The beloved sitcom “Step by Step,” which graced screens from 1991 to 1998, remains etched in the memories of its fans. During its run on ABC and CBS, the series tackled the trials of blending families through the lives of two single parents, played by Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers, who marry and navigate the delightful chaos of raising six children.
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Recently, some of the show’s cast members gathered at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, to reflect on their experiences both during and after their time on the series. The panel discussion, hosted by PEOPLE’s executive editor Breanne L. Heldman, provided insights into how the actors have transitioned into normal life after the show concluded.
Angela Watson, who portrayed Karen Foster, shared a fascinating account of her life post-acting. After achieving fame on the show, she decided to step away from Hollywood entirely for approximately 20 years. “For 20 years, I was just kind of lost out there,” Watson admitted. Eventually, she relocated to Florida to be closer to her family and began exploring acting again, albeit from a different approach.
Watson’s journey back into the performing arts took an unexpected turn as she recounts, “Most actors start in theatre, but I did it backwards. I began with commercials and sitcoms before finding my way to theatre in Florida.” In addition to returning to acting, Watson and her husband, whom she met in acting class, have also taken on careers in real estate. “We thought, ‘Okay, we’re in Florida, why not act like realtors?’ It’s been a fun venture,” she remarked.
Sasha Mitchell, who played the carefree Cody Lambert, took a markedly different route after the show wrapped up. The actor returned to his roots as a structural welder and has maintained a focus on construction work. At 59 years old, Mitchell noted, “I’m back to being a welder and started making buildings.” His career also expanded into technology, where he began working with computers, establishing networks and servers. This diverse professional trajectory highlights how life can take unexpected turns after a recurring role in television.
Christopher Castile, who played Mark Foster in the series, chose a path in education. Reflecting on his childhood, he revealed, “I’ve always been a teacher in some capacity, whether it was bossing around my younger sibling or simply explaining things I’ve learnt to others.” Castile expressed gratitude for his experience on “Step by Step,” stating that he observed and learnt from the older, more experienced cast members, which he believes prepared him for his teaching career.
During the event, Patrick Duffy, now 77, took a moment to honour his colleague Suzanne Somers, who passed away just days before the panel discussion. Duffy fondly recounted their first meeting: “I left Dallas, and two weeks later, I went into the meeting to meet Suzanne. I looked at her and thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s my new Larry Hagman,’” referring to the iconic actor he had previously worked with. Over the course of the series, Duffy developed a close friendship with Somers that lasted well beyond the show.
The nostalgia experienced during the panel is reflective of the enduring impact “Step by Step” has had not only on its cast but also on its audience. The discussions highlighted how each actor has crafted a new narrative in their lives, shifting from television stardom to different professional paths while maintaining the spirit of camaraderie that the show embodied.
As fans of the series treasure the memories associated with “Step by Step,” the cast members continue to evolve and share their lives beyond the spotlight, demonstrating that the bond formed on set can lead to lasting friendships and meaningful journeys in the years that follow. Their stories serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life after fame, as well as the diverse experiences that shape one’s identity long after the cameras have stopped rolling.