The Fosters was a groundbreaking sitcom broadcast by ITV back in 1976, with the show becoming the first sitcom on British screens to feature an entirely Black cast.
The classic programme, which ran for 27 episodes between 1976 and 1977, was based on the American show Good Times, which followed a Black family living in a deprived housing project in Chicago, Illinois. The Fosters, meanwhile, focused on a family living in a council flat in south London.
The show paved the way for future shows like Desmond's, The Lenny Henry Show, No Problem! and The Real McCoy, and helped to establish Lenny Henry as a talent on British screens, serving as one of his first major roles.
During its run, alongside featuring Black identity, the show also explored issues around employment, generational conflicts and teenage relationships and identity crises.
But what happened to the show's six key characters after the show ended? Here's what you need to know…
© Alamy Stock PhotoNorman was the family patriarch
Norman Beaton
Norman played family patriarch Samuel Foster in the classic sitcom, who attempted to raise his teenage children while still respecting his roots. The Guyanese-British actor landed the role a year after he had helped establish the Black Theatre of Brixton, which continues to run to this day.
Following on from the success of The Fosters, Norman appeared in the film Black Joy, subsequently winning Film Actor of the Year from the Variety Club of Great Britain. He also managed to land major roles in the likes of Desmond's, Playing Away and The Mighty Quinn.
During his life, Norman had five children, four with his first wife and one with his second wife. He enjoyed a long-term relationship with Jane Cash, with the pair living together for many years, although they never married.
In 1994, Norman caught a flight to Guyana; however, after landing at the airport, he suffered a fatal heart attack, passing away at the age of 60.
© Getty ImagesIsabelle was a West End force
Isabelle Lucas
Isabelle played family matriarch Pearl Foster, who provided several of the show's iconic lines, while also acting as a stabilizing force whenever family arguments broke out. Isabelle, who was born in Canada, was known for her West End appearances and role in the film Miracle in Soho before landing the role of Pearl.
After the show aired, her career continued to go from strength to strength, and she appeared in EastEnders, Miss Marple and Bluebirds before she retired from the industry in 1994. The actress also had a presenting role, appearing on educational children's show You and Me during the 1980s, remaining with the show until it ended in 1992.
Isabelle sadly died at the age of 69 on 24 February 1997.
© Getty ImagesSir Lenny is now a major star
Sir Lenny Henry
Lenny was a complete unknown when he starred as Sonny Foster in The Fosters. During his time on the show, his character endured conflicts with his parents due to his independent minded nature. The show proved to be a launching point for the actor and comedian who starred in his own sketch show, The Lenny Henry Show.
Lenny has had an incredible career since then, including a stint as a BBC Radio presenter, with his show often featuring soul and electro songs. In 1985, he served as a co-founder of Comic Relief, and he served as a presenter for the charity telethon for 39 years, before stepping down in 2024.
Fans of his acting can see the stars in the likes of Chef!, Hope and Glory, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Magic Faraway Tree and The Witcher: Blood Origin.
Two years before appearing on the show, Lenny married the comedian Dawn French, and the couple remained together until 2010 when they split "amicably". The couple share an adopted daughter, Billie. Shortly after his marriage with Dawn broke down, Lenny entered into a relationship with theatre director Lisa Makin, and the pair have remained together.
The star's work has earned him plenty of awards and honours, with the comedian being knighted in 2015 for services to drama and charity. In 2022, he was awarded with a Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards.
© Getty ImagesCarmen was recently made a Dame
Dame Carmen Munroe
Dame Carmen starred in the show as Vilma, a neighbour of the Foster family, who often provided several light-hearted moments and served as a support for Pearl. Like her co-star Norman, Carmen also hails from Guyana, having lived in the UK since the 1950s. Her older sister, Daphne Steele, made history in the UK when she served in the NHS as the first-ever Black matron.
Before appearing in the show, Carmen performed on the West End, and also appeared in shows like Doctor Who, General Hospital and The Persuaders. Following the conclusion of the show, Carmen starred in the likes of Mixed Blessings, The Chain and Desmond's, which saw her reunite with her The Fosters co-star, Norman Beaton.
Carmen became an OBE in 2007 and received a Damehood in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to drama.
© Getty ImagesSharo also appeared in medical drama Angels
Sharon Rosita
Sharon made her acting debut as Shirley Foster, the teenage daughter of the family. Following the show's success, she made appearances in Angels, Storyboard and Brookside, but after exiting Brookside in 1986, she retired from acting and remained away from the public eye.
Lawrie also retired from acting
Lawrie Mark
Lawrie played the youngest member of the clan, Benjamin, with his childlike character trying to make sense of the adult world. However, like Sharon, Lawrie had a limited acting career, which consisted of credits in the likes of The Professionals, Dick Turpin, Kids and The Bill. He has since remained out of the public eye.
