Carl Lumbly

as Donald Thornton

Dulé Hill

as Young Donald

Victoria Dillard

as Taas

Kimberly Elise

as Jeanette

Shelley Robertson

as Donna

Monique Coleman

as Young Donna

Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly

as Young Jeanette

Rosalyn Coleman

as Yvonne

Jameelah Nuriddin

as Young Yvonne

Monica Calhoun

as Linda

Malaika Jabali

as Young Linda

Erika L. Heard

as Rita

Kiara Tucker

as Young Rita

Denice Sealy

as Betty

Lynne Moody

as Kathryn

April Turner

as Yvette

Robin Michelle McClamb

as Joy

Saycon Sengbloh

as Kimberly

Lou Criscuolo

as Vince Calabretta

General Fermon Judd Jr.

as Earl

Joanne Pankow

as Miss Wainbright

Tyhm Kennedy

as Laborer #1

Richard K. Olsen

as Loan Officer

Suellen Yates

as Teacher #1

Tammy Arnold

as Teacher #2

Gray Sibley

as Truant Officer

Charlie Lucas

as Stage Manager

Granoldo Frazier

as Master of Ceremonies

William Flaman

as Record Producer

Ruth Reid

as Counselor