Created by Brenda Hampton, “7th Heaven” ran from August 1996 to May 2007 and followed “Reverend Eric Camden and his wife Annie” as they “face many challenges in raising their seven children” (per IMDb).
The show began its run on The WB before moving to The CW after the network merged with UPN. It became one of the network’s biggest success stories, alongside other ‘90s TV shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Dawson’s Creek.” During its 11-season run, the family drama aired more than 240 episodes, earned 57 award nominations, and took home 24 wins.
Honestly, it doesn’t seem possible that it’s been nearly 30 years since fans first met the Camden family. Week after week, viewers watched the seven siblings grow up, experience first loves, navigate family challenges, and celebrate life’s biggest milestones. It seems like just yesterday the series was a staple on The WB, but the cast has certainly changed a lot since those early episodes first aired.
GettyStephen Collins (Eric Camden)
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GettyCollins was 48 years old when “7th Heaven” premiered in 1996. Following the show’s success, he appeared in series including “Scandal” and “The Fosters” before stepping away from acting in 2014.
Catherine Hicks (Annie Camden)
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GettyCatherine Hicks was 45 when she first brought Annie Camden to life. She continued acting after the series ended, appearing in Hallmark favorites like “A Little Daytime Drama” and “Under the Christmas Sky.”
Barry Watson (Matt Camden)
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GettyBarry Watson was 22 years old when he took on the role of oldest Camden sibling Matt. Yep, he’s stayed busy over the years with starring roles in “Date My Dad,” “Naomi,” and the Hallmark movie “A Christmas Less Traveled.”
Sarah Danielle Madison (Sarah Glass)
Sarah Danielle Madison was 28 years old when she appeared as Sarah Glass on “7th Heaven.” After the series, she continued acting with roles on shows like “90210” and “Judging Amy.”
Sadly, Madison passed away on September 27, 2014, at the age of 40. E! News reported her death was ruled as being from “natural causes,” although her mother shared that “a heart ailment may have ultimately caused her passing.”
Jessica Biel (Mary Camden)
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GettyJessica Biel was just 14 years old when “7th Heaven” premiered. Let’s be real, she’s probably the cast member whose career reached the biggest heights after the show. She went on to star in projects like “The Sinner,” “Candy,” and, more recently, “The Better Sister.”
Adam LaVorgna (Robbie Palmer)
GettyAdam LaVorgna was 18 when he first appeared as Robbie Palmer. Since then, he’s continued acting with roles in series including “Power Book II: Ghost” and “For All Mankind.”
Beverley Mitchell (Lucy Camden)
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GettyBeverley Mitchell was 15 years old when the show premiered. Since then, she’s appeared in projects like “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and co-hosted the “Catching Up with the Camdens” rewatch podcast with co-stars David Gallagher and Mackenzie Rosman. She appeared on Season 30 of “Worst Cooks in America” earlier this year.
George Stults (Kevin Kinkirk)
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GettyGeorge Stults was 23 when he joined the cast as Kevin Kinkirk. Since then, he’s appeared in projects including “The Finder,” the Hallmark movie “A Royal Queens Christmas,” and the film “12 Strong.”
David Gallagher (Simon Camden)
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GettyDavid Gallagher was only 11 years old when audiences first met Simon Camden. In addition to appearing in television and film, he’s well known for voicing Riku throughout the “Kingdom Hearts” video game series. Yep, he also co-hosts the “Catching Up with the Camdens” podcast.
Mackenzie Rosman (Ruthie Camden)
GettyMackenzie Rosman was just 6 years old when she joined the Camden family. She later starred in films including “Ghost Shark” and “The Tomb,” while also reconnecting with fans through conventions and the “Catching Up with the Camdens” podcast.
Tyler Hoechlin (Martin Brewer)
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GettyTyler Hoechlin was 15 when he joined “7th Heaven” during Season 8. It seems like every few years he lands another fan-favorite role, first on “Teen Wolf” and most recently as Clark Kent on “Superman & Lois.”
Lorenzo Brino (Sam Camden) & Nikolas Brino (David Camden)
Lorenzo Brino and Nikolas Brino were just 1 year old when they joined the cast as Sam and David Camden. After “7th Heaven” ended, they both stepped away from acting and lived a private life.
Tragically, Lorenzo passed away on March 9, 2020, at the age of 21 following a car accident in Yucaipa, California, per USA Today.
Fans Still Love Looking Back on ‘7th Heaven’
Honestly, seeing the cast then and now is a reminder of just how much time has passed. Some of the actors continued building careers in television and film, while others decided to pursue quieter lives away from Hollywood.
Let’s be real, “7th Heaven” was a huge part of growing up for an entire generation of viewers. It seems like every few years a new audience discovers the series, while longtime fans find themselves revisiting the Camden family’s biggest moments all over again. Whether someone watched from the very beginning or found the show years later, there’s no denying the cast left a lasting mark on television history.
At the time of this writing, “7th Heaven” can be streamed via Paramount+ with a subscription.
All images via Getty, unless otherwise stated.
