The Cast of 'Poetic Justice': Where Are They Now?
John Singleton's classic film was released 30 years ago this week.
1 / 10
"Poetic Justice" (1993) - Two years after his phenomenal debut, director John Singleton, once again, scored another hit with this film about a poet (Janet Jackson) and a road trip she takes with friends. As the movie turns 30, let's take a look at where some members of its star-studded cast are today.(Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
2 / 10
Janet Jackson - Playing pained poetess Justice, the film marked Janet Jackson's return to acting after almost a decade. Along with her iconic music career, spanning 30 years, Janet maintained a stellar acting career. But she never stopped the music. The pop legend is currently on tour, selling out all over the country. (Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
3 / 10
Regina King - Similar to her character in Singleton's "Boyz n the Hood," King was cast as Justice's BFF. The stoic screen persona has served King well, parlaying memorable roles. In 2019, King won an Oscar for her role in "If Beale Street Could Talk." The next year, she won her second Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for "Watchmen." She is currently in production for the Shirley Chisholm biopic -- playing Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images For BET)
4 / 10
Maya Angelou - The legendary writer wrote the poetry recited by Justice as well as appeared in the film as Aunt June. Key moments in the illustrious career of the I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings author are reciting her famous poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's inauguration and being awarded the National Medal of the Arts. Dr. Maya Angelou passed away in 2014 at 84 years old. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)
5 / 10
Jenifer Lewis - The same year Jenifer Lewis played Tupac's mom in Poetic Justice, she also starred in her breakout role in "What's Love Got to Do With It." Since then, she's maintained a constant presence playing mother roles in TV and movies. Along with being a bestselling author, Ms. Lewis is a force on social media. She has several projects currently in the works, including "Sister Act 3: Kicking the Habit." (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 10
Q-Tip - Playing Justice's boyfriend, Markell, Q-Tip's acting debut was brief before his character was shot dead. But afterward, the hip hop vet garnered big roles in films such as "Prison Song" (2001) and his last major role, "She Hate Me "(2004). Since then, Q-Tip has been focused on music. In 2016, his group A Tribe Called Quest released "We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service." Sadly, group member Phife_Dawg passed away that same year. (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images For BET)
7 / 10
Joe Torry - As Tupac's constant-hair-brushing buddy, Chicago, Joe Torry was the comedic relief of PJ. Although he didn't match the success of Poetic Justice, his career has continued in several TV movies, including 2022's Unreported, which is currently on Tubi. (Photo: Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)
8 / 10
John Singleton - While the Oscar-nominated director had an outstanding career helming films on African-American life, like "Rosewood" (1997) and "Baby Boy" (2001), he was able to successfully cross over to direct major Hollywood films, including "2 Fast 2 Furious" (2003) and "Abduction" (2011). In 2017, John Singleton conquered TV with the hit series "Snowfall." Sadly, the legendary director passed away in 2019. He was 51 years old. Rest in power, king. (Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
9 / 10
Yvette Wilson - Wilson, who started as a comedian, mostly built her acting resumé on TV. She starred on the hit series "Moesha" and "The Parkers." While never gaining a foothold in film, her comedic roles in "Friday" (1995) and "Don't Be a Menace to South Central" (1996) were memorable. Wilson succumbed to cervical cancer in 2012. (Photo: Courtesy globalgrind.com)
