Our favorite films have a way of staying with us over the years. They are like old friends we can rely on again and again. It's so fun to hear the behind-the-scenes stories from the making the picture. It's even better when the cast gets together years later and reminisces.
On June 5, 2024, Whoopi Goldberg reunited the cast of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. She led the now adult kids in a rendition of "Joyful, Joyful" and "Oh Happy Day." It was an emotional day for all involved.
Ryan Toby, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Monica Calhoun, Alex Martin, David Kater, Frank Odell Howard, Dionna Nichelle, Jermaine Montell, and Tanya Tro all made beautiful music together again 30 years later. They were joined by students from New York's LaGuardia High School of Music and Arts and Performing Arts. Whoopi directed them, just like her character Deloris Van Cartier did in the film.
Whoopi mused why the movie has endured in the hearts of audiences everywhere. "Worldwide, it doesn't matter how old you are, you are the age of those kids when you see the movie," she gushed. "You're the age of them and you remember your time and you remember how happy you were that you didn't have to go to Catholic school. But then you remember how sorry you are that you didn't get to go to Catholic school and you missed out on teachers like this. So I think people just feel themselves here."
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Many of the young stars praised Whoopi for her big heart on and off screen. She organized a special ceremony for some of the high school seniors who missed their graduations because of the filming schedule. She made sure Tanya Trotter appeared in the film after not being cast in the first one. Some former cast members, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, could not be there on the big day but sent their well wishes via video.
“Working on Sister Act 2 is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me," Jennifer gushed. "I was very young, a teenager in fact. I got to work with the queen, Whoopi Goldberg. She was the kindest, coolest person to me ever. I got to hear Lauryn Hill sing every day, just right outside the trailer or right in front of my face. All of you are the best and I'm just sending lots and lots of love. I wish that I could be with you. If you guys need me in No. 3, just call me up!"
Whoopi has been vocal that Sister Act 3 is in the works. Stay tuned for more info.
In the meantime, watch this video to see the kids all grown up.