The Unexpected Lives Of Kate & Allie: Where Are The Actors Now In 2025?

Contents

The iconic 1980s sitcom Kate & Allie, which chronicled the lives of two divorced childhood friends sharing an apartment in New York City, remains a beloved fixture of television history, celebrated for its progressive portrayal of female friendship and single motherhood. The show’s success rested entirely on the effortless chemistry between its two leading ladies, Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James, alongside their talented on-screen children. As of late 2025, fans are often curious about what the cast is doing today, decades after the final episode aired.

The lives of the main actors have taken fascinating, and in some cases, surprisingly quiet turns since the show wrapped in 1989. While one star continues to rack up critically acclaimed film roles, another has dedicated her life almost entirely to philanthropic work, and the child actors have forged unique paths both in and out of the spotlight. This is the definitive, current update on the entire core cast of Kate & Allie.

The Core Cast: Biographies and Current Status (2025 Update)

The heart of Kate & Allie was its four main characters, whose actors have all gone on to distinctly different careers and personal lives. Here is a look at the core ensemble, their roles, and their most recent activities as of 2025.

  • Jane Curtin (Allie Lowell):
    • Born: September 6, 1947 (Age 78 in 2025)
    • Role on Kate & Allie: Allie Lowell, the more cautious and traditional of the two friends, a mother of two.
    • Known For: Original cast member of Saturday Night Live, 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Coneheads, and her Emmy-winning work on Kate & Allie.
    • Current Status: Highly active in film and television, with a critically acclaimed role in a major 2023 feature film.
  • Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle):
    • Born: August 14, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
    • Role on Kate & Allie: Kate McArdle, the free-spirited, career-focused friend, a mother of one.
    • Known For: McMillan & Wife, Kate & Allie, and her extensive work as an activist.
    • Current Status: Largely retired from acting, dedicating her time to a major philanthropic organization in Connecticut.
  • Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell):
    • Born: June 16, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
    • Role on Kate & Allie: Chip Lowell, Allie’s son.
    • Known For: A successful transition from child star to character actor, with notable dramatic roles in Oz and Criminal Minds.
    • Current Status: Continues to work steadily in film and television character roles.
  • Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle):
    • Born: April 6, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
    • Role on Kate & Allie: Emma McArdle, Kate’s daughter.
    • Known For: Kate & Allie, License to Drive, and a brief return to acting in the early 2000s.
    • Current Status: Has mostly stepped away from the entertainment industry, with a rare, notable public appearance in 2021.

Jane Curtin’s Unexpected Dramatic Turn and 2023 Film Success

Following the conclusion of Kate & Allie, Jane Curtin, who won back-to-back Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the pragmatic Allie Lowell, cemented her legacy as a television icon. Her career trajectory is a masterclass in staying relevant across different eras of comedy, from her groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live to her long-running role as Dr. Mary Albright on 3rd Rock from the Sun.

However, in recent years, Curtin has surprised audiences by taking on more dramatic and nuanced roles, showcasing a depth that many fans of her comedic work had not seen before. She received critical praise for her role opposite Melissa McCarthy in the 2018 biographical drama Can You Ever Forgive Me?, a move that highlighted her versatility as an actress.

The most recent and significant update on Jane Curtin's career is her starring role in the 2023 sci-fi comedy film Jules. In the film, Curtin stars alongside the legendary Ben Kingsley as a neighbor who discovers an alien crash-landed in her garden. The film's successful release in 2023 confirms that Curtin, now in her late 70s, remains a sought-after and highly active presence in Hollywood, consistently choosing interesting and challenging projects that defy her sitcom past. Her continued work in film and television, including other recent projects like Godmothered and The Heat, solidifies her status as one of the most successful post-sitcom actresses.

Susan Saint James’s Quiet Retirement and Powerful Activism

Unlike her co-star, Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle) made a conscious decision to step away from the demanding life of a television star. After Kate & Allie ended, Saint James largely retired from acting to focus on her family and her five children. This choice was a deliberate shift to prioritize her personal life over her long and successful Hollywood career, which included her breakthrough role on McMillan & Wife.

The most current and consistent news about Susan Saint James revolves not around a Hollywood set, but around her profound commitment to philanthropy. Saint James is a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Connecticut and has been an avid supporter of the organization since the 1970s.

Her work is far from passive. She is the namesake for the Susan Saint James Endowment Fund for Special Olympics Connecticut, which is continually supported by annual fundraising events. The most recent public activity tied to her name is the "19th Annual Susan Saint James Poker Tournament," which benefits the organization. This demonstrates that her current life is deeply rooted in advocacy, utilizing her celebrity to raise awareness and funds for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her current focus is a powerful testament to her values, proving that her greatest role is now as an activist and philanthropist.

The Child Stars: From Sitcom Kids to New Ventures

The dynamic between the two mothers was perfectly balanced by the natural performances of the children: Ari Meyers as the smart, slightly rebellious Emma McArdle, and Frederick Koehler as the goofy, lovable Chip Lowell.

Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle) - The Rare Return

Ari Meyers’ acting career largely concluded after the series, though she did appear in the film License to Drive and a few other projects. She later enrolled at Yale University, pursuing a degree in English, effectively putting her acting career on hold.

For decades, Meyers has maintained a very low public profile, making her one of the more elusive former child stars. The most recent, verifiable update on her public life occurred in June 2021 when she participated in a virtual Kate & Allie reunion event. This one-off appearance was for the charity series "Stars in the House," where she joined her former castmates to reminisce and raise money for The Actors Fund. Since this 2021 reunion, Meyers has returned to her private life, suggesting that her brief return was a special exception made out of friendship and charity, not a sign of a full-time return to acting.

Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell) - The Character Actor

Frederick Koehler is arguably the most consistent working actor of the younger cast. He successfully navigated the difficult transition from child star to adult character actor, often taking on intense, dramatic roles that are a stark contrast to the lighthearted Chip Lowell.

Koehler is widely recognized for his chilling performance as Andrew Schillinger on the HBO prison drama Oz, and he has appeared in numerous high-profile TV series, including Criminal Minds, CSI, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

His career is defined by its steady, reliable nature across genres. While specific project titles for 2024 and 2025 are not widely publicized, Koehler continues to be an active part of the Hollywood ecosystem, taking on guest roles and supporting parts in films like Death Race 2 and The Sanctuary. His longevity and ability to pivot from sitcom kid to versatile dramatic actor is a significant achievement in the entertainment industry, making him a true working professional decades after his debut.

The Enduring Legacy of Friendship

The success of Kate & Allie was built on the premise of female solidarity and the strength of friendship in the face of life's challenges, a theme that resonates just as strongly today. The enduring topical authority of the series lies in its honest, early depiction of modern family structures and the complexities of single parenthood. The show paved the way for countless other female-led ensemble comedies and remains a benchmark for smart, character-driven television.

The lives of the actors—Jane Curtin’s continued artistic evolution, Susan Saint James’s powerful philanthropic focus, and the unique paths of the child stars—reflect the multifaceted nature of life after the spotlight. Whether they are starring in a 2023 film, fundraising for a vital cause, or enjoying a life of privacy, the legacy of the Kate & Allie cast continues to be one of enduring talent and personal fulfillment.

kate and allie actors
kate and allie actors

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