From John Adams High to the Podcast Booth: The 'Boy Meets World' Cast Then & Now

It Was a Different World

For seven seasons, an entire generation of kids and teens clocked in every Friday night for ABC’s TGIF lineup, and the undeniable anchor of that block was Boy Meets World. It was more than a sitcom; it was a weekly 22-minute lesson in life, friendship, and love, guided by a core group of characters who felt less like actors and more like our own friends. We grew up alongside Cory, Topanga, and Shawn, with Mr. Feeny as the constant, guiding North Star.

The show’s magic wasn’t just in its humor, but in its earnest heart and its willingness to tackle real issues without ever feeling preachy. So, what happened when class was finally dismissed for good? Let’s grab a seat at Chubbie's and see what the gang has been up to, then and now.

Ben Savage as Cory Matthews: The Every-Boy We Grew Up With

THEN: Cory Matthews was us. He was neurotic, baseball-obsessed, and perpetually convinced he was average, yet he was the center of this universe for a reason. His journey from a hyperactive sixth grader trying to understand girls to a devoted husband and teacher was the show's entire thesis. Ben Savage’s comedic timing was impeccable, perfectly capturing the awkwardness of adolescence. His relationship with Shawn was the gold standard of TV bromances, a bond that transcended their different backgrounds. And his epic, decade-spanning love story with Topanga taught a generation that true love was about partnership, growth, and finding the one person who makes you a better version of yourself. From his first C- in Feeny’s class to saying "I do," Cory was our relatable, funny, and deeply human guide through the wilderness of growing up.

NOW: After Boy Meets World wrapped, Ben Savage did something very un-Hollywood: he went to college, graduating from Stanford University in 2004 with a degree in Political Science. He continued to act, popping up in shows like Chuck, Bones, and Homeland, proving his versatility outside of the comedic world he was known for.

Of course, his most notable return to acting was reprising his most famous role in the 2014 Disney Channel sequel, Girl Meets World. Here, he seamlessly stepped into the role of a father and history teacher, now occupying the Mr. Feeny role for a new generation, including his own daughter. In a surprising turn that feels both very Cory-like and very un-Cory-like, Savage recently made a run for U.S. Congress in California. While he ultimately suspended his campaign, the move signaled a man with ambitions far beyond the soundstage—a fittingly interesting path for the boy who once just wanted to make it through middle school.

Danielle Fishel as Topanga Lawrence: From Hippie Kid to Powerhouse

THEN: Topanga Lawrence didn't just have a great name; she had one of the best character arcs in sitcom history. She started as a quirky, crimped-hair hippie kid who performed interpretive dances about peace and cleansed her aura. But she evolved into the brilliant, ambitious, and emotionally intelligent heart of the show. Danielle Fishel brought a fierce intelligence and warmth to Topanga, making her more than just "Cory's girlfriend." She was a valedictorian, a future lawyer, and the person who always knew the right thing to say. Moments like her iconic "stupid poem" scene or her bold proposal to Cory are seared into our collective memory. Topanga was the role model who taught us you could be both brainy and beautiful, principled and passionate.

NOW: Post-BMW, Danielle Fishel explored different facets of the entertainment industry. She hosted the satirical pop culture show The Dish on the Style Network, showcasing her sharp comedic wit. She also stepped behind the camera, becoming a prolific television director for Disney shows like Sydney to the Max and, most notably, several episodes of Girl Meets World.

Her biggest project today, however, brings her full circle. As a co-host of the wildly popular rewatch podcast, Pod Meets World, Fishel, alongside Rider Strong and Will Friedle (Eric Matthews), provides fans with an unprecedented look behind the curtain. She shares candid, often emotional memories of her time on set, her friendships, and the pressures of being a young star. The podcast has become the new nexus for the fandom, a therapeutic and hilarious journey back in time, solidifying Fishel’s role as one of the key custodians of the show's legacy.

Rider Strong as Shawn Hunter: The Ultimate Best Friend from the Other Side of the Tracks

THEN: If Cory was the heart of the show, Shawn Hunter was its troubled, poetic soul. With his signature floppy hair, leather jacket, and effortless cool, Shawn was the bad boy with a heart of gold. Coming from a broken home in a trailer park, his life was a stark contrast to Cory's stable suburban existence. Rider Strong gave Shawn a depth and vulnerability that made him magnetic. His search for belonging, his profound bond with Cory's family, and his on-again, off-again romance with Angela Moore were some of the show's most compelling and emotionally resonant storylines. He was the loyal best friend who would walk through fire for you, the guy who wrote poetry and wrestled with demons, making him arguably the most complex character on the show.

NOW: Like his co-stars, Rider Strong also prioritized education, graduating magna cum laude from Columbia University. He carved out a fascinating niche in the world of independent film, most famously starring in Eli Roth’s horror hit Cabin Fever. He's also an accomplished writer and director, often collaborating with his brother, Shiloh Strong. He returned to his iconic role in Girl Meets World, showing a mature Shawn who had found his path as a travel writer and photographer, eventually becoming a father figure himself. On Pod Meets World, Rider provides the analytical, filmmaker’s perspective. He breaks down scripts, directing choices, and acting techniques, offering a masterclass in television production while also sharing deeply personal stories about how the character and the show shaped his own life.

William Daniels as Mr. Feeny: The Teacher We All Wished We Had

THEN: George Feeny. The name itself is legendary. He was the teacher, the principal, the college professor, and, most importantly, the neighbor whose wisdom wafted over the backyard fence just when it was needed most. Played by the esteemed, Emmy-winning actor William Daniels, Mr. Feeny was the show's moral compass. He never gave easy answers, instead pushing his students to find them on their own. His unwavering belief in Cory, Shawn, and Topanga was the bedrock upon which they built their lives. His final, tear-jerking line in the series finale—"I love you all. Class dismissed."—is one of the most perfect endings in television history. He was the mentor we all deserved.

NOW: William Daniels was a star long before Boy Meets World, known for iconic roles like John Adams in 1776 and the voice of K.I.T.T. in Knight Rider. Now in his late 90s, he remains a beloved cultural icon. He continued to work after the show, with memorable guest roles on series like Grey's Anatomy. He reprised his role as Mr. Feeny in several powerful cameos on Girl Meets World, proving he hadn't lost an ounce of his gravitas. He's also made guest appearances on Pod Meets World, still dispensing Feeny-esque wisdom and sharing stories from his seven-decade career. William Daniels isn't just an actor; he's a living legend who gave life to a character that will inspire generations to "do good." Or, as Feeny himself might correct, to "do well."