5 Shocking New Roles Of Kadeem Hardison: What 'KC Undercover's' Dad Is Doing Now In 2025

Kadeem Hardison, the iconic actor who played Craig Cooper, the undercover spy father on Disney Channel's *K.C. Undercover*, is currently experiencing one of the most exciting career resurgences of his three-decade-long career. While fans of the show remember him as the protective, yet hilarious, dad to Zendaya's K.C. Cooper, Hardison has recently landed major roles in two of the most talked-about series in modern television, proving his versatility extends far beyond family-friendly sitcoms. As of December 14, 2025, his name is back in the spotlight with announcements for highly anticipated projects set to redefine his legacy in the industry. The actor, who first achieved widespread fame as Dwayne Wayne on the classic sitcom *A Different World*, has consistently worked across film and television, but his latest projects signal a significant shift toward darker, more complex roles. From joining the star-studded cast of HBO's *Euphoria* for its third season to taking on a series regular role in a major Prime Video crime drama, Hardison is moving from the world of Disney espionage to gritty, adult storytelling. Here is a deep dive into the life, career, and stunning new ventures of the man who will always be remembered as the dad from *K.C. Undercover*.

Kadeem Hardison: Full Biography and Profile

Kadeem Hardison is an American actor, director, and producer whose career spans from the 1980s to the present day. He is the son of a renowned fashion figure and has cultivated an enduring presence in both comedy and drama.

• Full Name: Kadeem Hardison
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1965
• Age (as of 2025): 60 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Parent: Bethann Hardison (Mother, a prominent fashion model and activist)
• Spouse: Chanté Moore (Married 1997; Divorced 2000)
• Child: Sophia Hardison (Daughter, born 1997)
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): $2 Million
• Key TV Roles: Dwayne Wayne (*A Different World*), Craig Cooper (*K.C. Undercover*), Spencer (*Love Is...*), Gnarly (*Criminal*), Chuck (*The Chi*)
• Recent/Upcoming Projects: *Criminal* (Prime Video), *Euphoria* Season 3 (HBO)

From Craig Cooper to Gnarly: Kadeem Hardison's Blockbuster Career Resurgence

While Kadeem Hardison has maintained a steady acting career since his breakout role in the late 80s, his recent casting announcements have created a significant buzz, signaling a major transition into high-profile, prestige television. These new roles demonstrate a powerful shift away from the lighthearted family dynamic he perfected as Craig Cooper, the head of the undercover spy family alongside his on-screen wife Kira Cooper (Tammy Townsend) and daughter K.C. Cooper (Zendaya).

1. Joining the Gritty World of Prime Video's 'Criminal'

One of the most significant recent announcements is Hardison joining the cast of the Prime Video series *Criminal*. This show is an adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, known for its dark, interconnected crime stories. Hardison is set to be a series regular, playing a character named Gnarly. This role is a stark departure from the Disney Channel, placing him in a complex, adult-oriented drama that is expected to be a major hit for the streaming service. The series, which was announced in May 2024, is a testament to the industry's recognition of Hardison's depth as an actor.

• 20 Ways To Say Sorry In Spanish The Ultimate Guide To Apologizing Like A Native Speaker Q3phs

2. The Highly Anticipated 'Euphoria' Season 3 Role

Perhaps the most shocking and career-defining announcement came on February 14, 2025, when Kadeem Hardison was confirmed as a new cast member for the third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series, *Euphoria*. The show, which stars his former Disney co-star Zendaya, has become a cultural phenomenon known for its intense, raw portrayal of teenage life, drug addiction, and mental health struggles. While the details of his character remain tightly under wraps, his inclusion in the ensemble cast—which also includes new additions like Marshawn Lynch—positions him at the center of one of television's biggest franchises. This reunion with Zendaya, who he last worked with as her on-screen father, is a full-circle moment that fans are eagerly anticipating.

3. Continuing his Legacy on Showtime's 'The Chi'

In addition to his upcoming projects, Hardison has been actively involved in other quality television. In 2024, he was part of the new season of Showtime's drama series *The Chi*, which focuses on life in the South Side of Chicago. His involvement in this series, which addresses important social issues and features a strong ensemble cast, further solidifies his commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling. Roles like this, though perhaps less publicized than *Euphoria*, are crucial for maintaining topical authority and showing his consistent presence in the modern television landscape.

Beyond the Disney Channel: The Enduring Legacy of Dwayne Wayne

To truly understand Kadeem Hardison’s career, one must look back at the role that made him a cultural icon: Dwayne Wayne. Before he was Craig Cooper on *K.C. Undercover*, he was the fast-talking, flip-up glasses-wearing math whiz on *A Different World* (1987-1993).

• The Unstoppable Anna 7 Ways Sunil Shetty Is Dominating Bollywood And Business In 2025 Pcl08

The Cultural Impact of 'A Different World'

The role of Dwayne Wayne was groundbreaking. The show, a spin-off of *The Cosby Show*, focused on the lives of students at a fictional historically black college/university (HBCU). It tackled serious issues like racism, AIDS, and date rape, all while delivering sharp comedy. Hardison’s character, Dwayne, became a beloved figure, and his on-screen romance and eventual marriage to Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) is still considered one of television's most iconic love stories. The show’s success paved the way for future representations of Black student life and remains a benchmark for ensemble sitcoms.

The 'K.C. Undercover' Connection

Hardison’s casting in *K.C. Undercover* decades later was a deliberate choice that connected a new generation of viewers with a television legend. As Craig Cooper, he brought a veteran’s comedic timing and a comforting presence to the Disney Channel, acting as a mentor figure both on and off-screen to Zendaya. The series, which ran from 2015 to 2018, allowed him to showcase his family-friendly side, but it also cleverly alluded to his past, often playing the 'cool dad' who had his own secrets—a nod to his enduring pop culture status.

Reunions and Collaborations

The spirit of his past roles often follows him. For instance, in a memorable episode of *K.C. Undercover*, he had a reunion with his former *A Different World* co-star Jasmine Guy, who played a villainous character. These moments highlight the tight-knit community of actors he has worked with over the years. His upcoming reunion with Zendaya on *Euphoria* will undoubtedly be the most scrutinized collaboration yet, as fans watch the former on-screen father and daughter navigate a much more mature and dramatic landscape.

• The Bangerz Breakdown 5 Most Shocking Explicit Moments That Defined Miley Cyruss Transformation X4swl

What’s Next for the Veteran Actor?

Kadeem Hardison’s career trajectory in 2025 is a powerful testament to his talent and adaptability. Moving seamlessly between genres—from the comedy of *A Different World* to the family action of *K.C. Undercover*, and now to the dark drama of *Criminal* and *Euphoria*—he proves that talent transcends the labels of '80s icon' or 'Disney dad.' Fans are excited to see him take on the role of Gnarly and his mysterious part in *Euphoria* Season 3, confirming that his most compelling work may still be ahead of him.

Detail Author:

• Name : Rubye Rolfson PhD
• Username : goyette.eleanora
• Email : joberbrunner@yahoo.com
• Birthdate : 1994-12-31
• Address : 950 Nia Mall Port Christopstad, DE 53081
• Phone : 507.617.0526
• Company : Swaniawski, Towne and Parker
• Job : Head Nurse
• Bio : Voluptas dolores vitae id rem quia magni et nam. Et a et ut eligendi. Laudantium similique molestiae dolorem quisquam laudantium a ut sit. Asperiores et aut voluptate qui voluptatibus optio alias.

Socials

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/kathrynerippin
• username : kathrynerippin
• bio : Sed nesciunt autem iusto. Illo qui id eos qui culpa.
• followers : 767
• following : 1402

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@kathryne_rippin
• username : kathryne_rippin
• bio : Aliquid consequatur doloribus debitis. Quia ex eveniet et rerum.
• followers : 6007
• following : 2740

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/kathryne1452
• username : kathryne1452
• bio : Ad rem voluptatum quis quia. Pariatur magni quaerat possimus iusto voluptatem aliquam aut aut.
• followers : 3367
• following : 1371