Tichina Arnold is a proud mom, and now she gets to play the part with her daughter on A Different World.
The Neighborhood star has a small role on the Netflix sequel series as “Darlene Duvall,” mother of new student “Rashida” played by the actress’ daughter, Alijah Kai.
For the mother-daughter duo, working together on the series gave them a chance to share something special while helping to continue the show’s legacy.
“It’s really an honor,” Kai said on the red carpet at the Atlanta premiere on Sept. 21, as she stood next to her mom and grandmother.
Related: ‘A Different World’ Debuts Strong on Netflix Viewing Chart – But Trails ‘Lizzie Borden’
Kai plays a first-generation college student and criminal justice major at the fictional Hillman College. Her character is finding her way after her mom drops her off at college.
“Having my mom play my mom on the show has been something very big,” said Kai.
Arnold said the role brings back memories of her early years in Hollywood. While she was working on Martin, the original A Different World was on the air, and young Black actors were moving to California to pursue their dreams.
“It is wonderful to see my baby be a part of something that was synonymous with Martin back in the day,” Arnold said. “It was a bunch of us coming to California, finding and chasing our dream, getting on shows, and actually making our lives happen.”
Now, she gets to watch Kai begin a new chapter alongside returning A Different World cast members Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell.
Also reprising their roles are Charnele Brown, Jenifer Lewis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman.
“To see my baby start it again, and to see all the cast … be a part of something that they did so long ago when we were their age, it’s just wonderful and refreshing, and I’m so grateful,” Arnold said.
Kai has been performing since childhood. As a toddler, she appeared with her mom on Everybody Hates Chris. The rising star’s other credits include Survivor’s Remorse, the film Runt, and Lifetime’s Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.
For Arnold, working on A Different World was a reminder of what makes an ensemble show work.
“Acting is sharing,” she said. “You’re not just there by yourself. You may have your scene or you may have your close-up, but there are other characters, there are other actors, there are people that you want and need their energy as well.”
The 10-episode A Different World is now streaming on Netflix.
Check out the interview with Tichina Arnold and Alijah Kai below:
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