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For any rap enthusiast who came of age during the ’90s, the House Party film franchise was invaluable at helping to broaden the borders of the culture. Starring east coast rap duo Kid ‘n Play, the first installment of House Party was a runaway success and included contributions from future household names. They included the likes of Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Robin Harris, John Witherspoon, and A.J. Johnson. A collegiate-themed sequel was released the following year. However, in terms of sheer musical star power, the third installment of House Party may pack the most punch.
Released in winter 1994, House Party 3 continued Kid ‘n Play’s progression into adulthood with Kid preparing to get married to his fiancee Veda, while Play remained determined to pursue his dreams in the music industry. Although some of the core cast members from the first two flicks were absent this go-round, House Party 3 does a great job compensating for these deficiencies with a mix of star power and humor.
Since 25 years have passed since the film hit theaters, REVOLT got the scoop on the most memorable cast members’ whereabouts and what they’re up to today.
1. Kid ‘n Play
The main stars of the House Party franchise, Kid ‘n Play furthered their popularity with the reprisal of their roles in the series’ third installment in 1994. After releasing their last single as a duo, “Bounce,” on the House Party 3 soundtrack, Kid ‘n Play would call it quits on the musical front. In the subsequent years, Kid enjoyed a successful acting and hosting career, while Play would devote his life to Christianity and have a stint as a professor at North Carolina Central University. Today, the duo continue to hit the stage, performing alongside other legacy acts like Salt-N-Pepa and Biz Markie across the country and abroad.
2. Bernie Mac
After igniting his career with standout appearances on “Def Comedy Jam,” Bernie Mac took a dive into the world of acting and earned his first prominent role as uncle Vester in House Party 3. Receiving positive reviews for his comedic chops, Mac quickly became omnipresent in the world of black Hollywood with roles in classic films like Above the Rim, Friday, Booty Call, B*A*P*S, and The Players Club. Eventually gaining the respect and adulation of the mainstream, Mac joined the A-list with his roles as Frank Catton in the Oceans franchise, as well as his popular FOX sitcom, “The Bernie Mac Show.” Unfortunately, on August 9, 2008, Mac passed away from complications of pneumonia. The actor was 50 years old at the time of his death.
3. Gilbert Gottfried
Gilbert Gottfried’s appearance as a luggage clerk in House Party 3 was memorable, due to it taking place at the peak of the comedian/actor’s career. Securing voiceover roles in hit films like Thumbelina, Aladdin and King of Thieves; and Dr. Doolitle, Gottfried currently hosts “Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast,” which focuses on discussions about classic movies and includes interviews with various entertainers.
4. TLC
Taking the world by storm with their multi-platinum 1992 debut, Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip, TLC made their first cameo in a film with their appearance in House Party 3. Portraying Play’s new female rap group, Sex as a Weapon, the trio’s charisma and personality was evident during their screen-time. This made their scenes among the film’s most memorable. TLC remained a force to be reckoned with following the release of House Party 3, dropping two more multi-platinum albums before disbanding prior to group member Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes’ death on April 25, 2002. In addition to their work in television and film, the remaining group members, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli,” Thomas have continued to record music as a duo with their latest effort being their self-titled album, which was released in 2017.
5. Angela Means
Before immortalizing herself in black cinema with her role as Felisha in the 1995 comedy Friday, Means made her feature film debut in the third installment of the House Party series. Portraying Kid’s love interest, Veda, Means’ performance helped jumpstart her career, leading to roles in various films and television shows. Today, Means — who’s married to Brad Kaaya Sr. and has a son, Brad Kaaya Jr., who plays quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts — runs Jackfruit Cafe, a popular eatery in Santa Monica, California that specializes in vegan soul food.
6. Immature
After their debut album, On Our Worst Behavior, kiddie R&B trio Immature infiltrated Hollywood with their appearance in House Party 3 as Kid’s mischievous nephews. The move would prove particularly fruitful for Marques Houston, who would later secure roles in various TV series, most notably as Roger Evans in the sitcom “Sister, Sister.” On the musical front, Immature would capitalize on the momentum from House Party 3 with their sophomore album, Playtyme Is Over, later that year.
The group would release four more albums before going on hiatus, returning in 2015 with their comeback album Remember. Original member Don “Half-Pint” Santos, who left the group shortly after the release of House Party 3 and was absent from Immature’s subsequent albums, stepped away from the industry and is now married. “Jerome “Romeo” Jones pursued a short-lived rap career under the name Young Rome with his last known release being his Omarion-assisted single, “Love You More,” in 2009.
As for the group’s lead singer, Marques “Batman” Houston, he has achieved the most success. He’s dropped multiple solo albums and hit singles with various screenwriting, and film-production credits to his name. This includes his most recent endeavor, ‘Til Death Do Us Part; starring Taye Diggs, Stephen Bishop, Annie Llonzeh and Malik Yoba.
7. Michael Colyar
After a plethora of small roles in various films and TV series, actor/comedian Michael Colyar turned heads with his role as shady music industry exec Showboat in House Party 3. Since that appearance, Colyar has consistently earned acting credits with his most recent roles being Everett Wilson in the 2018 film It’s a Date, as well as Willie Turner in the television show “The Rich & the Ruthless.”
8. Tisha Campbell-Martin
One of the biggest components that made the first two installments of the House Party franchise such a success was the chemistry between Christopher “Kid” Reid and Tisha Campbell-Martin. Campbell — who portrayed Sidney — Kid’s high school sweetheart and former flame, made her final appearance in House Party 3. This role came during her run as Gina Waters on the FOX sitcom “Martin” alongside fellow House Party alumni Martin Lawrence. While Campbell’s film credits have been sporadic post-House Party, she has made her presence felt on television with her award-winning role as Jay Kyle on the ABC comedy “My Wife and Kids.” She continues to rack up credits on the small screen today.
9. David Edwards
Following appearances on the FOX sketch-comedy “In Living Color,” and on MTV’s “The Real World: Los Angeles,” David Edwards popped up in House Party 3 as Stinky Martin, Play’s half-witted younger cousin. After House Party 3; Edwards appeared in Half Baked, Belly, Family Reunion: The Movie, and Scary Movie 3. He continues to perform live on the comedy circuit.