From Columbia to Hillman: Asa LeCourbier Steps Into ‘A Different World’

LeCourbier on the set of Netflix’s “A Different World.” LeCourbier on the set of Netflix’s “A Different World.”
LeCourbier (center, green jacket) with cast members of Netflix’s “A Different World.” LeCourbier (center, green jacket) with cast members of Netflix’s “A Different World.”
LeCourbier poses with Maleah Joi Moon, who stars as Deborah Wayne—the daughter of original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. LeCourbier poses with Maleah Joi Moon, who stars as Deborah Wayne—the daughter of original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert.
LeCourbier with Cliff “Method Man” Smith, who plays Coach Coles on the series. LeCourbier with Cliff “Method Man” Smith, who plays Coach Coles on the series.
LeCourbier with Glynn Turman, who is reprising his fan-favorite role as Colonel Bradford Taylor. LeCourbier with Glynn Turman, who is reprising his fan-favorite role as Colonel Bradford Taylor.
Acting student Asa LeCourbier discusses joining Netflix’s “A Different World,” learning from Debbie Allen, and discovering what it takes to work on a major television production.

Nearly four decades after “A Different World” introduced audiences to life at the fictional Hillman College, Netflix is bringing to the historically Black college and university campus. 

The original NBC sitcom, which aired from 1987 to 1993, became a cultural touchstone for its authentic portrayal of Black college life and its exploration of race, class, gender, and other social issues. Director, producer, actor, and choreographer Debbie Allen helped shape the series beginning with its second season, drawing on her own experience at Howard University to bring greater depth and authenticity to Hillman. 

Ƶ senior and Acting student Asa LeCourbier worked on all 10 episodes as a core background performer and stand-in, taking a semester away from college for the opportunity. 

LeCourbier spoke with Columbia about his unforgettable audition, experiencing HBCU culture, and how working on the series shaped his ambitions as an actor, writer, and director. 

Q&A With Asa LeCourbier 

How did you land the opportunity to work on “A Different World”? 
My grandparents live in Atlanta, and my mom sent me an Instagram post saying Debbie Allen was holding an open call for background performers for what was then called her “Untitled HBCU Project.” I submitted my information through Central Casting, and the next thing I knew, I was on a flight from Chicago to Atlanta. 

There were about 200 college students at the open call. Then they surprised us: Debbie Allen and members of the main cast wanted to see us dance and hear about our colleges, majors, and passions. 

When it was my turn, I said, “My name is Asa LeCourbier. I’m 21, from New Orleans, I’m an Acting major at Ƶ, and I’m passionate about Black art and Black people.” 

Then they played Tyla’s “Water.” I hit a Milly Rock, hit the Quan, did a cartwheel right in front of Ms. Allen, and jumped into the air, yelling ““Woo!”” like Ric Flair. Everyone at the table clapped, and I knew I had made it. 

Looking back, what I remember most is that I showed up as myself, had fun, and took the opportunity seriously. Getting to be part of a project connected to Debbie Allen and the legacy of “A Different World” is something I’ll always be grateful for. 

What was it like to be invited back for the full series? 
It was incredibly exciting. I met so many legends, but I also made new friends and connections that I’ll carry with me. 

One of the biggest decisions was taking a semester off from Columbia. I was nervous about stepping away from my education because I didn’t want to jeopardize my degree or fall behind. Eventually, I realized that participating in a cultural phenomenon like this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I needed to be there—not only to work on the production, but also to learn how the industry operates. 

We filmed at the Atlanta University Center and incorporated real HBCU students as background performers, crew members, and in other roles. It wasn’t just a production trying to recreate what an HBCU feels like—the environment was filled with people who actually live that experience. 

Being immersed in that world gave me an experience I couldn’t have gotten in a classroom and became one of the most transformative opportunities I’ve had as a young actor. 

What did you learn from working on a professional production? 
As a stand-in, I watched the actors rehearse and then replicated their positions and movements so the crew could work on lighting, camera angles, focus, and other technical elements. 

Being part of the production wasn’t just about being on camera. I saw how many departments work together to create a single scene and learned about the discipline, preparation, and technical precision professional filmmaking requires. 

I also learned that a successful filmmaker has to be adaptable. You have to work with different personalities, directing styles, departments, and creative environments while still bringing your best every day. 

What moments from working alongside Debbie Allen and the other artists have stayed with you? 
Once, Ms. Allen was directing me at a pool table in the Garvey Hall dorm. She said she needed a camera operator in my spot, and I replied, “I’m right here.” 

She looked at me and said, “Baby, are you the cameraman?” 

I laughed, said, “My fault,” and moved out of the way. That moment taught me something important: On a professional set, everyone has a specific job, and you have to understand the entire process—not only your own role. 

I also had an in-depth conversation with Method Man (rapper, actor, and member of Wu-Tang Clan) about being a man, life, and his philosophy in general. There were big, exciting moments of being around legendary artists, but there were also small, spontaneous interactions that made the experience feel real. Those are the things I’ll probably remember just as much as seeing myself on screen. 

What did contributing to “A Different World” mean to you personally? 
HBCUs have always been part of my family history, even though I didn’t attend one myself. My mother and older brother graduated from Tuskegee University, and my grandparents graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans. 

I grew up having a sort of secondhand experience with HBCU life. I ultimately chose a different path because I wanted to become an actor and filmmaker. 

Being immersed in Hillman and surrounded by people who understood HBCU culture firsthand gave me an entirely different perspective. I joke that I can say I went to an HBCU now—just in my own artistic way. 

“A Different World” meant so much to generations of people, and contributing to its continuation, even in my own small way, is something I’ll always be proud of. 

How did Columbia prepare you for this opportunity? 
Columbia gave me a strong foundation in collaboration, networking, community building, and ensemble work. As an acting student, I’ve learned that being an artist isn’t just about developing your individual craft. It’s also about learning how to create with other artists, communicate effectively, build relationships, and contribute to a community. 

I’ve also received mentorship and guidance from professors Catherine Slade, Wendi Weber, Michael Pogue, and Julie Grannatta-Hunnicutt. They’ve helped me develop not only as an actor, but also as a person and collaborator. 

Columbia gave me the foundation, and this experience allowed me to apply those lessons in a professional environment. 

How has the experience shaped what you want to do next? 
It inspired me to become a better actor and a more ambitious auteur filmmaker. I want to build my own house rather than wait for someone else to build one for me. 

I want to create my own stories, develop my own characters, and make bold artistic choices while remaining humble enough to seek guidance and learn from people with more experience. 

I’ve already started putting that into practice with my newest film, “The Dixie Devils,” which I wrote, directed, and starred in. This experience showed me that I don’t have to choose between being an actor and being a filmmaker. I can build a career that allows me to be both. 

“A Different World” premieres on Netflix on September 24.   

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