, earned critical acclaim, and left behind memorable performances that continue to resonate decades later.
Today, the surviving 227 cast members continue to remind fans why the series remains so beloved. Gibbs, King, Jackée Harry, and Curtis Baldwin are the four principal cast members still living following Hal Williams’ passing. Their careers have taken different paths, but each has contributed to the enduring legacy of a sitcom that celebrated family, friendship, and community with warmth and heart. Decades after its final episode, 227 still holds a special place in television history, and its talented cast continues to inspire both loyal fans and new viewers discovering the series for the first time.