In The Heat Of The Night: Where Are The Cast Members Now?

The popular 1980s television series "In the Heat of the Night" was a groundbreaking show that tackled tough social issues and brought attention to the struggles faced by African Americans in the rural South. The show, which aired from 1988 to 1995, starred Carroll O'Connor as Sheriff Will McGee and Howard Rollins as Detective Virgil Tibbs, and it remains a beloved and iconic part of American television history.

Since its conclusion, the cast members of "In the Heat of the Night" have pursued a variety of projects, both in front of and behind the camera. In this article, we'll take a look at what the cast members have been up to since the show ended, and explore some of the interesting projects and achievements they've had.

The Actors' Careers

Carroll O'Connor, who played the lovable and authoritative Sheriff Will McGee, had a long and distinguished career in television before and after "In the Heat of the Night". After the show ended, O'Connor appeared in a number of guest roles on popular series such as "Law & Order" and "Picket Fences", and he also made several guest appearances on TV movies.

Carroll O'Connor's Notable Roles

• In & Out (1997) - O'Connor played a supporting role in this comedy film about a high school basketball coach.
• Slings & Arrows (2003-2006) - O'Connor had a recurring role on this Canadian television series, which was set in a small town and followed the lives of the theater community.
• House M.D. (2008) - O'Connor guest-starred in an episode of this popular medical drama series.

Howard Rollins, who played the intelligent and independent Detective Virgil Tibbs, has also had a successful career in television and film. After "In the Heat of the Night" ended, Rollins appeared in a number of guest roles on series such as "Law & Order" and "The Practice", and he also made appearances on TV movies.

Howard Rollins' Notable Roles

• Harvest (1996) - Rollins starred in this TV movie about a group of teenagers who get involved in a small-town mystery.
• Sleepy Hollow (1999) - Rollins had a recurring role on this popular series, which was based on the classic Washington Irving story.
• Chicago Hope (2001) - Rollins guest-starred in an episode of this medical drama series.

Glynn Turman, who played the younger Deputy Al Powell, has also continued to work in television and film. After "In the Heat of the Night" ended, Turman appeared in a number of guest roles on series such as "Law & Order" and "The Practice", and he also made appearances on TV movies.

Glynn Turman's Notable Roles

• Miami Vice (1985) - Turman had a guest role on this popular series, which was set in Miami and followed the lives of two detectives.
• Do the Right Thing (1989) - Turman played a supporting role in this critically-acclaimed film about a group of people living in a Brooklyn neighborhood.
• Apollo 13 (1995) - Turman had a supporting role in this disaster film, which was based on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission.

Lionel Mark Smith, who played the original Detective Virgil Tibbs, also continued to work in television and film after "In the Heat of the Night" ended. Smith appeared in a number of guest roles on series such as "Law & Order" and "The Practice", and he also made appearances on TV movies.

Lionel Mark Smith's Notable Roles

• Oz (1998) - Smith had a recurring role on this critically-acclaimed series, which was set in a maximum-security prison.
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2002) - Smith guest-starred in an episode of this popular series.
• Judging Amy (2002) - Smith had a recurring role on this popular series, which followed the life of a judge.

The Impact of the Show

"In the Heat of the Night" was a groundbreaking show that tackled tough social issues and brought attention to the struggles faced by African Americans in the rural South. The show was set in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi, and it followed the lives of the town's African American police officer, Virgil Tibbs, and the white sheriff, Will McGee.

The Show's Themes

• Racial Tension - The show tackled the issue of racial tension in small-town America, and explored the difficulties faced by African Americans in the rural South.
• Crime and Punishment - The show often dealt with crime and punishment, and explored the consequences of violence and racism in the community.
• Small-Town Life - The show was set in a small town, and it explored the complexities of small-town life, including the relationships between residents and the challenges faced by the local police department.

The Legacy of the Show

"In the Heat of the Night" remains a beloved and iconic part of American television history, and its impact can still be felt today. The show's success paved the way for other African American-led series, and it helped to bring attention to the struggles faced by African Americans in the rural South.

The Show's Influence

• The Wire (2002-2008) - The show was an influence on this critically-acclaimed series, which explored the complexities of urban life and the challenges faced by law enforcement in the inner city.
• The Shield (2002-2008) - The show was also an influence on this popular series,