It’s been over a decade since we first met the Adams-Foster family on ABC Family—back before the network rebranded to Freeform and everything went vertical on TikTok. Honestly, looking back at the 2013 pilot, it’s wild how much the landscape of TV has shifted. But the staying power of the show isn’t just about the progressive storylines or the tear-jerker moments. It’s about the cast.
The stars of The Fosters didn't just fade into the background when the show wrapped in 2018. They actually became some of the most consistent working actors in Hollywood.
Some stayed in the "family" with the Good Trouble spinoff. Others jumped into massive franchises or took the indie film route. If you’re wondering why Callie looks so familiar in that new prestige drama or why Brandon is suddenly scoring films, you aren't alone. They're everywhere.
The Evolution of Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez
Callie and Mariana were the heartbeat of the show. It's basically impossible to talk about the stars of The Fosters without starting with the sisters who anchored the entire narrative.
Maia Mitchell, the Australian native who played Callie, spent years portraying the foster system's complexities with a kind of raw, quiet intensity. When The Fosters ended, she moved straight into Good Trouble. But then, she did something most actors are terrified to do: she walked away. In 2022, Maia announced she was leaving the spinoff to head back to Australia to be with her family. It was a huge shock to the fandom. Since then, she’s been picky. You might have seen her in The Artful Dodger on Hulu/Disney+, where she plays Lady Belle Fox. It’s a total 180 from the hoodies and angst of Callie Adams-Foster. She’s leaning into period pieces and more mature, international roles.
Then there’s Cierra Ramirez. Cierra is a powerhouse. Not only did she lead Good Trouble for five seasons as Mariana, but she also leaned heavily into her music career and executive producing. She’s been vocal about the importance of Latina representation behind the camera, not just in front of it. While many child stars struggle to transition, Cierra managed to grow Mariana from a boy-crazy teen into a tech-savvy executive without it feeling forced.
The Moms: Teri Polo and Sherri Saum
The foundation of the show was Stef and Lena. Period.
Teri Polo was already a household name because of Meet the Parents, but Stef Adams-Foster gave her a different kind of legacy. Since the show ended, Teri has been a staple on network television. She had a significant run on NCIS as Vivian Kolchak and appeared in the short-lived but beloved ballet drama The Big Leap. Honestly, Teri brings a specific kind of "tough-but-vulnerable" energy to everything she does.
Sherri Saum, who played Lena, has stayed just as busy. She’s appeared in Locke & Key, Grey’s Anatomy, and Power Book II: Ghost. What’s interesting about Sherri is how she moves between genres. One minute she’s in a supernatural Netflix show, the next she’s in a gritty crime drama. She and Teri still post photos together occasionally, which sends the fandom into a tailspin every single time. Their chemistry wasn't just for the cameras; they genuinely seem to respect each other's craft.
What Happened to the Foster Brothers?
The boys of the house have had perhaps the most diverse post-show careers.
- David Lambert (Brandon): David was the musical soul of the show. After playing Brandon for five seasons, he’s stayed a bit more low-key than his costars. He’s done some indie work and focused a lot on his own musical pursuits. He hasn't chased the blockbuster dragon as hard as some others, which feels very "Brandon" of him, actually.
- Noah Centineo (Jesus #2): Okay, we have to talk about the "Noah Effect." Noah took over the role of Jesus from Jake T. Austin in Season 3, and the rest is history. He became the internet’s boyfriend almost overnight thanks to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. He’s since moved into the big leagues with Black Adam and his own Netflix CIA series, The Recruit. He’s arguably the biggest commercial "star" to come out of the main cast.
- Hayden Byerly (Jude): Watching Hayden grow up on screen was one of the most moving parts of the series. Jude’s "coming out" storyline remains a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in teen media. Hayden has continued to act, appearing in The 11th Step and doing voice work, but he’s also used his platform for heavy advocacy, working closely with organizations like GLAAD.
The Curious Case of Jake T. Austin
People still ask: what really happened with the original Jesus? Jake T. Austin was a huge draw for the show initially because of his Wizards of Waverly Place fame. When he left after Season 2, the rumors were flying.
Was it "creative differences"? Was he unhappy with his screentime? Jake eventually cleared the air on Twitter (now X), basically saying he wanted to pursue roles with more substance and didn't want to be held back by a long-term contract that limited his growth. Since leaving, his career has been a bit quieter. He did Dancing with the Stars and some voice acting for The Emoji Movie and Justice League vs. Teen Titans. He’s recently been involved in the Wizards reboot conversations, showing he's still connected to his Disney roots.
A Quick Look at the Supporting Cast Success
It wasn't just the main family. The stars of The Fosters also include the recurring actors who used the show as a total springboard.
- Jordan Rodrigues (Mat): He went from being Mariana's boyfriend to starring in Lady Bird and National Treasure: Edge of History.
- Tom Williamson (AJ): He’s been working steadily in shows like Grey's Anatomy and The Goldbergs.
- Bailee Madison (Sophia): Already a star before the show, she’s since led the Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin reboot.
Why This Cast Remained Relevant
Most teen dramas have a "burnout" phase. The actors get tired of the same tropes and disappear. But the stars of The Fosters were different because the show dealt with heavy, grounded reality. They weren't playing caricatures; they were playing kids in the system, parents dealing with police brutality, and teenagers navigating identity.
That kind of material prepares an actor for anything.
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When you look at the career trajectory of someone like Elliot Fletcher (Aaron), who became a vital voice for trans representation on TV, you see the show's lasting impact. Elliot went on to Shameless and Y: The Last Man, continuing to choose roles that push boundaries.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you’re looking to follow the cast today, social media is your best bet, but don't expect them all to be in the same place.
- For the "Boreana" shippers: Follow Cierra Ramirez on Instagram. She’s the most active and often shares throwbacks or reunions with David Lambert.
- For prestige TV lovers: Keep an eye on Maia Mitchell’s IMDb. She’s moving into the "serious actress" lane very quickly.
- For the nostalgics: Freeform still marathons the show occasionally, but Disney+ and Hulu are the permanent homes for all five seasons.
The stars of The Fosters proved that a "family show" doesn't have to be a career dead-end. It can be a launchpad. They’ve managed to avoid the typical "child star" pitfalls, largely by leaning into the same authenticity that made the show a hit in the first place.
Your Next Steps for Following the Cast
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To stay truly up to date with the Adams-Foster crew, start by checking out the final season of Good Trouble, which features several cameos from the original cast that wrap up their character arcs beautifully. If you've missed the transition, watch Noah Centineo’s interviews regarding his time on the show; he’s often surprisingly candid about how the "Jesus replacement" drama actually felt from the inside. Lastly, subscribe to the "Keep it Real" podcasts or social channels often frequented by Cierra and Maia—they are the most likely to drop news about potential future reunions.