‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’: Stefan Brogren’s Character Set a Series-Wide Record
Degrassi: The Next Generation might be known to many pop culture fans as the series that helped launch rapper/actor Drake to stardom. However, for those who appreciate teen dramas, Degrassi: The Next Generation is one of the jewels in the crown of the Degrassi franchise, a TV show that is full of romance, intense situations, and storylines that young adults everywhere can relate to.
It had an impressive run on television, going off the air a few years ago but remaining very popular in rerun form on Canadian television. With all of talented stars who appeared on Degrassi: The Next Generation, one actor really stood out — and eventually, Stefan Brogren would set a record among all performers who acted in the franchise.
‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ has received critical acclaim
In the pantheon of Canadian television dramas, few shows are more revered or beloved than the Degrassi franchise. The series, which began with The Kids of Degrassi Street, went on to spawn spinoffs such as Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: Next Class, and, of course, Degrassi: The Next Generation. In general, every show in the franchise has focused on the faculty and students at the fictional Degrassi Community School. Episodes of the shows focused on the ways that the students handled tough situations ranging from rape and abortion to gang violence, mental disorders, and falling in love.
Over the years, most of Canada’s most respected up-and-coming actors appeared in the Degrassi franchise. The series also won numerous awards, for writing, directing, and acting. Likely the most famous alum of the fictional Degrassi Community School is the rapper Drake, but there have been a number of stars to have made an impression on fans thanks to their work in the series — including Stefan Brogren.
Who did Stefan Brogren play in the ‘Degrassi’ franchise?
With the Degrassi franchise having been around since the late ’70s, it is natural that some stars would become closely entwined with the fabric of the show. Stefan Brogren is one such performer. Born in 1972, Brogren became a child actor and started appearing on Degrassi Junior High when he was just a teenager. By the late ’80s, he had carried over the character that he originated on Degrassi Junior High, Archie “Snake” Simpson, into Degrassi High.
Over the years, viewers saw the character of Archie grow from a reckless teenager into a loving, if an occasionally unpredictable man. Brogren became a firm fan-favorite, and eventually went on to reprise the character yet again in Degrassi: The Next Generation. These days, Brogren is known as the cast member to have set a major franchise record.
Stefan Brogren set a major ‘Degrassi’ record
According to Insider.com, Stefan Brogren has been credited in every season of the Degrassi franchise, except The Kids of DeGrassi Street, and has appeared in 300+ episodes including voice-only appearances. This has made the character of Archie Simpson the longest-running character in the show’s history. Although Brogren is in the lead, he is followed closely by Aislinn Paul, who played Clare Edwards. The Degrassi actress is second in the number of overall episodes, with credits in 231 episodes.
These days, Brogren has mostly retired from acting, although he does make occasional television appearances, and never hesitates to chat about his time on the set of Degrassi: The Next Generation, sharing what he learned on the series and how it has affected his life for the better. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for all the latest entertainment news!
