California Dreams Cast & Character Guide: Where The Actors Are Now (2024)

California Dreams was a popular teen sitcom that aired from 1992 to 1996 on NBC as part of their Saturday morning lineup, and the California Dreams cast left a lasting impression on viewers. The show centered around a group of teenagers forming a rock band, navigating high school life, friendships, and romantic relationships while striving to make it big in the music world. With its catchy theme song, relatable storylines, and memorable characters, California Dreams became a favorite among its audience, creating a legacy that still resonates with fans today.

The show featured a diverse cast of characters, each bringing their unique charm and personality to the screen. The blend of music, comedy, and drama allowed the cast to showcase their talents, both in acting and musical performances. As viewers look back at the beloved series, it’s interesting to see where the actors are now and how their careers have evolved since their time on California Dreams. While most of the California Dreams cast has retired, they still appeared in iconic series and have left a legacy of their own.

Brent Gore As Matt Garrison

Date Of Birth: June 19, 1974

Matt Garrison was the lead vocalist and guitarist of the California Dreams band. As the group's frontman, Matt often found himself balancing his passion for music with the typical struggles of teenage life. His leadership and dedication to the band were central to many of the show’s storylines, and his character's journey through high school, romance, and personal growth resonated with many viewers. Matt's character was known for his charm and his role as the glue that held the band together.

After California Dreams, Brent Gore pursued a career in both music and acting, though he didn't achieve major mainstream success. His acting credits include roles in I'm Not Ashamed, where he played a Coffee Shop Manager, and voice work in the short film Shrek: Thriller Night as part of the Zombie Chorus. Gore also appeared in Extreme Movie and the TV series Breaking Vegas. While his post-California Dreams career was relatively low-profile, Gore's contributions to the show remain memorable for fans of the series.

Heidi Noelle Lenhart As Jenny Garrison

Date Of Birth: August 22, 1973

Jenny Garrison, Matt's younger sister, was the original keyboardist and vocalist of the band. She was known for her strong-willed personality and dedication to the music, often providing emotional support to her bandmates. Jenny's character added depth to the show with her storylines focusing on her ambitions and personal growth, making her a key member of the California Dreams ensemble.

Heidi Noelle Lenhart continued her acting career after leaving California Dreams; she is perhaps best known for her role in the Au Pair series of TV movies, where she played Jennifer "Jenny" Morgan. Lenhart's career also included notable appearances in series such as Beverly Hills, 90210 and The Pretender. Her last acting credit was in 2009's Au Pair 3: Adventure in Paradise. Since then, Lenhart has stepped away from the acting scene, but her contributions to television during the 90s and early 2000s remain memorable.

Michael Cutt As Richard Garrison

Date Of Birth: April 13, 1965

Richard Garrison, the father of Matt and Jenny, was a supportive and loving parent who often provided guidance to the teenagers. As the owner of the Garrison household, Richard's character was a grounding force in the series, offering wisdom and stability to his children and their friends. His presence added a sense of warmth and reliability to the show, making him a beloved character among fans.

Michael Cutt, who portrayed Richard Garrison, had a long and varied career in television and film. Known for his work in both acting and voice acting, he was recognized for his roles in the 7th Heaven cast, where he played Officer McGuire, and Malcolm in the Middle. Cutt also contributed his voice to several projects, including the video Gun Bugs. Sadly, Michael Cutt left behind a legacy of diverse and memorable performances in the entertainment industry.

Kelly Packard As Tiffani Anne Smith

Date Of Birth: January 29, 1975

Tiffani Anne Smith was the bass player and vocalist for the California Dreams band. Her character was known for her laid-back, beach-loving personality and her strong sense of loyalty to her friends. Tiffani's romantic relationships and personal growth were key elements of her story arc. As a quintessential Californian girl, Tiffani brought a sense of calm and wisdom to the group, often acting as a mediator during conflicts.

Kelly Packard continued her acting career after California Dreams, becoming a familiar face on television. She is best known for her role in Baywatch, where she played April Giminski, and her last credited acting role was in 2018's Family Vanished, where she played Lisa Styles. Despite stepping back from acting, Packard's contributions to 90s television have left a lasting impact, and she remains a beloved figure from that era.

Michael Cade As Sylvester 'Sly' Winkle

Date Of Birth: June 14, 1972

Sly Winkle was the manager of the California Dreams band, known for his ambitious and often scheming personality. Despite his flaws, Sly's loyalty to his friends and his determination to make the band successful made him an integral part of the show. He often found himself in humorous situations due to his relentless pursuit of fame and fortune for the band, and his character provided a lot of the comedic relief in the series.

Michael Cade, who portrayed Sly, continued his career in acting after California Dreams. He has appeared in various TV shows and movies, although none as prominent as his role on the show. Some of his notable recent work includes his role in 2024's Karma's a Bitch alongside Natasha Henstridge and Tony Todd.

Jay Anthony Franke As Jacob Samuel "Jake" Sommers

Date Of Birth: May 17, 1972

Jake Sommers joined the California Dreams band as a guitarist and vocalist, known for his rebellious attitude and motorcycle-loving persona. His character added a new dynamic to the group, bringing a mix of toughness and sensitivity that resonated with fans. Jake's cool demeanor and musical talent made him a standout character, and his relationships with other band members, especially Tiffani Anne Smith, were a focal point of the series.

Jay Anthony Franke continued his acting career, with his role as Jake being one of his most notable performances. In addition to his work on California Dreams, Franke found success in voice acting for video games. He voiced the characters J.C. Denton and Paul Denton in the highly acclaimed Deus Ex series. Despite his early success, Franke seemingly retired from acting in 2013 after a few small roles, including the film One June Afternoon.

Jennie Kwan As Samantha Woo Deswanchoo

Date Of Birth: September 9, 1973

Samantha Woo, also known as Sam, was the keyboardist and vocalist who joined the band later in the series. Her character was known for her bubbly personality and her dedication to her friends and music. Sam's journey through high school and her cultural background added depth to the show, making her a beloved character among fans. Her relationship with other band members and her positive outlook on life were central to many of the show's storylines.

Jennie Kwan has had a successful career in both acting and voice work. She is best known for her role in Avatar: The Last Airbender as the voice of Suki. Kwan has continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles in TV shows, movies, and especially video games. Her versatility and talent have made her a prolific voice actor, contributing to many well-known projects. Recently, she has voiced characters in popular games like Street Fighter 6 and Starfield, as well as TV series such as Superkitties and Squid Game: The Challenge.

California Dreams Supporting Cast

Gail Ramsey as Melody Garrison - Melody Garrison was the nurturing mother of Matt and Jenny. Gail Ramsey is best known for her role as Susan Moore on General Hospital.

Ryan O'Neill as Dennis Garrison - Dennis Garrison, the younger brother of Matt and Jenny, was often the comic relief in the series. Ryan O'Neill's career in acting was brief, with California Dreams being his most notable role.

William James Jones as Antoine "Tony" Wicks - Tony Wicks was the singer and drummer for the California Dreams band, known for his upbeat personality. William James Jones is also recognized for his role as Dwayne Wilson in USA High.

Aaron Jackson as Mark Winkle - Mark Winkle joined the band as a keyboard player, guitarist, and drummer. Aaron Jackson's role in California Dreams remains his most prominent acting credit.

Diana Uribe as Lorena Costa - Lorena Costa was the band's enthusiastic groupie. Diana Uribe hasn't acted since 2001, but she did appear in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown as Anita Lopez.

Brittney Powell as Randi Jo - Randi Jo appeared in the early seasons of California Dreams. Brittney Powell appeared in 78 episodes of General Hospital as Summer Holloway and is also known for her role in Safety Geeks: SVI.

Earl Boen as Principal Blumford - Principal Wolfman Blumford was the somewhat eccentric school principal. Earl Boen is also known for his role as Dr. Peter Silberman in the Terminator series.

Burke Bryant as Keith Del - Keith Del was a character who appeared in the final season of the show. Burke Bryant hasn't appeared in anything noteworthy since California Dreams outside of a couple of uncredited roles.

Sources: GoFundMe, Variety