Then/Now: The Cast of 'Life Goes On'

The Thatcher family tugged on America’s heartstrings from 1989 to 1993, earning much critical acclaim.  What's the cast doing now? Let's take a look!

Smitrovich was cast in ‘Life Goes On’ as construction worker-turned-restaurateur Drew Thatcher, father of three. Before that, the actor worked extensively in theater before landing his first prominent TV role in the 1980s series ‘Crime Story.’ 

Since the show, Smitrovich has worked to raise public sensitivity toward Down Syndrome, and has hosted the annual ‘Life Goes On Celebrity Golf Classic’ for the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.  TV credits include recurring roles on ‘The Practice’ and ‘Millennium.’ His many films include ‘Independence Day,’ ‘Ghosts of Mississippi,’ ‘Air Force One’ and ‘Seven Pounds.’ Next up is 2010 film ‘The Rum Diary.’  Now 62, he is married with two children.

LuPone was best known for her Tony-award winning performances as Eva Peron in the1979 musical ‘Evita,’ Rose in ‘Gypsy’ and Fantine in the original London cast of ‘Les Miserables’ before her role as Thatcher matriarch Libby.  Other pre-‘Life Goes On’ roles included the film ‘Driving Miss Daisy.’

After the show, LuPone went on to appear on the series ‘Frasier,’ ‘Law and Order,’ ‘Oz,’ and more recently ‘Ugly Betty’ and ’30 Rock.’ The theater legend, 60, has continued her stage work as well, appearing in ‘Sweeney Todd,’ and a 2008 revival of ‘Gypsy’ among other shows.  The actress, now 60, is reportedly at work on a memoir, slated for 2010. She is married with one son.  (REUTERS)

'Life Goes On' was the first television series to have a major character with Down Syndrome. Burke was cast as son Charles “Corky” Thatcher after appearing in 1987 TV movie ‘Desperate.’ ‘Life Goes On’ was created around the disabled actor after ABC execs saw him in the television special.

After ‘Life Goes On,’ Burke made several appearances on ‘Touched by an Angel.’ Other TV credits include ‘The Division’ and ‘E.R.,’ and he appeared in the 2003 movie ‘Mona Lisa Smile.’ The actor, now 44, is an ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society and a spokesperson for National Down Syndrome Congress.  Burke co-directed and starred in the documentary ‘White Water Buddies’ this year, and is currently embracing his musical side, touring the U.S. with his folk band.

As a child, Martin won a guest spot in ‘Father Murphy’ in 1981 through her aunt, who was a nanny for Michael Landon. She was nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of gifted daughter Becca Thatcher on ‘Life Goes On.’

Now 31, Martin is married to her college sweetheart and had her first child this year.  After the show, she got her own series, ‘Christy’ on CBS, and then went on to a role on ‘E.R.’ (and won a SAG award for it) but left to finish her studies at Yale.  Among her many TV movie credits are ‘The Face on the Milk Carton,’ ‘A Friend to Die For,’ and ‘Live Once, Die Twice.’ Recent roles include episodes of ‘Ghost Whisperer’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’  (REUTERS)

Replacing Tommy Puet as Becca’s love interest, Lowe won an Emmy for his role as HIV-stricken Jesse McKenna.  Before the series, the actor, who is Rob Lowe’s brother, had ample TV and film experience, including several after school specials and TV movies including ‘Silence of the Heart.’

Since ‘Life Goes On,’ the actor has appeared in series like ‘Melrose Place’ and ‘24’ and several films, including ‘Unfaithful.’ Lowe has also directed episodes of shows including ‘Brothers & Sisters’ and ‘Bones.’  Once married to two-time Oscar winner actress Hilary Swank, Lowe welcomed a baby this year with his new girlfriend.  (REUTERS)