From Usher to Ray J, These Are All the Stars Who Appeared on Moesha Over the Years

Moesha will forever be remembered as one of the best ’90s sitcoms, featuring Brandy as a high schooler who juggles all kinds of hilarious – yet complex – situations with her family and friends. This week marks the 25th anniversary of the show’s first episode, and we’ll always love it for the actors’ ability to generate constant laughs, all while the writing never shied away from crucial topics such as racism and gender inequality. But even as huge fans of the “Mo to the E to the” ’90s classic, we were still in utter shock at the incredible list of guest stars featured on the show. From Oscar winners to Grammy royalty and everything in between, the following guest stars show how much of a treasure Moesha really is.

Whether you’re a fan of the show from way back when or just starting to love it now that it’s on Netflix, swipe through to see all of the sitcom’s most renowned guest stars.

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Usher

First up on Moesha‘s all-star list of guests is Usher himself, who appeared on the show between 1997 and 1999 as Moesha’s love interest Jeremy Davis. The singer’s acting debut, he guest-starred in four episodes, and even sang “You Remind Me” to the protagonist.

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Lil' Kim

Guest-starring on the episode “Paying the Piper” in 2001, Lil’ Kim played the girlfriend of Dorian’s prison friend who tries to take some of his band’s profits. We’ll never forget the pioneering rapper’s role, even among so many other events occurring in the episode (such as a misplaced pregnancy test)

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Octavia Spencer

We still can’t get over the fact that Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer guest-starred in Moesha, but it just proves how amazing the 90s sitcom is. Appearing in the 1998 episode “Teacher,” Spencer plays the role of Gloria Eckhart, a friend of Moesha’s parents who attends a school-related function at their home. Hinting to some kind of previous relationship with Moesha’s dad Frank, Spencer is absolutely hilarious in this episode.

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Gabrielle Union

So it seems Gabrielle Union had a bit of cheerleading practice before her quintessential role in Bring It On. In 1996, Union guest-starred on Moesha‘s “Friends” episode as Ashli, the captain of the high school’s cheerleading team. Wanting Moesha to become part of the popular crew, she urges the protagonist to try out for the team. Moesha goes along with her best friend Kim, who is constantly bullied by Ashli, and is shocked when Kim makes the team and she doesn’t. In the end, Moesha is happy for Kim, sticks to her writing dreams, and all is well in the world.

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Jamie Foxx

Another Oscar-winner to add to Moesha‘s celebrity guest-star list, Jamie Foxx took the role of Hakim’s cousin Woody, a car insurance salesman with a few unusual tricks up his sleeve. Appearing in the 1996 episode “Driving Miss Moesha,” the unconventional Woody tries to sell Moesha’s family car insurance for her new Jeep Wrangler, with hilarious consequences.

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Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant‘s appearance on Moesha is one of the most incredible stories tied to the sitcom. As a budding basketball star still in high school, Bryant asked Brandy to his senior prom– and unbelievably, she said yes. Four months later, he appeared on the Moesha episode “The Whistle Blower” as a high school basketball star named Terry Hightower who asks for Moesha’s help on the SAT’s.

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LeAnn Rimes

In 1999, powerhouse singer LeAnn Rimes appeared on the Moesha episode “Ohmigod, Fanatic,” starring as herself. In the episode, MTV’s “FANatic” picks Moesha to go with best friend Kim to meet Rimes. Once there, the country singer offers wise advice to both of them.

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Mary J. Blige

We officially can’t get over how unbelievable Moesha‘s guest star list is. The queen Mary J. Blige herself appeared on the show in 1999, starring in the episode “Good Vibrations?” as herself. As the season premiere’s musical guest, Blige serenades with her voice as Moesha navigates her tough new job at Vibe Magazine.

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Bow Wow

Before he was Bow Wow, he was Lil’ Bow Wow, and one of the first times we got to see the rapper was on Moesha. Starring in the 2001 episode “That’s My Mama,” he played the role of Dorian’s little brother Ray. Wildly entertaining, the episode centers on Dorian as he attempts to babysit his rebellious siblings.

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Maya Angelou

Every time we think we’ve gotten to the top of Moesha‘s guest-star spread, we are surprised once again. The poet, writer, activist and all around legend Maya Angelou appeared on the 1999 episode “Fired Up” as herself. Moesha pulls a sneaky move to interview Dr. Angelou at Vibe Magazine’s offices, talking to her about the meaning of life, talent, recognition, and by the end, the importance of college.

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Ray J

We’ll always remember singer, rapper, and actor Ray J’s role on Moesha, and not just because he’s actually Brandy’s brother in real life! The triple threat starred in the sitcom from seasons five to six as Moesha and Myles’ long lost half-brother, Dorian. The role transforms throughout the show, too: Dorian starts off as a supposed-cousin to the siblings, but it is later revealed that he is actually Frank’s son from a secret affair. As he went on to gain notoriety for his singing career, his hilarious antics on the show are still pure gold.

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Mo'Nique

One of our favorite Moesha guest stars ever, comedian Mo’Nique played the mother of Moesha’s best friend Kim Parker. As Nikki Parker, Mo’Nique delivers a hilarious performance in the episode “It Takes Two,” which focuses on her return to high school with her daughter. As Nikki looks to receive her high school diploma and go off to college with Kim, producers soon turned the situation into a hysterical spin-off sitcom called The Parkers.

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A Tribe Called Quest

Pioneering hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest appeared on Moesha in 1996 as themselves, playing their hit single “Stressed Out” on the season two episode “A Concerted Effort: Part 1.” As Moesha wins tickets to see a music festival, all kinds of issues (and incredible musical interludes) ensue.

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Tyrese Gibson

Starring in the 2000 episode “The Player,” Tyrese Gibson plays Troy, the campus playboy. Moesha tries to set up her friend Niecy with him, but soon finds out he’s already taken… and of course all kinds of hilarious moments happen in between!

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