# Behind the Laughter: Hidden Truths of *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* (1992)

When *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* premiered on ABC in 1992 as part of the iconic TGIF lineup, it swiftly became a ’90s favorite, delivering family-friendly humor through the antics of Mark Cooper, a former basketball star turned teacher, played by the charismatic Mark Curry.

Yet, beneath the surface of this beloved sitcom, hidden struggles and personal battles unfolded, unbeknownst to most fans. Now, the cast reveals the untold stories from behind the scenes, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that shaped the show.

Mark Curry, standing at an imposing 6’6″, brought infectious energy to the role of Cooper, drawing from his Oakland roots and stand-up comedy beginnings.

Before the show, Curry opened for legends like Whitney Houston and Richard Pryor, honing a sharp comedic style that producers initially struggled to embrace. Despite early doubts, his persistence paid off, and with a supportive team, he flourished, earning a spot among TV Guide’s top 10 most beloved stars by 1994. Off-screen, Curry’s humility shone through; he treated crew members as equals, refusing diva status, which cemented his industry respect.

However, the journey wasn’t without turbulence. Co-star Omar Gooding disclosed relentless executive producer turnovers, disrupting set dynamics and causing tension. Network decisions also stung—after four seasons, ABC cut the show to 13 episodes, relegating it to a mid-season slot before its quiet end in 1997 after five seasons. Beyond professional hurdles, Curry faced a near-fatal tragedy in 2006 when an aerosol can exploded while he did laundry, severely burning his body.

Hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma, Curry battled physical pain and deep depression, even contemplating ending his life. Support from peers like Bill Cosby and inspiration from Richard Pryor’s own burn survival story guided his recovery, though his return to comedy carried a sharper, more resilient edge.

The cast’s post-show paths varied widely. Holly Robinson Peete (Vanessa) leveraged her *21 Jump Street* fame into roles in *Chicago Fire* and co-hosting *The Talk*, while founding the HollyRod Foundation for autism and Parkinson’s support. Dawnn Lewis (Robin) diversified as a singer and voice actress in *Spider-Man* and *Inside Out*, advocating for sickle cell awareness.

Tragically, Nell Carter (P.J. Moore) battled addiction and health issues, passing away in 2003 at 54 from diabetes complications, a loss that cast a shadow over the show’s legacy.

Curry also faced personal injustices, including racial profiling at a Colorado Springs hotel, where staff harassed him despite being a guest, an incident he recorded to expose bias. Additionally, a feud with Steve Harvey over alleged stolen material highlighted industry betrayals, with Curry confronting Harvey directly at a 2017 event.

These revelations paint *Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper* not just as nostalgic fun, but as a pressure cooker of hidden pain, network pressures, and personal resilience, challenging fans to reconsider the cost of Hollywood’s laughter.