10 Stars Who Appeared on ‘Northern Exposure,’ Now 30 Years Old
If you were watching CBS in the early ’90s — or if you’ve seen a parka-wrapped DVD set for sale — you’re probably aware of Northern Exposure, which is now 30 years old.
A comedy-drama from the creators of St. Elsewhere, Northern Exposure told the story of Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), a New York City physician who is surprised to be assigned to the isolated and icy town of Cicely, Alaska. The show premiered on July 12, 1990, and aired for 110 episodes across six seasons, and it beat out Law & Order and L.A. Law to win the 1992 Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
To celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, scroll down to see 10 stars who appeared on the show, starting with Morrow and ending up with a one-off guest star who’s now a bona fide A-lister.
Rob Morrow
Morrow, who went on to star in Numb3rs, played fish-out-of-water physician Joel Fleischman, earning two Emmy nominations for the role.
John Corbett
The Sex and the City star played rebellious disc jockey Chris Stevens in the series.
Teri Polo
The Fosters and Good Trouble actress joined Northern Exposure in Season 6 as reporter Michelle Schowdowski Capra.
Anthony Edwards
Edwards, best known for his stint on ER, played environmental activist Mike Monroe on the show.
James Marsters
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel star played two characters across two episodes — a bellhop and a reverend.
Christa Miller
The Scrubs and Cougar Town alum played student filmmaker Laurie Batan in the episode “Soapy Sanderson.”
John Hawkes
The Oscar-nominated star of Winter’s Bone played a health inspector named Jason in the episode “Do the Right Thing.”
Debra Mooney
The Everwood and Grey’s Anatomy actress played Maggie’s mom, Jane O’Connell, in the installment “The Mommy’s Curse.”
Valerie Mahaffey
The Young Sheldon and Dead to Me actress became the only thespian to win an Emmy for the show after playing hypochondriac Eve in five episodes.
Regina King
The Oscar winner and Watchmen star played an imagined version of Mother Nature in the episode “Baby Blues.”
Conversation11 Comments
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G
If we are talking cameos, we shouldn’t forget Jack Black in River Doesn’t Run Through It. Also, and for me this is a biggie, Adam Ant in season 4.
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O
I watched this episode two weeks ago and it was an amazing surprise! How could I forget this?
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C
Glad to see Northern Exposure is finally getting the complete series released on DVD. Hopefully Picket Fences will be next (though like Northern Exposure, the final seasons quality dropped quite precipitously)
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M
What about Janine Turner?
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R
What about John Cullum, Cynthia Geary, Adam Arkin and Barry Corbin?
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C
Apparently, Janine Turner has been "disappeared" down the politically incorrect rabbit hole.
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R
as have John Cullum, Cynthia Geary, Adam Arkin and Barry Corbin?
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G
wish they would release to run on hulu
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G
Was Arthur/ who made Morris' s body statue/ young Brian George? Raj' s dad in BBTheory
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B
How about Kaley Cuoco from the Big Bang Theory - who played Miranda growing up.
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C
Yep. Half the country has disappeared down it. The half that votes republican.
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