Main characters
Nell Carter as Nellie Ruth "Nell" Harper was a talented singer from Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, who ran away from home when she was 18. She met and became friends with Margaret Kanisky and promised to look after her family after she had died from cancer. In keeping her promise, Nell took on the role of housekeeper and mother to the kids and remained in the series for the entire 6-year run. She later became a foster mother to Joey Donovan in season three. Nell moved to Greenwich Village in New York City in season six with Joey and Addy, and worked as an assistant editor for a publishing company.
Dolph Sweet as Police Chief Carl "Chief" Kanisky (seasons 1–4), known simply as "the Chief", was a widower with his three teenaged daughters. He is also the father of Katie, Julie and Samantha. After Dolph Sweet's death on May 8, 1985, his character was written out of the series as also having died, and the show continued with Nell taking over as head of the household.
Kari Michaelsen as Kathleen "Katie" Kanisky (seasons 1–5) is the Chief's eldest daughter, portrayed as the typical "blonde" of the family. She decided not to go to college and opened a boutique called Katie's Corner. After her boutique went out of business, she was written out of the series in the final season as having obtained a job in San Francisco. Her last appearance was the first episode of season six, in which she was now brunette.
Lauri Hendler as Julie Kanisky Maxwell (seasons 1–5) is the Chief's middle daughter, portrayed as being very intelligent. She married Jonathan Maxwell at the end of season four and became pregnant in season five. In the season-six premiere, after Nell Maxwell had been born, the new three-member Maxwell family moved to San Jose and was therefore written out of the series.
Lara Jill Miller as Samantha "Sam" Kanisky (seasons 1–5, recurring in season 6) is the Chief's youngest daughter, portrayed as a typical tomboy in her preteen years, but developed into a boy-crazy teenager. She moved to Warren County, New Jersey, to go to Littlefield College, and had a recurring role in season six.
John Hoyt as Stanley "Grandpa" Kanisky (seasons 2–6, previously recurring in season 1) is the Chief's grumpy, but lovable Polish immigrant father and the grandfather of Katie, Julie, and Samantha. He moves in with his son and granddaughters following his wife's death in season three. In season six, he moves to New York City, into the same building as Nell, after selling the Kanisky house.
Joey Lawrence as Joey Donovan (seasons 3–6) eventually becomes Nell's foster son; he starts out working as a con artist to raise money to join his uncle in Chicago. Later, Joey becomes a key cast member. His father Tim Donovan appeared on the show in New Orleans and in New York City. Joey meets his younger brother and moves in with Tim at the beginning of season 6, but is reunited with Nell soon afterwards and moves in with her and Addy in New York City.
Howard Morton as Officer Ralph Waldo Simpson (seasons 3–5, previously recurring in seasons 1-2) is a not very bright, but lovable police officer who was a subordinate of the Chief's.
Telma Hopkins as Dr. Adelaide "Addy" Wilson (seasons 4–6, previously recurring in season 3) is Nell's childhood friend, holder of a Ph.D., and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Addy was chief educational curriculum supervisor for postgraduate students studying for doctorates in history, English, and economic geography in the California university system. She later moved to New York City, where Nell eventually joined her. Although Nell and Addy were friends, they also constantly clashed.
Jonathan Silverman as Jonathan Maxwell (season 5, previously recurring in season 4) is Julie's boyfriend and later husband, pizzaman, and archeology student. Jonathan went to Mexico on a three-month dig. Jonathan, Julie, and their new baby left for San Jose after season five.
Rosetta LeNoire as "Mama" Maybelle Harper (season 6, previously recurring in seasons 4-5) is Nell's stern, bitter, and critical mother, who was introduced in season four ("Alabamy Bound: Part 1"). Previously, in season one's "Nell Goes Home" and season three's "A Kanisky Christmas", the character's name was Emma, was played by Hilda Haynes, and was soft-spoken.
Matthew Lawrence as Matthew Donovan (season 6) is Joey's younger brother, who also lived with Nell and Addy in New York City.
Rosie O'Donnell as Maggie O'Brien (season 6) is Nell's not-so-bright dental hygienist neighbor in New York City.
Paul Sand as Marty (season 6) is the landlord of the building where Nell, Addy, Joey, and Matthew lived. He also owned the adjacent restaurant La Gazpacho, where he went by "Esteban".
