Where Are They Now?: The Cast Of Jason's Lyric [Photos]

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Very few romantic films have been able to depict the complexity of how love can test the boundaries of family relationships than Jason’s Lyric.

The film starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett as Lyric (hence the name) as two Black lovers from Houston, who go on to find that their bond will have to endure the ultimate test from the people most closest to them.

The storied movie is celebrating its 20th anniversary today and we’re reuniting the ensemble cast by giving you an update on their current whereabouts. And remember, love takes courage.

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Photos: MGM

Photo: WENN

Forest Whitaker

In the present day, Forest Whitaker needs no introduction as he’s come along way since playing the abusive father “Maddog.” His guest spots in the mid-00s on ER and The Shield earned him an Emmy and Satellite Award, respectively and he hit the jackpot when he won Academy Award by playing dictator Idi Amin in 2006’s The Last King of Scotland.

Photo: WENN/Marcus Hoffman

Lisa Nicole Carson

Despite appearing in a handful of movies following her performance as the voluptuous “Marti,” Carson would go on to make TV her forte, thanks to her longtime reoccurring roles in ER and Ally McBeal. Here career in the 21st century has slowed down considerably, however. Since then, there have been reports of drug use and mental illness. But in a recent interview she said she’s back on the grind.

Photo: George Brandon/WENN

Lahmard Tate

While Lahmard never shared the breakout success as his younger brother Larenz, he’ll forever make fans laugh as the father-younger-than-the son in Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. He also scored credits in the first Barbershop, the Moesha TV show and the umpteenth Rocky movie.

Photo: PNP/WENN.com

Treach

The Naughty By Nature frontman’s life since the film has been littered with drama but he’s managed to say working all the same. He’s appeared in nearly 30 films and TV shows combined, albeit they were mostly small roles in b-movies, publicly steered the dissolution of his rap group, married and divorced Sandra “Pepa” Denton and starred in a porno. He was last spotted on VH1’s Couples Therapy and erratically driving through New Jersey neighborhoods.

Photo: WENN/FayesVision

Eddie Griffin

Although his performance as “Rat” was a small one, Griffin immediately would go on to become one of the most renown comedians of the 90s, with his presence culminating in comedy specials, feature films (Armageddon) and voice work (Dr. Dre’s 2001). The comedic decline later followed including a divorce and car crash that left him uninjured. He’s set to star in the upcoming film Last Supper this Thanksgiving.

Photo: FayesVision/WENN.com

Bokeem Woodbine

While Jason’s Lyric was only his third film, Woodbine set a precedence that he was able to convincingly play the screwloose with much to offer the overall movie’s flow. Since then, his roles in films such as Dead Presidents, The Rock, The Sopranos, Ray and 2013’s Riddick have all garnered him critical acclaim.

Photo: IMDB

Suzzanne Douglas

Following Jason’s Lyric, Douglass directly went on star in her most famous role as the matriarch in WB’s The Parent Hood. Later down the line, she used her talents to portray the skeptic in films such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back and School of Rock. She has been cast to play Cissy Houston in Lifetime’s Whitney Houston biopic.

Photo: Wenn

Allen Payne

Since the film, Payne kept busy doing countless supporting roles that proved his acting chops were still strong. But in 2006, he got his big break courtesy of Tyler Perry who had him star in the TBS series House of Payne. The sitcom went down in history by airing the most episodes from any television series with a predominately African-American cast.

Photo: MGM

Wayne Dehart

The veteran actor’s appearance as the street preacher who sung the “Sh*t Song” wasn’t too far off on how he’s made his living on the big screen throughout the years. He’s appeared in films such as Robocop 2, Looper and TV shows like Prison Break and Breaking Bad as well-placed vagabonds who liven up the scenery.

Photo: Wenn

Jada Pinkett Smith

Come 1997, Jada Pinkett could have easily rode the wave of being known as “Will Smith’s wife” into the sunset. Instead, she chose to star in blockbusters such as The Matrix sequels, and The Nutty Professor, as well as birth two kids (Jaden and Willow) who became teen stars from their own merit.

**Bonus**

Black Men United – “U Will Know”

The D’Angelo-written “U Will Know” combined the forces of Aaron Hall, After 7, Al B. Sure!, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Christopher Williams, Damion Hall, El DeBarge, Gerald LeVert, H-Town, Intro, Joe, Keith Sweat, Lenny Kravitz, Portrait, R. Kelly, Silk, Stokley Williams, Tevin Campbell, Tony! Toni! Toné! and Usher specifically for the film.

They don’t make ’em like they used to.