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The adorable kids' series ran on NBC from 1984-88, chronicling a sassy little girl's adventures with her foster father and friends (and of course, her loyal dog Brandon). Spunky Punky’s wacky, day-glo ensembles inspired children everywhere. Does Soleil Moon Frye still have "Punky Power"? Click through to find out!![Punky's Pals]()
From left: Soleil Moon Frye, Casey Ellison, Ami Foster and Cherie Johnson. And Brandon the Golden Retriever. (NBC)![Soleil_Moon_Frye_Then]()
The child actor got her start on the 1982 TV movie ‘Missing Children: A Mother’s Story.’ Soleil went on to portray loveable Penelope “Punky” Brewster, am abandoned little girl who is taken in by a grumpy widower. Soleil also voiced the animated version of the show, ‘It’s Punky Brewster.’ (NBC)![Soleil Moon Frye Now]()
After the show, Soleil appeared on the short-lived series ‘Cadets’ then guest-starred through most of the 90s on shows like ‘The Wonder Years’ and ‘Friends.’ Soleil studied filmmaking at The New School and later directed ‘Wild Horses’ (1998) and ‘Sonny Boy’ (2004). Though she will forever be known as Punky Brewster, the actress found fame again in 2000 with the sitcom ‘Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.’ In 2006 Soleil voiced the character Jade in animated series ‘Bratz.’ Other voice work includes ‘The Proud Family.’ Now 33, Frye caused a stir posing for sexy 'Stuff' photos (at left)! The actress is married with two daughters. She owns an eco-friendly children’s boutique in L.A. (Maxim.com)![George_Gaynes_Then_2]()
Born George Jongejans in Finland, the actor got his start on Broadway. Entering TV in the 60s, Gaynes appeared in series like ‘Hogan’s Heroes,’ Films in which he appeared include ‘The Way We Were,’ ‘Nickelodeon’ and ‘Tootsie.’ In 1984, George played Commandant Lassard in the first ‘Police Academy’ movie. Soap fans would recognize him as ‘General Hospital’ mob boss Frank Smith. The actor then landed the role of curmudgeonly photographer Henry Warnimont on ‘Punky Brewster.’ (NBC)![George_Gaynes_Now_kj]()
After ‘Punky,’ Gaynes continued portraying Lassard in all seven ‘Police Academy’ films. TV work includes ‘Hearts Afire,’ ‘Chicago Hope,’ and ‘Sliders.’ Film credits include ‘Stepmonster,’ ‘The Crucible,’ and ‘Wag the Dog.’ Gaynes, 92, has been married since 1953 and has two children. (Warner Bros.)![Cherie_Johnson_Then_kj]()
Johnson played Punky’s best friend, also named Cherie Johnson! Her uncle, David Duclon created shows like ‘Silver Spoons’ and wrote the pilot for ‘Punky,’ naming the character Cherie after her. Johnson auditioned and won the part. During the show’s run, the child star appeared with Gary Coleman in ‘Playing with Fire.’![Cherie_Johnson_Now_kj]()
After the show, Johnson landed another family sitcom, playing Maxine on ‘Family Matters’ from 1990-1998. Other TV shows include ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘The Parkers.’ Johnson has appeared in movies like ‘Teaching Mrs. Tingle,’ ‘The Intruders,’ and ‘Raven.’ In 2002, she reunited with ‘Punky’ co-star Soleil Moon Frye doing voice work for the animated series ‘The Proud Family.’ Johnson, 34, has several films in production. ‘Why Do Men Cheat?’ (at left) is set for release in February.![Susie_Garrett_Then_kj]()
On the show, Garrett played Betty Johnson, a nurse raising her granddaughter Cherie. Cherie Johnson was her real granddaughter! Garrett got her start in showbiz singing in Detroit jazz clubs.![Susie Garrett 1929-2002]()
Aside from ‘Punky,’ Garrett guested on ‘The Twilight Zone,’ ‘My Three Sons,’ and ‘The Jeffersons.’ She co-founded the Crossroads Art Academy acting school with her sister, actress Marla Gibbs. Garrett passed away at age 72 of cancer.![Casey_Ellison_Then_kj]()
Ellison’s first role was Punky’s nerdy pal Allen Anderson. During the show, he also appeared on ‘Mr. Belvedere.’![Casey_Ellison_Now_kj]()
The child star went on to appear in shows like ’21 Jump Street’ and ‘The Wonder Years’ and TV movies like ‘The Ryan White Story’ and ‘Perfect Harmony.’ Ellison, now 34, appeared in the 2002 horror flick ‘Head Hunter.’![Ami_Foster_Then_kj]()
Before she was stuck up Margaux Kramer, Foster voiced a character on ‘Pound Puppies,’ and appeared on TV shows like ‘Fame’ and ‘Webster.’ Ami broke into showbiz by tap-dancing on ‘Star Search.’![Ami_Foster_Now]()
After ‘Punky,’ the child star went on to appear on shows like ‘Full House,’ ‘Charles in Charge,’ and ‘The Wonder Years.’ She played Claire in the 1989 movie ‘Troop Beverly Hills.’ Foster, now 34, hasn’t been seen onscreen since 1995. She’s married with a child.Then/Now: The Cast of 'Punky Brewster'
Tie a bandana around your pant leg and find out what Punky & Co. are up to!
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- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Punky Brewster'
