Quiet as it’s kept, the fictional Hillman College has always had its fair share of fine men, and the new “A Different World” show is clearly carrying on that proud tradition. Netflix’s sequel series has introduced a fresh crop of Hillman students, and yes, we (and the rest of the internet) have noticed that more than a few of them are easy on the eyes. From star athletes to campus brainiacs, these new faces are bringing plenty of personality—and a little eye candy—to the beloved HBCU universe.
So, naturally, we had to get acquainted with the new Hillman heartthrobs. Whether you’re #TeamShaquille, #TeamEllington, or somewhere in between—keep reading to find out more!
Cornell Young IV
You already know we had to start with Cornell Young IV, who plays Shaquille Johnson, Hillman’s star quarterback and Ron Johnson’s son. But if you were wondering why his locs and that smile looked familiar, that’s because he also played Todd in Netflix’s “Forever” and appeared in ALLBLK’s “D.O.P.E. UNIT.” But before he was making moves on screen, the St. Louis native was making plays on the football field, playing wide receiver at McKendree University while studying Marketing and History. It was there that he discovered theater and realized acting was the lane for him.
When he’s not in front of the camera, Cornell makes music with his twin brother. He’s also passionate about mental health awareness in the Black community and staying grounded in his faith.
Related: All “A Different World’s” Hillman College Got Right About HBCU Life
Chibuikem Uche
If Chibuikem Uche looked familiar, that’s because you might have recognized him from some of his previous roles like “One of Us Is Lying,” “The Tomorrow War,” and “All American.” But in “A Different World,” he plays Kojo, a Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion merchandising student with a passion for design and a strong desire to live life on his own terms—and outside of what his strict West African parents think.
In real life, however, his creative pursuits have paid off as the London-born, Nigerian young actor is just getting started. Having moved to Connecticut when he was eight, Uche eventually made his TV debut in the 2016 ABC series “American Housewife,” per TV Insider. He also holds a degree in mathematics and actuarial science.
Jordan Aaron Hall
You may recognize Jordan Aaron Hall from FX’s “Pose,” where he played Young Pray Tell, or from Prime Video’s “The Idea of You,” where he appeared opposite Anne Hathaway. But the Harlem-based actor, director, and filmmaker has been putting in work long before those roles. A Boston Conservatory at Berklee grad, Jordan got his start as Young Simba in the national tour of “The Lion King” before heading to Broadway as Young Michael Jackson in “Motown: The Musical.”
In 2026, Hall wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the short film “Graduation Day,” which premiered at the American Black Film Festival. In “A Different World,” he plays Amir, the resourceful, street-smart, and emotionally mature queer friend of the group. And while he’s way better at doling out advice than he is at taking it (not so good at avoiding messy relationship issues), his character never ceases to keep it real or be there for his friends whenever they need him.
Vincent Jamal Hooper
Vincent Jamal Hooper plays Ellington, the confident, Hillman junior who works as Professor Brooks’ (yes, Freddie Brooks) student assistant. But before he set foot on Hillman’s fictional steps, the Texas native was already making big moves, having played Simba on Broadway in “The Lion King” and multiple roles in “Hamilton” around the world.
His additional credits include Chicago Med, “Shots Fired,” and “American Crime,” while his Off-Broadway work includes “White Girl in Danger.”
Elijah J. Roberts
Elijah J. Roberts plays Jalen, a Houston native, Hillman junior, and the school’s star point guard and basketball MVP. But before “A Different World, Roberts starred in “Night Swim” and has also appeared in the indie films “The Way It Used To” and “Asylum.”
Per his official resume, the actor earned a bachelor’s degree in acting from the Academy of Art University, where he also competed as a Division II high jumper. He discovered acting in high school after some convincing from friends, eventually falling in love with the craft while also pursuing track, basketball, and even filmmaking, including writing, directing, and producing his own short projects.
Joshua Suiter
Joshua Suiter portrays André, Hillman’s team captain and starting quarterback who gets a run for his money once Shaquille shows up on the scene. However, in real life, Suiter is a graduate of North Carolina A&T University (NCAT) and is a Durham, North Carolina native. In an interview with local CBS 17 station, Suiter shared his hopes that his role and the show continue to inspire people and stress the importance of education, especially during this time in our country.
“We wanna pass on that higher education is still OK to seek because it has helped a lot of us get to where we are today. And I don’t want that to get lost in the sauce. And also, go to an HBCU. Be the majority…Do things you never done before. I’m a better man for it,” he said in part.
Suiter’s previous acting credits include “All’s Fair.”
Dasan Frazier
A former Morehouse Maroon Tiger, Dasan Frazier plays Xavier, the top streamer at Hillman who knows the moves and the tea on all the happenings. He’s always online and livestreaming, spreading the latest news from all the biggest events as they unfold across campus.
The character is almost art imitating life, as Frazier is a popular content creator IRL, making a huge name for himself on TikTok and Instagram thanks to his creative videos and fun personality. His social media presence played a big role in helping him land the character. Before “A Different World,” Frazier could be seen in other shows and films like “Law & Order,” Tyler Perry’s “Straw,” “Beyond the Gates,” and more.
