“Becker,” the popular sitcom that aired from 1998 to 2004, revolved around the life of Dr. John Becker, a cantankerous and opinionated doctor with a small practice in The Bronx, New York. The show was well-received for its humor and the unique dynamics among its characters. Years after the show ended, fans still remember the cast fondly and often wonder what happened to the actors who brought these memorable characters to life. In this article, we’ll catch up with the cast of “Becker” and find out where they are now.
Introduction to the Cast of “Becker”
Before we delve into the current whereabouts of the “Becker” cast, let’s take a moment to remember the main characters and the actors who played them:
- Dr. John Becker – Ted Danson
- Regina “Reggie” Kostas – Terry Farrell
- Margaret Wyborn – Hattie Winston
- Jake Malinak – Alex Désert
- Bob – Saverio Guerra
- Linda – Shawnee Smith
Ted Danson as Dr. John Becker
Ted Danson portrayed the titular character, Dr. John Becker, a brilliant but irritable doctor. After “Becker” ended, Danson continued to have a successful career in television. He starred in the critically acclaimed drama “Damages” alongside Glenn Close and later joined the cast of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” More recently, Danson has been praised for his role in the NBC comedy “The Good Place,” where he played Michael, an afterlife architect. He also appeared in “Mr. Mayor,” a comedy series by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock.
Terry Farrell as Regina “Reggie” Kostas
Terry Farrell played the role of Reggie, the owner of the diner where Becker and his friends frequently gathered. After leaving “Becker,” Farrell took a break from acting to focus on her family. She made a few guest appearances on shows like “Family Law” and “Crossing Jordan.” In recent years, Farrell has attended various science fiction conventions, connecting with fans from her time on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” where she played Jadzia Dax.
Hattie Winston as Margaret Wyborn
Hattie Winston brought to life Margaret Wyborn, Becker’s loyal and no-nonsense office manager. Post-“Becker,” Winston appeared in several TV shows, including “ER” and “The Electric Company.” She also had a role in the film “Clara’s Heart.” Winston continues to act, with her most recent work including voice acting for the animated series “The Life & Times of Tim.”
Alex Désert as Jake Malinak
Alex Désert played Jake Malinak, the blind newsstand owner and friend to Becker. After the show, Désert landed roles in TV series such as “The Flash” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” He is also a successful voice actor, contributing to animated series like “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” and “Spider-Man.” In 2020, Désert took over the role of Carl Carlson in “The Simpsons,” replacing Hank Azaria.
Saverio Guerra as Bob
Saverio Guerra portrayed Bob, the annoying yet somehow endearing super of Becker’s apartment building. Since “Becker,” Guerra has appeared in a variety of television shows, including “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Blue Bloods.” He has also had roles in films such as “Lucky You” and “Be Cool.”
Shawnee Smith as Linda
Shawnee Smith played Linda, the ditzy yet surprisingly insightful assistant in Becker’s office. After “Becker,” Smith became well-known for her role in the “Saw” horror film franchise. She also starred in the sitcom “Anger Management” with Charlie Sheen. Smith continues to act and has also pursued a music career with her band, Smith & Pyle.
Summary Table of “Becker” Cast Whereabouts
| Actor | Character | Post-“Becker” Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ted Danson | Dr. John Becker | “Damages,” “CSI,” “The Good Place,” “Mr. Mayor” |
| Terry Farrell | Regina “Reggie” Kostas | Guest appearances, science fiction conventions |
| Hattie Winston | Margaret Wyborn | “ER,” “The Electric Company,” voice acting |
| Alex Désert | Jake Malinak | “The Flash,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” voice acting, “The Simpsons” |
| Saverio Guerra | Bob | “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Blue Bloods,” film roles |
| Shawnee Smith | Linda | “Saw” franchise, “Anger Management,” music career |
Guest Stars and Recurring Characters
“Becker” also featured a number of guest stars and recurring characters throughout its run. Actors such as Frances Fisher, who played Dr. Elizabeth Carson, and Jorge Garcia, who had a small role, have gone on to have successful careers in film and television. Fisher has appeared in films like “Titanic” and TV series like “Resurrection,” while Garcia became widely known for his role as Hurley in “Lost.”
Impact of “Becker” on the Cast’s Careers
The success of “Becker” had a significant impact on the careers of its cast members. For many, it opened doors to new opportunities in television, film, and other creative endeavors. The show’s popularity also ensured that the actors remained recognizable figures in the entertainment industry, allowing them to maintain a connection with a dedicated fan base.
FAQs About the Cast of “Becker”
Did any of the “Becker” cast members win awards for their roles on the show?
While “Becker” was nominated for several awards during its run, none of the main cast members won individual awards for their performances on the show.
Have any of the “Becker” cast members retired from acting?
As of the latest information available, all the main cast members are still active in the entertainment industry, whether through acting, voice work, or other creative projects.
Did the cast of “Becker” ever reunite for a special or project?
There has not been an official “Becker” reunion special or project involving the entire main cast. However, individual cast members have occasionally crossed paths in other professional settings.
Are any of the “Becker” cast members involved in social media?
Some cast members, like Ted Danson and Shawnee Smith, are active on social media platforms and often engage with fans about their current projects and past roles, including their time on “Becker.”
Has “Becker” had any cultural impact since it ended?
“Becker” is remembered for its unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as its portrayal of a grumpy yet caring doctor. It has maintained a cult following and is often cited for its influence on medical dramedies that followed.
Conclusion
The cast of “Becker” has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry since the show’s conclusion. From Ted Danson’s award-winning performances to Shawnee Smith’s musical pursuits, each actor has carved out a unique path post-“Becker.” While the show itself remains a beloved part of television history, the actors who brought its characters to life have ensured that their talents continue to be recognized and appreciated in various forms of media. Whether through on-screen roles, voice acting, or personal projects, the cast of “Becker” has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
