Feel The Rhythm! The Cool Runnings Cast: 5 Shocking Secrets And Where The Jamaican Bobsled Team Is Now In 2025
Few films capture the spirit of underdog ambition and pure heart quite like Cool Runnings. More than three decades after its 1993 release, the story of the Jamaican Bobsled Team’s unlikely journey to the Winter Olympics remains a beloved classic, inspiring generations with the mantra, "Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Rhyme, Get on Up, It's Bobsled Time!"
As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the original cast members—Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, and Malik Yoba—have been more active than ever, celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary and revealing new, behind-the-scenes secrets, including a major dispute with Disney over their accents. From new docuseries to major television roles, here is the definitive, up-to-date look at the legendary cast and the enduring legacy of the film.
The Cool Runnings Cast: Full Biography and Filmography
The core of the Jamaican bobsled team and their coach was brought to life by five unforgettable actors. Here is a quick look at the main cast and their roles in the film, which premiered in 1993 and was directed by Jon Turteltaub.
- John Candy (Irving "Irv" Blitzer):
- Role: Disgraced American bobsled champion and the team's reluctant coach.
- Born: October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.
- Died: March 4, 1994 (tragically just months after the film's release).
- Notable Works (Beyond Cool Runnings): Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Uncle Buck (1989), The Great Outdoors (1988), Home Alone (1990).
- Leon Robinson (Derice Bannock):
- Role: The determined, disciplined sprinter who initiates the bobsled team.
- Born: March 8, 1962, in New York City, New York.
- Notable Works: The Five Heartbeats (1991), Waiting to Exhale (1995), HBO’s Oz (1997), and the Amazon series Swarm (2023).
- Doug E. Doug (Sanka Coffie):
- Role: Derice’s best friend, the charismatic, nervous pushcart racer, and the heart of the team.
- Born: January 7, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York.
- Notable Works: Operation Dumbo Drop (1995), Cosby (1996-2000), and his early career as a stand-up comedian.
- Malik Yoba (Yul Brenner):
- Role: The tough, serious, and ambitious bobsledder who is determined to rise above his Jamaican poverty.
- Born: September 17, 1967, in The Bronx, New York.
- Notable Works: New York Undercover (1994-1999), Why Did I Get Married? (2007), and the TV series Empire.
- Rawle D. Lewis (Junior Bevil):
- Role: The wealthy, mild-mannered, and initially timid fourth member of the team.
- Born: March 17, 1970, in Los Angeles, California.
- Notable Works: Primarily known for Cool Runnings, he has since focused on comedy, screenwriting, and directing, including his award-winning directorial debut, Poet Heads.
The Cast Reunion, John Candy’s Legacy, and the Disney Accent Dispute
The film’s 30th anniversary in 2023 sparked a new wave of interest and a highly publicized reunion of the four bobsledders—Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba, and Rawle D. Lewis.
The actors gathered to reflect on the movie’s cultural impact and share stories from the set, bringing the film’s enduring themes of perseverance and friendship back into the spotlight.
Remembering John Candy: A "Very Sweet Man"
A central figure in the reunion discussions was the late John Candy, who passed away shortly after the film's release.
The cast members universally recalled Candy's humility and generosity, noting that his performance as Irv Blitzer added the necessary heart to the inspirational sports comedy.
In a move demonstrating his commitment to the project, John Candy reportedly took a pay cut to ensure the film could be made, solidifying his legacy as a dedicated performer.
The Disney Controversy Over Jamaican Accents
One of the most surprising and fresh revelations from the cast and director, Jon Turteltaub, concerned a behind-the-scenes dispute with Disney executives.
The director revealed that Disney initially wanted the actors to tone down or alter their authentic Jamaican accents, fearing American audiences wouldn't understand the dialogue.
The cast and director fought to keep the accents authentic, arguing that the true spirit of the Jamaican characters depended on their natural voices and cultural representation. This conflict highlights the pressure the production faced to commercialize the story.
Where Are They Now? The Cool Runnings Cast in 2025
More than three decades later, the actors who played the iconic bobsled team have continued their careers in diverse fields, from major television dramas to real estate development and directing.
Leon Robinson (Derice Bannock)
Leon Robinson, who played the disciplined leader Derice Bannock, remains highly active in Hollywood.
In his most recent work, Robinson joined the cast of Lena Waithe's acclaimed series The Chi for Season 6, Part 2, portraying the character Alonzo.
He also received critical praise for his role in the 2023 Amazon series Swarm, demonstrating his continued versatility across drama and independent film projects.
Robinson is also a musician and the frontman for the band Leon and the Peoples, showcasing his talents beyond the screen.
Malik Yoba (Yul Brenner)
Malik Yoba, known for the ambitious Yul Brenner, has expanded his career significantly into advocacy, education, and real estate development, in addition to his acting roles.
Yoba is currently focused on using his platform to empower communities through real estate and media.
His recent projects include a 10-part docuseries titled The Real Estate Mix Tape, which chronicles his journey through his first development deal in New York, highlighting the transformative power of real estate.
He also served as an executive producer on the documentary Daddy Don't Go, a project aimed at changing the stigma surrounding Black fatherhood.
Doug E. Doug (Sanka Coffie)
Doug E. Doug, the unforgettable Sanka Coffie, has continued his work as a comedian, actor, and now, an author.
The versatile actor, who began his career as a stand-up comedian at the age of 17, recently published a new book.
His book, titled The fall of '87, is described as a spiritual odyssey about a young Black man seeking peace amid turmoil in 1980s Bedford-Stuyvesant.
His ongoing presence in the entertainment world ensures the legacy of the "Jamaican Bobsled Team" continues through his creative endeavors.
Rawle D. Lewis (Junior Bevil)
Rawle D. Lewis, who played the wealthy and gentle Junior Bevil, has transitioned successfully into a multi-hyphenate career as a filmmaker and comedy writer.
In a major career highlight, his directorial debut, a hilarious mockumentary feature titled Poet Heads, won the Best Mockumentary Feature award at the Harlem International Film Festival.
Lewis's expertise in film and comedy is further recognized by his role as a juror at the 2024 Harlem International Film Festival, where he helps to champion new voices in cinema.
The Enduring Topical Authority and Rumors of a Sequel
The story of the Jamaican bobsled team has maintained its topical authority, not just as a feel-good movie, but as a genuine sports and cultural phenomenon. The film is often cited for its accurate depiction of the real-life struggles of the 1988 Jamaican team.
The 30th-anniversary reunion has naturally fueled speculation about a potential sequel or remake.
Rumors of a new Cool Runnings project—whether a direct sequel following the characters or a modern remake—have surfaced in industry circles.
While nothing has been officially confirmed by Disney, the enduring popularity of the film, coupled with the renewed interest from the cast's reunion, suggests that the story of the underdog bobsled team may yet have a second chapter.
From the determination of Derice to the spiritual rhythm of Sanka, the ambition of Yul, and the quiet strength of Junior, the cast of Cool Runnings continues to inspire. Their recent activities in 2025 prove that the spirit of the film—triumphing over adversity and finding success on your own terms—is still very much alive in their careers.
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