‘Life Goes On’ Cast: What Have the Stars Been Up To? Details

If you’re a fan of nostalgic TV shows, then you probably know all about Chris Burke‘s hit series Life Goes On. The ABC show followed the life of the Thatcher family, running from 1989 to 1993, and was centered around Chris’ character Corky, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Life Goes On also starred Tracey Needham, Bill Smitrovich, Patti LuPone and more.

It’s been nearly three decades since the series went off the air, but in September 2021, actress Kellie Martin revealed Life Goes On was being revived when she tweeted a report from Deadline. “Some really exciting news that [Chad Lowe] and I had to keep quiet until now. A #LifeGoesOn reboot is in the works that will be written by the brilliant [Nkechi Okoro Carroll],” she wrote.

Per the outlet’s report, Nkechi is creating a reboot for Life Goes On while launching her own production company Rock My Soul Productions with entertainment executive Lindsay Dunn. The sequel will revisit a grown-up Becca Thatcher, played by Kellie, and the classic TV family as she returns to her hometown.

The news of the Life Goes On revival isn’t just exciting for longtime fans. During one episode of Where Are They Now?, Chris recalled his “great” road to stardom, saying the best part of his journey was being on the series. Since there are not that many TV shows about people who have Down Syndrome, Chris was thrilled to represent.

“It really shows we all have different talents … and [to] stick at what you’re good at,” he sweetly shared. “It’s not about performing disabilities. It’s about performing abilities. That’s the message.”

Looking back on the legacy of Life Goes On, Kellie said the popularity surrounding the classic sitcom is still so present. Speaking with Bustle in 2017, the actress marveled over the opportunity to be a part of such a memorable program.

“I have so many amazing memories from that show and it makes me so happy when people to this day still say, ‘I grew up watching you on Life Goes On,'” she gushed.

While fans wait for more details on the upcoming reboot, scroll below to see what the cast of Life Goes On has been up to!

Chris Burke

Following his pioneering turn as son Corky, Chris turned up on a few more shows, including Touched By an Angel. Per IMDb, he also has credits in Promised Land, ER, The Division and his latest in 2003’s Mona Lisa Smile.

However, his main focus has been serving as the goodwill ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society and showing, as he once said, “It’s not your disabilities, it’s your abilities that count.”

Kellie Martin

Just as Becca was a bit of nerd, Kellie had the smarts to take on a whole range of roles throughout her career, including parts in Christy, ER, Army Wives and Hallmark’s Mystery Woman and the Hailey Dean movies. As IMDb states, she last appeared in 2019’s Christmas in Montana.

Aside from her showbiz career, Kellie graduated from Yale University and married her husband, Keith Christian, in 1999. The couple share two kids, Olivia Christian and Margaret Christian.

Tracey Needham

After playing Corky and Becca’s half-sister Paige, Tracey was on full view as Meg Austin on the first season of JAG, as well as Inspector Candace DeLorenzo on The Division. She’s also appeared on shows from CSI to Veronica Mars and produced short films. Her latest gig was in The Last Harbor in 2010.

Aside from her career, Tracey has been wed to her husband, Tommy Hinkley, since 1995. She’s also the mother of their daughter, Katie Hinkley.

Bill Smitrovich

Bill played patriarch Drew, who may have been a restaurateur, but in real life, he’s paved an impressive career as an actor. In addition to Life Goes On, he landed recurring roles on Millennium, A Nero Wolfe Mystery, The Practice, Without a Trace, The Event, The Last Ship and the reboot of Dynasty. He’s also appeared in a slew of movies from Ghosts of Mississippi to Iron Man and Ted.

Bill will be juggling his work on the reboot with his upcoming part in We Are Gathered Here Today, per IMDb.

Patti LuPone

Patti portrayed mom Libby, who was an ad executive. Besides her role in the ’90s sitcom, Patti added to her stage status from London to Broadway with Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd, War Paint, Company and a Tony-winning turn in Gypsy. But she’s also continued to appear on TV on shows such as Law & Order, Frasier, Penny Dreadful and Pose.

Patti is just as successful in terms of her personal life. She’s been wed to her husband, Matthew Johnston, since 1988, and their share one child: son Joshua Johnston.

Chad Lowe

After parting ways with his character Jesse McKenna in 1993, Chad went on to star in Melrose Place, ER, Pretty Little Liars and Young Justice. Most recently, he played the role of Thomas Coville in Supergirl from 2017 to 2020.

When he’s not acting, you can find the younger brother of Rob Lowe spending time with his family. Chad tied the knot with his spouse, Kim Painter, in 2010, and they became the parents of their kids, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe.