The Talented Cast Behind the Beloved Series Girl Meets World

The Talented Cast Behind Girl Meets World

Girl Meets World captivated audiences between 2014 and 2017 with its heartwarming coming-of-age story. The Disney Channel series was a sequel to the beloved 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World, following Cory and Topanga's daughter Riley as she navigates adolescence and young adulthood. One of the main reasons for Girl Meets World's success was its incredibly talented cast.

Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews

In the lead role of Riley Matthews is Rowan Blanchard. Rowan was only 11 years old when she landed the career-making part, beating out thousands of other hopeful young actors. Even at her young age, Rowan showed exceptional acting chops, effortlessly portraying Riley's complex emotions and personal growth throughout the series. She had great chemistry with the entire cast, especially Sabrina Carpenter who played her best friend Maya Hart.

In addition to acting, Rowan is involved in activism and using her platform to speak out on important causes. She advocates for human rights and equality. Rowan has built an impressive resume at a young age, and fans are excited to see what project she'll take on next.

Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart

Playing Riley's lifelong BFF Maya Hart is Sabrina Carpenter. Maya is a bold, rebellious, loyal friend who serves as a counterbalance to Riley's more cautious personality. Sabrina perfectly captured Maya's sarcastic nature, as well as her underlying vulnerability. Her quick wit and comedic timing brought Maya to life.

Like Rowan, Sabrina started acting at an early age. She got her big break playing a young Chloe Goodwin on The Goodwin Games. Sabrina is also a successful pop singer who has released several EPs and albums, showing off her impressive vocal range. Sabrina continues to act, sing, and use her platform to connect with fans and give back through charitable work.

Ben Savage as Cory Matthews

Fans were thrilled to see Ben Savage reprise his role as Cory Matthews from Boy Meets World. As a teenager, Cory was often confused and made mistakes as he came of age. In Girl Meets World, Cory plays a wise, caring father guiding his kids through adolescence. He passed down life lessons that he learned the hard way growing up, hoping to help Riley avoid the same pitfalls.

Ben Savage brought the same charm and lovability that made Cory so endearing to Boy Meets World viewers in the 90s. His nostalgic presence helped connect the two series. While fans loved seeing adult Cory's evolution, at his core he was still the same quirky, earnest guy just trying his best for his family.

Danielle Fishel as Topanga Lawrence-Matthews

Every 90s kid was thrilled to have Danielle Fishel back as Topanga Lawrence-Matthews. She reprised her role as Cory’s loyal love who started out as an eccentric genius in Boy Meets World. On Girl Meets World, Topanga is a successful attorney and dedicated mom. Danielle perfectly balanced Topanga's intelligence and drive with her warm, nurturing spirit.

Danielle's return made it feel like we really were catching up with old friends. Her chemistry and tender moments with Ben were a nostalgic treat for viewers. Topanga was a powerful lawyer, whip-smart and uncompromising, while also being a patient and protective mom - Danielle pulled off all those layers beautifully.

Peyton Meyer as Lucas Friar

In the role of Lucas Friar, the charming southern gentleman who catches Riley's eye, is Peyton Meyer. Lucas is an athletic, principled boy struggling to find his place in New York after moving from Texas. Peyton's charisma and likeability made Lucas a standout character and a great match for Riley.

Peyton showed Lucas's complexities - his strong moral compass, his struggles balancing who he is with who he wants to be. The tenderness Peyton brought to Lucas's relationship with Riley was part of the heart of the show. He continued to branch out after Girl Meets World, taking on new acting projects as well as pursuing music.

Corey Fogelmanis as Farkle Minkus

Playing the eccentric, lovable genius Farkle Minkus is Corey Fogelmanis. Farkle provides comic relief and show-stealing moments with his over-the-top, dramatic personality and bold fashion choices. But Corey also revealed Farkle's sensitive, vulnerable side beneath his dramatic exterior.

Corey's committed portrayal made Farkle so much more than a goofy character. He gave the character depth that made audiences really care about him. Since his breakout on Girl Meets World, Corey has gone on to star as a series regular on shows like Disney's Coop and Katy and Hulu's Into the Dark.

August Maturo as Auggie Matthews

Playing Riley's little brother Auggie Matthews is August Maturo. August was only 4 years old when he landed the role, but he still managed to steal every scene he was in with his irrepressible charm and comedic timing.

August perfectly captured a precocious little kid's view of the world and desire to be just as cool and grown up as his big sister. He was adorable without being cloying, bringing the right touch of humor and heart. August went on to provide his voice acting talents to animated shows after finishing his run as Auggie.

Amir Mitchell-Townes as Isaiah "Zay" Babineaux

Joining the cast in season 2 as Isaiah "Zay" Babineaux was Amir Mitchell-Townes. Zay is Lucas's friend who moves to New York from Texas. Amir portrayed Zay as smooth-talking and street smart, often acting as the hilarious hype man to Lucas's straight man.

But Amir also revealed Zay's hidden sensitivity, especially when it came to matters of family and relationships. Amir's fun, charismatic energy lit up every scene Zay appeared in. After Girl Meets World, Amir continued acting in shows like Showtime's The Affair.

Cecilia Balagot as Isadora Smackle

Playing Farkle's arch nemesis and eventual love interest Isadora Smackle is Cecilia Balagot. She portrays Smackle as an arrogant genius constantly competing with Farkle. But Cecilia also peeled back the layers to reveal Smackle’s social awkwardness and desire to connect.

Cecilia’s committed performance made Smackle so much more than a stereotypical nerd character. Her comedic timing and subtle vulnerability made Smackle endearing. Cecilia went on to land roles in Netflix's Alexa & Katie and the film Recall after her breakout as Smackle.

Niah Harmon as Nia Moseby

Appearing later in the series as Zay's smart, socially conscious girlfriend Nia Moseby is Niah Harmon. Niah portrayed Nia as a strong young woman devoted to worthy causes, though sometimes quick to jump to conclusions.

Niah gave a nuanced performance that allowed Nia to make mistakes but learn from them without compromising her principles. She provided a grounded, insightful presence in Zay's life to balance out his goofier personality. Niah continues to book roles, appearing recently in the Oscar-nominated film Selma.

Strong Writing and Acting Made the Show Memorable

Girl Meets World tapped into the nostalgia of Boy Meets World fans while introducing new audiences to its heartfelt stories. The show struck a chord thanks to its talented cast who infused realism, humor, and passion into their performances. They made us laugh, cry, and cheer alongside them on their coming-of-age journeys. Each actor brought unique skills and personalities that came together to create TV magic fans continue to cherish.

FAQs

Why did Girl Meets World end after only 3 seasons?

Despite strong ratings and reviews, the show was reportedly ended due to Disney Channel changing focus and budget cuts. The cast and creators were open to another season but ultimately Disney decided to end the show.

Will there ever be a Girl Meets World reunion or revival?

The cast remains optimistic that someday in the future they could reunite for either a one-off special or revival series. It likely depends on scheduling and getting Disney back on board. The pandemic put reunion plans on hold but the cast still hopes to make it happen.

Did Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter get along during filming?

Yes, the two young actresses became very close friends during filming, which contributed to their natural chemistry on screen. They remain good friends and regularly show support for each other's projects on social media.

Why wasn't Shawn Hunter in more episodes?

Rider Strong, who played Shawn, was unfortunately limited in how much he could appear due to his busy schedule. He was a series regular on another show during much of Girl Meets World's run. The cast expressed wanting him to be in more episodes.

Did any Boy Meets World casts date in real life?

Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel admit to having crushes on each other early on in Boy Meets World's run but they never dated. The only longterm relationship was Trina McGee and Maitland Ward who played Angela and Rachel respectively.