Years after the BET drama “Being Mary Jane” aired its final episode, the life lessons shared through the lens of Mary Jane Paul still resonate. From major professional breakthroughs to heartbreaking moments in her love life, Mary Jane took us all on an emotional roller coaster. While the show’s 2019 series finale gave us closure, the talented cast has been anything but quiet since then. Here is a look at where the stars of “Being Mary Jane” are in 2026!
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Margaret Avery – “Helen Patterson”
As the matriarch of the family, Helen Patterson was a sharp, assertive figure, often at odds with her daughter Mary Jane and granddaughter Niecy. While deeply loving her family, Helen carried long-held secrets, including an affair that threatened her marriage to Paul Sr.
Off screen, the Oscar-nominated Margaret Avery remains active, most recently starring as Florence in Netflix comedy series “A Man on the Inside.”
Richard Roundtree – “Paul Patterson”
The gentle-hearted patriarch, Paul Patterson Sr., served as a moral anchor for Mary Jane, offering wisdom and guidance as she navigated her chaotic professional and personal life. His character navigated challenging moments during retirement and his marriage, all while facing serious health issues. The trailblazing star who helped define an era of Black cinema, died in October 2023 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Richard Brooks – “Patrick Patterson”
People always talk about how the elder siblings have it the hardest, but it seems like life kept throwing jabs at Patrick Patterson. Between his drug addiction and fatherhood storylines, he represented a strong depiction of a father trying to do his best to sustain his family and self-respect. Since the television show concluded, Brooks has remained busy, notably appearing in the 2024 film “The Waterboyz” and Season 3 of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt.”
B.J. Britt – “Paul ‘P.J.’ Patterson”
PJ, the youngest Patterson sibling, is an ambitious character who grows into a successful real estate professional in New York. Throughout the series, he balances his desire for quick success with a genuine effort to settle into being a responsible adult, all while navigating a very active dating life.
Since the show’s ending, Britt has become an acting staple of the Hallmark Channel, winning a 2025 GLAAD Media Award for his role in the film, “The Groomsmen.”
Raven Goodwin – “Niecy Patterson”
Niecy, Mary Jane’s niece, was a young mother who evolved from a dependent teenager into a self-sufficient woman focused on building her own beauty salon. Mary Jane spent years pouring into her niece, helping her grow into a stronger woman for herself and her children.
Today, Raven Goodwin is still giving us strong acting moments, having found success in television, including Lifetime’s “Single Black Female” and appearing as Merritt Tryon in the series “Grotesquerie.”
Omari Hardwick – “Andre Daniels”
Mary Jane’s first major love interest, Andre Daniels, was a successful businessman who put our girl through the emotional ringer. As if their already complicated relationship weren’t enough, Mary Jane was forced to confront the devastating truth that Andre was married with children.
Today, Omari Hardwick remains at the top of his game, recently joining the Star Trek universe in the 2025 film “Star Trek: Section 31” and receiving a 2026 Grammy nomination for his spoken word poetry album, “Pages.”
Robinne Lee – “Avery Daniels”
Avery Daniels portrayed Andre’s wife who was blindsided and devastated by his affair with Mary Jane yet refused to be a passive victim.
Robinne Lee continues to work in film and television, with notable projects such as “Superstition,” “Fifty Shade Darker,” “Fifty Shade Freed” and Netflix’s hit series “Kaleidoscope.”
Stephen Bishop – “David Paulk”
David is Mary Jane’s college sweetheart and the “one who got away,” serving as a constant, subtle reminder of the stable life she has longed for throughout the series. Their attempt of rekindling was shot down by a lost of trust involving a fertility clinic and the presence of another woman who is expecting his child.
Since the show, Stephen Bishop has remained a powerhouse on-screen, recently starring in films “Finding Tony” and “One Night Stay,” which he also executive produced.
Latarsha Rose – “Dr. Lisa Hudson”
Mary Jane’s long-time friend, Lisa, is a successful OB-GYN but carried every bit of grief with her from being molested by her stepfather throughout her early years. Her storyline was cross-functional between personal struggle and professional excellence, which forces Mary Jane to confront the “ugly truths” within their friendship.
Outside of the show, Latarsha Rose has continued her career with various roles, including in the 2025 film “Sugar Mama.”
Lisa Vidal – “Kara Lynch”
Beyond being the executive producer of Mary Jane’s news show, Kara is her best friend and professional anchor who constantly guides Mary Jane’s career. Her character is a powerful portrayal of a working mother and breadwinner, exploring the intense struggles of a demanding job alongside the personal toll of a difficult divorce.
Since the show, Lisa Vidal has remained consistent in television, making appearances in “With Love” and “Ms. Pat,” while also serving as a co-founder of the advocacy group Latinas Acting Up.
Michael Ealy – “Justin Talbot”
Justin enters the series as Mary Jane’s ambitious rival in New York, but their professional rivalry eventually turns into a deep, romantic connection. He eventually proposed to her in the series finale, offering her lifelong commitment she had been seeking throughout the series.
Michael Ealy has continued to lead major projects in television and film, including his appearance in the final season of “Power Book II: Ghost” and “Reasonable Doubt.”
Thomas Q. Jones – “Brandon ‘Cutty Buddy’ Gibson”
Brandon Gibson is the “no-strings-attached” friend with benefits who provides Mary Jane with much-needed passion and distraction between her heavy romantic situations with David and other love interests.
Since the show, Thomas Q. Jones has built a steady acting career and being a co-creator for series “Johnson” and “G.R.I.T.S.”
Gabrielle Union – “Mary Jane Paul”
Mary Jane Paul is the successful, high-profile cable news anchor who juggles the demands of her career and the complicated drama of her family and her search for meaningful partnership. Her character serves as a raw exploration of the “have it all” myth, showcasing a relatable blend of vulnerability, professional ambition, and personal sacrifice.
In 2026, Gabrielle Union continues to be a pinnacle in Hollywood, recently starring in the horror-comedy “Forbidden Fruits,” and partnering with Bayer as an advocate for menopause awareness through their “Life Doesn’t Stop for a Hot Flash” campaign.
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