Where Are They Now? The Cast of 'Reba' Two Decades Later
For six seasons in the early to mid-2000s, audiences were captivated by the life and humorous struggles of Reba Hart, a single mother navigating the challenges of raising three children after her husband's unexpected departure. The show, simply titled 'Reba,' became a cherished fixture on the WB network, renowned for its sharp wit and the dynamic interactions among its ensemble cast, who seamlessly transformed into a well-oiled comedic unit. Now, as the sitcom approaches its 25th anniversary, we delve into the post-show journeys of its talented actors, many of whom have recently reunited on Reba McEntire's new series, 'Happy's Place.'
Reba McEntire, the country music icon who portrayed the resilient Reba Hart, continued her successful music career after the show's conclusion. She released several acclaimed albums, including 'Reba Duets' (2007), 'All the Women I Am' (2010), 'Love Somebody' (2015), 'Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope' (2017), and 'Stronger Than the Truth' (2019). Her television presence remained strong with guest appearances on shows like 'Better With You' and 'Baby Daddy,' and a starring role in the ABC sitcom 'Malibu Country,' which ran for one season. She also had a recurring role on CBS's 'Young Sheldon' and a main part in ABC's 'Big Sky' season 3, in addition to serving as a coach on 'The Voice' from 2023 to 2025. Currently, McEntire is the star and producer of NBC's 'Happy's Place,' where she plays a woman who inherits her late father's bar, reuniting with former 'Reba' co-star Melissa Peterman.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who played Reba's eldest daughter Cheyenne Hart-Montgomery, underwent a significant character evolution on 'Reba,' transitioning from a self-absorbed high school senior to a responsible addiction counselor and mother. After 'Reba,' Garcia Swisher maintained a busy television career, securing lead roles in series such as 'Privileged,' 'Better With You,' and 'The Astronaut Wives Club.' She also had recurring roles in popular shows like 'Gossip Girl,' 'Royal Pains,' and 'Once Upon a Time,' where she played Ariel. More recently, she starred as Maddie Townsend in the Netflix series 'Sweet Magnolias' and hosted 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' in 2023. She also made a guest appearance on 'Happy's Place' in 2026. JoAnna married baseball player Nick Swisher in 2010, and her 'Reba' co-stars McEntire and Peterman were among her bridesmaids.
Steve Howey brought to life the character of Van Montgomery, the football-loving husband of Cheyenne, who moves in with the Harts after being disowned by his family. Post-'Reba,' Howey appeared in films like 'Bride Wars' (2009) and 'Conception' (2011), and had recurring roles on 'New Girl' and 'Sons of Anarchy.' His most notable role was Kevin Ball in Showtime's 'Shameless,' a fan favorite he played for 11 seasons. Following 'Shameless,' Howey starred in the CBS drama 'True Lies,' a TV adaptation of the 1994 film. He also reunited with McEntire and Peterman on 'Happy's Place' and had recent arcs on ABC's 'High Potential' and Amazon Prime Video's 'Off Campus.' Howey was married to actress Sarah Shahi from 2009 to 2021, and they have three children.
Christopher Rich portrayed Brock Hart, Reba's ex-husband, a golf-obsessed dentist who leaves her for his assistant, Barbra Jean. Rich has consistently worked in television, with recurring roles on 'Boston Legal,' 'Desperate Housewives,' and 'Melissa & Joey,' alongside various B-movie appearances. Rich suffered a massive stroke in 2018, which affected the left side of his body. He revealed in February 2025 that his former 'Reba' castmates provided unwavering support during his recovery. This support led to his guest role on 'Happy's Place,' marking his first TV appearance in a decade. Rich has two daughters with Eva Halina Rich, whom he married in 2003, and one child from his previous marriage to Nancy Frangione.
Melissa Peterman, who played the eccentric dental assistant Barbra Jean, evolved from Reba's initial antagonist to her closest friend. After 'Reba' concluded, Peterman continued her career in television, appearing in sitcoms such as Bob Saget's 'Surviving Suburbia' and 'Rita Rocks.' She also starred in 'Working Class' with Ed Asner. Peterman notably played Bonnie Wheeler on the Freeform series 'Baby Daddy' for six seasons and had a recurring role on 'Young Sheldon,' mirroring McEntire. She reunited with McEntire in 'Reba McEntire's The Hammer' and co-stars with her again in 'Happy's Place.' Peterman also served as the main judge on the Hallmark+ reality series 'Finding Mr. Christmas.' She has been married to John Brady since 1999, and they have a son.
Scarlett Pomers played Kyra Hart, Reba's witty and pragmatic middle child, known for teasing her younger brother Jacob and brother-in-law Van. After 'Reba' ended in 2007, Pomers largely stepped away from acting, though she did appear in the short film 'What If We Kissed on the Operating Table' in 2026. She pursued a music career, leading the band SCARLETT, which released an EP titled 'Insane' in 2010.
Mitch Holleman portrayed the innocent and often oblivious youngest Hart sibling, Jacob. Since 'Reba' concluded in 2007, Holleman has taken on smaller roles in TV shows and films, including 'The Hangover' (2009), 'Shake It Up' (2010), 'Bus Driver' (2016), 'Guadalajara' (2018), and 'Give It Up' (2026). From 2019 to 2021, he co-hosted the podcast 'Extremely Internet.' Holleman married Emma Elizabeth Holleman in 2020.
The enduring appeal of 'Reba' lies not just in its humor but in the genuine connections forged among its cast. Nearly two decades later, these talented individuals continue to captivate audiences in various projects, with many returning to their sitcom roots, proving that the bond formed on the set of 'Reba' remains strong.
