The Truth Behind the Shocking Departure of Cody Lambert from 'Step by Step'

The Big Picture

Cody Lambert, played by Sasha Mitchell, was the best character in the TV show Step by Step, providing comedic relief and lovable kindness.

Sasha Mitchell encountered legal troubles in his personal life, involving assault and spousal abuse. These circumstances eventually resulted in his dismissal from the show Step by Step. In subsequent seasons, Bronson Pinchot introduced a new character named Jean-Luc Rieupeyroux, who filled the role previously portrayed by Cody Lambert. Despite being brought in as a replacement, Jean-Luc did not garner the same level of popularity or leave a comparable impact.

Fans have been reflecting on Suzanne Somers' noteworthy performances since her recent passing on October 15. While Three's Company is often the first show that comes to mind, for those who grew up in the 90s, Step by Step holds a special place in their hearts. Throughout seven seasons, Somers portrayed Carol Lambert, the mother and stepmother on the popular TGIF series.

Although Somers and Patrick Duffy, who played her on-screen husband Frank, were the main stars, the show thrived because of its ensemble cast. The actors who portrayed the children were equally beloved and significant in the series, alongside Somers and Duffy. Interestingly, the most well-liked character wasn't a child of their own, but rather an older nephew of Frank named Cody Lambert. Portrayed by Sasha Mitchell, Cody served as the lovable, simple-minded source of comedy relief. effortlessly eliciting the biggest laughs. However, due to a distressing real-life incident, he was eventually dismissed from the Step by Step cast.

Step by Step

Two families become one, step by step.

Cody Lambert Was the Best Part of 'Step by Step'

Comedy Release Date: September 20, 1991

Cast: Patrick Duffy, Suzanne Somers, Brandon Call, Staci Keanan, Christine Lakin, Christopher Castile, Jason Marsden, Emily Mae Young

Frank and Carol Lambert were the parents of six children in the early seasons of Step by Step. Each child had their own unique personality and it created both dramatic and comedic moments within the family. Step siblings Dana and J.T. had a particularly volatile relationship, often seeming to hate each other but ultimately finding common ground.

In Season 1, a new addition to the family came in the form of Frank's nephew, Cody. Interestingly, Cody had also played Patrick Duffy's nephew on Dallas. Living in a van in the Lambert's driveway, Cody stood out from the rest of the family. He had a naive and gullible nature, almost like he had walked straight out of a Bill & Ted movie. Cody often used phrases like "dude" and "no way," but despite his dimwittedness, he was genuinely kind-hearted and never made bad choices. He had a desire to get along with everyone and was like a lovable puppy dog.

Cody was especially close with J.T., but he also had a crush on Dana, although she continuously rejected his advances. However, it was clear that Dana too was developing feelings for him, even if she didn't want to admit it. One of their memorable moments together was when Dana found herself in a dangerous situation at a bar in a 1991 episode. Cody came to her rescue, displaying his martial arts skills by defeating a group of men who were harassing her. This demonstrated that Cody had a badass side, while also showcasing the actor's talents that would later be seen in the Kickboxer films of that time.

Sasha Mitchell Was Fired From 'Step by Step' Due to His Legal Issues

Step by Step avoided making the series solely focused on Cody, even though he was a beloved character who transitioned from being a recurring member in the first season to a full-time cast member in the following year. Unlike Family Matters and their overemphasis on Steve Urkel (Jaleel White), Step by Step recognized the depth and talent of its ensemble cast, ensuring that everyone had an equal opportunity to shine.