Oh, the glorious 90s! A time of chunky shoes, dial-up internet, and some truly iconic sitcoms that made us laugh, cry, and sometimes, just scratch our heads in delightful confusion. Among these gems was ‘Dharma & Greg,’ the brainchild of sitcom maestro Chuck Lorre, which graced our screens from 1997 to 2002.
This show wasn’t just a sitcom; it was a cultural phenomenon about opposites attracting in the most charming way possible. You had Dharma, a free-spirited yoga instructor, falling head over heels for Greg, a buttoned-up, Harvard-educated lawyer. Their love story, complicated by their equally opposite parents—Dharma’s hippie folks and Greg’s wealthy conservatives—was the perfect recipe for five seasons of pure comedic gold. It racked up ratings and even landed Jenna Elfman three Emmy nominations!
But what happens when the cameras stop rolling and the characters we loved so much go their separate ways? Well, we’re about to take a super fun, in-depth journey through time to see what the incredible cast of ‘Dharma & Greg’ has been up to since they left our living rooms. Get ready for some major nostalgia, surprising career twists, and heartwarming reunions!
1. Jenna Elfman (Dharma Finkelstein Montgomery)
Jenna Elfman, the effervescent heart of ‘Dharma & Greg,’ brought so much joy and quirky charm to our screens as Dharma Finkelstein Montgomery. Before she was making us giggle with her head-in-the-clouds yoga instructor persona, Elfman was already a seasoned performer, starting classical ballet at the tender age of five. Her journey into the spotlight began professionally as a dancer, gracing music videos for bands like Depeche Mode and Anthrax, and even performing at the 1991 Academy Awards, choreographed by the legendary Debbie Allen.
Her transition to acting proved to be a stroke of genius, culminating in her iconic role as Dharma. It wasn’t just a hit with audiences; critics loved her too! She garnered a Golden Globe Award, three Emmy Award nominations, and two TV Guide Awards for her work on the show. Talk about making a splash! The show’s cancellation, however, left her feeling “adrift” without a proper sendoff, as many fans can relate to when their favorite series ends.
After ‘Dharma & Greg’ wrapped, Elfman continued to work steadily, although none of her subsequent projects quite reached the same level of mainstream success as her titular role. She popped up in numerous guest spots and starred in a string of short-lived TV comedies including ‘Courting Alex’ in 2006, ‘Accidentally on Purpose’ in 2009, ‘1600 Penn’ in 2012, ‘Growing Up Fisher’ in 2014, and ‘Imaginary Mary’ in 2017. She also showcased her impressive dramatic range in shows like the family drama ‘Brothers & Sisters’ in 2006, where, in an ironic twist, Susan Sullivan (her on-screen mother-in-law from ‘Dharma & Greg’) played her mother! She also appeared in the dark legal drama ‘Damages’ in 2012.
But if you’re looking for her most successful project since her ‘Dharma’ days, you’ll be surprised to find it’s a far cry from comedy! Elfman joined ‘Fear the Walking Dead,’ the first spinoff of ‘The Walking Dead,’ in its fourth season in 2018. She portrayed June, a former trauma nurse, until the series concluded in 2023. She absolutely loved her time in the ‘Walking Dead’ universe, telling CBR, “I love these stories… I’m glad to be part of it.” It’s truly incredible to see her demonstrate such versatility, moving from lighthearted comedy to a zombie apocalypse drama!
Beyond her acting work, Elfman has a full life. She’s married to actor Bodhi Elfman, and they have two children. Plus, here’s a fun tidbit for you: she even attended the star-studded wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in Italy! More recently, in February 2025, Elfman expressed her excitement to Us Weekly about a potential reunion with ‘Dharma & Greg’ showrunner Michelle Nader for a new sitcom, saying, “Everything she said resonated with me. It felt like home for me.” She was thrilled about Nader’s “fresh take on what a strong woman looks like” and how it approached family and generational divides, highlighting that the writing and talent behind it felt incredibly right.
2. Thomas Gibson (Greg Montgomery)
Thomas Gibson played the impeccably buttoned-up, Harvard-educated lawyer Greg Montgomery, the perfect conservative foil to Dharma’s free spirit. His portrayal earned him two Golden Globe nominations, showcasing his undeniable talent for anchoring the show’s “opposites-attract” dynamic. Before charming us as Greg, Gibson already had a significant television presence, with a regular spot on ‘As the World Turns’ in 1989 and a starring role as Daniel Nyland in ‘Chicago Hope’ from 1994 to 1998. He also made guest appearances in ‘Caroline in the City’ and appeared in films like ‘Barcelona’ and Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’
After ‘Dharma & Greg’ concluded its run, Gibson transitioned into an even more notable television success that many viewers might recognize him from: the hit CBS procedural drama ‘Criminal Minds.’ Starting in 2005, he became a fan favorite as Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner, the stoic and brilliant team leader of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, hunting “unsubs” (show jargon for suspects) for over a decade. This role solidified his status as a major TV star, demonstrating a successful pivot from comedy to a much darker, more intense genre.
However, his long and successful run on ‘Criminal Minds’ came to an abrupt and controversial end in 2016. Behind-the-scenes drama led to his firing from the show. Reports from TMZ detailed a physical altercation where Gibson, who was also directing the episode, allegedly kicked a writer. Gibson characterized the incident as more of an “accidental tap,” but the network initially suspended him for two episodes, then made the suspension permanent, ending his time on the hit series.
Following his dismissal, more details emerged about previous incidents that reportedly influenced CBS’s decision. As ‘Variety’ noted, Gibson had allegedly shoved an assistant director in the past, leading to him being ordered to undergo anger-management training. Furthermore, in 2013, he was arrested for DUI and later entered a plea of no contest, as reported by TMZ at the time. These revelations painted a more complex picture of the events leading to his departure.
Since his dramatic exit from ‘Criminal Minds,’ Gibson’s acting appearances have been sparse. His only major project to date has been the 2019 direct-to-video movie ‘Shadow Wolves.’ While his career took an unexpected turn, there’s no denying that his legacy includes some truly memorable roles that captivated audiences for years, from the charming lawyer in ‘Dharma & Greg’ to the intense profiler in ‘Criminal Minds.’
3.Mimi Kennedy (Abby O’Neil)
Get ready to appreciate Mimi Kennedy, who flawlessly embodied Abby O’Neil, Dharma’s delightfully unconventional, dyed-in-the-wool hippie mother. Abby was the kind of character who made you feel like you needed to hug a tree and question societal norms, and Kennedy played her with such endearing authenticity. Her career began on the stage, where she starred in Neil Simon’s ‘Last Of The Red Hot Lovers,’ before transitioning to television. She appeared as Stockard Channing’s sister in ‘Just Friends’ and co-starred with Peter Cook in ‘The Two of Us.’ She even earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in ‘Homefront.’
Interestingly, when Kennedy first auditioned for ‘Dharma & Greg,’ she actually read for the role of Kitty, Greg’s more sophisticated mother, before being cast as Abby. She explained that while she had grown up around “snooty types” and had played a few on TV, Abby was “a little bit closer to the path I’ve chosen,” allowing her to connect deeply with the character’s free-spirited nature. It’s a wonderful insight into how actors find their true calling within a role!
After ‘Dharma & Greg’ concluded, Mimi Kennedy’s career was nothing short of prolific and eclectic. She wasn’t just doing guest spots; she truly embraced a wide array of projects. She even had a three-episode stint on the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless.’ On the big screen, she appeared in Woody Allen’s ‘Midnight in Paris,’ the romantic comedy ‘The Five Year Engagement,’ as well as films like ‘In the Loop,’ ‘Pump Up the Volume,’ and ‘Erin Brockovich.’ Talk about variety!
One of her most significant roles post-‘Dharma’ came in 2013 when Chuck Lorre, the creator of ‘Dharma & Greg,’ cast her in his CBS sitcom ‘Mom.’ Here, she played an AA sponsor to the mother-daughter characters portrayed by Anna Faris and Allison Janney, earning critical acclaim. Beyond acting, Kennedy has passionately embraced the role of an environmental activist, stating, “all my life I have been accumulating knowledge and experience, and now that I’m a little older I find I have the focus to put it into effect.” She also penned a memoir titled ‘Taken to the Stage,’ giving us a glimpse into her fascinating life and career.
4. Alan Rachins (Larry Finkelstein）
If Mimi Kennedy was the delightful hippie mom, then Alan Rachins was her equally charming and eccentric counterpart, Larry Finkelstein, Dharma’s laid-back dad. It was a role that, for many, was delightfully unexpected given his previous iconic work. Before ‘Dharma & Greg,’ Rachins was perhaps best known for portraying the arrogant, buttoned-down lawyer Douglas Brackman Jr. in the hit drama ‘L.A. Law’ from 1986-1994 – a role that truly served as his breakout. He also appeared in movies like ‘Showgirls’ in 1995.
His turn as Larry Finkelstein on ‘Dharma & Greg’ was a refreshing departure and truly demonstrated his “knack for comedy,” proving his versatility as an actor. When the sitcom wrapped up in 2002, Rachins continued to effortlessly shift between comedic and dramatic projects, never letting himself be typecast. On the lighter side, he made appearances in ‘Happy Endings,’ lent his voice to ‘American Dad,’ and popped up in ‘Just Shoot Me!’ He even had a wonderful reunion with his on-screen ‘Dharma & Greg’ spouse, Mimi Kennedy, in an episode of ‘Mom,’ which was a treat for fans.
But don’t think he abandoned drama! Rachins also took on roles in some of television’s most popular procedural and medical dramas, including ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,’ ‘Rizzoli & Isles,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and even a few episodes of ‘General Hospital.’ His distinctive voice also found a home in animation, notably as Norman Osborn in ‘The Spectacular Spider-Man’ from 2008-2009, and in ‘Justice League Unlimited.’
Having celebrated his 81st birthday in 2023, Rachins is far from retired – proving that age is truly just a number in Hollywood! That same year, he guest-starred in an episode of ‘NCIS’ and also appeared in ‘The Light Above.’ He credits his role on ‘Dharma & Greg’ for preventing him from being typecast after his serious lawyer role in ‘L.A. Law.’ He told New Jersey Stage, “That’s one of the great things about ‘Dharma & Greg,’ it really allowed me to do something different.” His philosophy is wonderfully pragmatic: “You just do the next thing that comes along and do the best with it you can and see what happens. It’s a crapshoot and you can’t really exert control.”
5. Joel Murray (Peter Cavanaugh)
Who could forget Joel Murray as Pete Cavanaugh, Greg’s somewhat inept lawyer friend and coworker at the Justice Department? Pete brought a different flavor of humor to the show, and his brief, chaotic marriage to Dharma’s best friend, Jane, was a memorable subplot. Fun fact: Joel is also the brother of the famous Bill Murray, so comedy definitely runs in the family! Prior to his time on ‘Dharma & Greg,’ he starred as Ray Litvak in ‘Love & War’ from 1992-1995 and made guest appearances in other beloved sitcoms like ‘The Nanny,’ ‘The Drew Carey Show,’ and ‘Blossom.’ He even made his directorial debut on an episode of ‘Dharma & Greg’ itself!
After ‘Dharma & Greg’ concluded, Murray’s career remained incredibly active and diverse. He snagged a regular role as Danny Fitzsimmons in ‘Still Standing’ from 2003-2006, and later appeared in other hit shows like ‘Shameless’ and ‘Two and a Half Men.’ His skills behind the camera also continued to flourish, as he directed episodes of other Chuck Lorre productions like ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ ‘Mike & Molly,’ and ‘2 Broke Girls.’ It seems once you’re in the Lorre-verse, you’re in for good!
However, one of Murray’s most high-profile and memorable roles since his ‘Dharma’ days was on the critically acclaimed drama ‘Mad Men.’ He played Freddy Rumsen, a Sterling Cooper copywriter who, in a truly unforgettable scene, got drunk, wet himself, and passed out in the office. Talk about a dramatic turn! More recently, he had a recurring role as local businessman Eddie Earl in the Starz pro-wrestling drama ‘Heels’ and appeared in the 2023 movie ‘Merry Good Enough.’
Beyond his scripted work, Murray has passionately returned to his improv roots. He tours with ‘Whose Live Anyway,’ alongside other ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ alums like Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops. For him, improv is truly his preferred style of comedy. He hilariously told The Standard Times, “It’s the lazy actor’s way. You don’t have to memorize any lines.” He loves the thrill of it, adding, “It’s pretty amazing to tell people: ‘Well, I’m going to do a show tonight for 2,000 people and I’ve got nothing prepared… I’m going to have a belt of Scotch, and go on stage and do 90 minutes.'” It’s clear he’s still living for the laugh!
And here’s a sweet tidbit that warms our nostalgic hearts: Joel Murray has maintained close friendships with his ‘Dharma & Greg’ co-stars, especially Shae D’lyn. In fact, Shae D’lyn confirmed that “The whole cast, we still meet up, have lunch, and we go to Susan Sullivan’s house, hang out in her beautiful environment, and keep in touch with each other.” It truly sounds like the ‘Dharma & Greg’ family is still thriving, proving that some on-screen chemistry translates to real-life bonds that stand the test of time!
6. Mitchell Ryan (Edward Montgomery)
Oh, and let’s not forget the perfectly poised (and sometimes hilariously rigid) Edward Montgomery, Greg’s affluent, conservative father! Mitchell Ryan brought such a distinct gravitas to the role, even though he was probably best known for playing some seriously tough guys and even villains on screen. Who knew this veteran actor, with a filmography that could fill a library, would deliver some of his most memorable laughs as the patriarch of the Montgomery clan?
Before becoming the quintessential ‘Dharma & Greg’ father figure, Ryan had an absolutely storied Hollywood career spanning over 130 screen credits, dating all the way back to the late 1950s! He carved out a wide swath through television history from the 60s to the 90s, often playing a guest-star. You might remember him most vividly as the memorable villain General Peter McAllister in the 1987 buddy-cop classic “Lethal Weapon.” So, his turn to sitcom comedy as Edward was quite the delightful surprise, showcasing a versatility that truly defied expectations.
Funnily enough, his role as Edward Montgomery on ‘Dharma & Greg’ actually turned out to be his longest-running gig! After the show wrapped, he guest-starred in a couple more fantastic series like “The West Wing” and “The Drew Carey Show” in 2004, but then pretty much eased into a well-deserved retirement from acting. He once charmingly recounted to Running Wild Films that ‘Dharma & Greg’ was not only “the most lucrative” but also “easiest acting job he’d ever held.” Talk about a dream gig!
He painted such a vivid picture of a sitcom work week, revealing the magic behind the scenes: “Three funny, marvelously written scenes, which you can do in a half an hour, and that’s it,” he explained. He detailed the rhythm: “You would go in on Tuesday, rewrites on Wednesday, run-throughs on Thursday, and shoot it on Friday for a live audience.” It sounds like a wonderfully efficient and creatively fulfilling process! Sadly, we said goodbye to this Hollywood legend in 2022 when he passed away at the age of 88 from congestive heart failure.
7. Susan Sullivan (Kitty Montgomery)
And what’s a conservative patriarch without his equally fabulous, yet often clashing, matriarch? Enter Susan Sullivan as Kitty Montgomery, Greg’s sophisticated and, let’s be honest, sometimes a *tad* overbearing mother! She perfected the art of the subtle eye-roll and the perfectly timed judgmental glance, always a comedic highlight when facing off against Dharma’s free spirit. Before ‘Dharma & Greg,’ Sullivan was already a household name, making waves in primetime soap operas and even gracing Broadway stages.
Indeed, Susan Sullivan had an impressively long and varied acting career long before she became Kitty. Her journey began on stage, even starring opposite Dustin Hoffman in Broadway’s ‘Jimmy Shine,’ before she found wider fame as the kind-hearted Maggie on the iconic primetime soap “Falcon Crest.” Her ability to command both dramatic and comedic roles made her a true gem, setting the stage for her incredible performance in ‘Dharma & Greg.’ She really knew how to deliver a line with perfect comedic timing!
After ‘Dharma & Greg’ wrapped up its delightful run in 2002, Susan Sullivan absolutely kept up her fantastic pace! She guest-starred in a whole host of series, from the legal drama “Judging Amy” to the always-funny “The Drew Carey Show.” But for many, her next major, long-running hit was her role as Martha Rodgers in the beloved whodunit series “Castle,” where she played the wonderfully theatrical mother of Nathan Fillion’s titular detective. She also popped up in “Last Man Standing,” “Big Hero Six: The Series,” and “The Kominsky Method,” proving her enduring appeal.
More recently, she’s continued to grace our screens in projects like “Smartphone Theatre” (2021-23) and the movie “The Grotto” (2022). But here’s something truly inspiring: in early 2024, Sullivan openly shared with People magazine her journey through lung cancer surgery after discovering a swollen lymph node. She bravely explained that the surgery was more extensive than she anticipated, as they took out “the whole upper part of my lung” to ensure complete removal of any potential for recurrence. We’re absolutely thrilled to report that “the cancer is completely gone. I am cancer-free,” she declared, calling it “an enormous blessing.” What an incredible display of strength and resilience!
8. Yeardley Smith (Marlene)
Alright, let’s talk about a voice you absolutely know, even if you didn’t always see the face! Yeardley Smith made a memorable impression as Marlene, Greg’s legal secretary. She was that perfectly incompetent, often hostile, and always hilarious office worker who somehow managed to stick around for 17 episodes. Her dry delivery and unique cadence were unmistakable, adding another layer of comedic genius to the Justice Department scenes.
But here’s the kicker, and many of you might have already guessed it: if you closed your eyes while Marlene was talking, you would instantly recognize that voice! That’s because Yeardley Smith is none other than the iconic voice of Lisa Simpson on Fox’s legendary animated comedy “The Simpsons”! She’s been bringing Homer and Marge’s brilliantly intelligent middle child to life since 1989, a role that has propelled her into the history books as part of the longest-running primetime scripted series ever. How cool is that?!
Beyond her groundbreaking voice work, Smith has continued to impress with a robust live-action career since her ‘Dharma & Greg’ days. She’s graced a fantastic array of TV series, showcasing her versatile acting chops. You might have seen her in “Dead Like Me,” “Mad Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “Revenge,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” and even a reunion with some familiar faces on “Mom,” among others. Her ability to seamlessly transition between animation and live-action, comedy and drama, is truly remarkable!
And if you thought voicing an eternal 8-year-old and starring in countless live-action roles was enough, think again! Yeardley Smith is still setting her sights high. In an interview with Shondaland, she revealed a truly impressive ambition: “I always thought, in my plan for world domination, wouldn’t it be great to be an EGOT? That would be awesome.” Yes, she’s aiming for the coveted Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony! With her incredible talent and dedication, we wouldn’t put it past her to achieve that ultimate show business grand slam!
9. Kathryn Joosten (Claire)
Last, but certainly not least, let’s shine a light on the incredible Kathryn Joosten, who graced ‘Dharma & Greg’ with her presence as Claire, a woman who worked in Dharma’s quirky co-op. Appearing in seven episodes across the third and fourth seasons, Joosten was one of those fantastic character actors who could steal a scene with just a look or a perfectly delivered line. She brought a wonderful sense of grounded reality to Dharma’s often outlandish world.
What’s truly remarkable about Joosten’s story is that she was a bit of a “late bloomer” in Hollywood, moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting in 1995 while in her 50s, after honing her craft in Chicago theater. Talk about inspiring! Before ‘Dharma & Greg,’ she had already made a significant name for herself, most notably as the no-nonsense Dolores Landingham, President Josiah Bartlet’s secretary on the critically acclaimed drama “The West Wing.” Her journey proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams!
Following her time on ‘Dharma & Greg,’ Joosten continued her prolific career, popping up in numerous TV series as a beloved guest star. However, she achieved even greater, truly iconic success when she was cast as the nosy, but ultimately lovable, neighbor Karen McCluskey on the massive ABC hit “Desperate Housewives.” This role cemented her status as a fan favorite and earned her well-deserved critical acclaim, showcasing her incredible ability to blend comedy, sass, and deep emotional resonance.
It’s truly heartbreaking to recall that when Kathryn Joosten passed away from lung cancer in 2012 at the age of 72, her character, Karen McCluskey, had also been diagnosed with cancer, with Karen’s onscreen death occurring mere weeks before Joosten’s own. It was a poignant and bittersweet parallel that deeply affected viewers. Despite her late start, Joosten’s talent was undeniable, earning her two Emmys for her work on “Desperate Housewives.” She beautifully reflected on her path, saying, “I didn’t start out saying, ‘Gee, I think I’ll try to win an Emmy.’ I just kept aiming down the path that seemed to shine before me.” What a legacy of talent and resilience!
**The Enduring Magic of ‘Dharma & Greg’: A Family Forever!**
Wow, what a journey! From free-spirited yoga instructors to buttoned-up lawyers, and their delightfully eccentric families and friends, the cast of ‘Dharma & Greg’ truly created something special. It’s incredible to see how these talented actors have continued to captivate us, whether it’s through zombie apocalypses, intense procedural dramas, iconic animated characters, or even bravely battling illness. Their careers, much like Dharma and Greg’s relationship, prove that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that sometimes, the most opposite paths can lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
But perhaps the most heartwarming revelation from our trip down memory lane is the incredible, enduring bond shared by this cast. It’s not just about the hit shows and awards; it’s about the real-life friendships and the “family” they became, still meeting up and supporting each other years later. It truly speaks volumes about the wonderful environment Chuck Lorre and Dottie Dartland Zicklin fostered on set. ‘Dharma & Greg’ may have wrapped up its run two decades ago, but its legacy of laughter, love, and lasting connections continues to shine bright. Here’s to the magic that happens when opposites attract, both on and off-screen!
