Whatever happened?

Did you ever run into these TV entertainment programs with a segment called "whatever happened to?"

Whatever happened to would usually refer to a child actor of a long forgotten sitcom, or a to a star of a cancelled sitcom, or soap, or to a singer or a band with a one-hit record.  It is an update of sort, bringing the fans and viewers, into the present life of the once popular idol or star, now mostly forgotten. 

This segment is always interesting as it brings back memories of one's childhood or teens, and of the good 'ol days.

When I was new in the U.S., I happened to chance on the show "What's Happening," a show with an all-black cast, and I got hooked on it, although I was watching reruns of a 70's show.  I also loved the sitcom, Wonder Years, with Kevin and his family.  Wonder Years, I think, ran in the latter part of the 80's but had its setting in the 70's during the height of the Vietnam war. 

The 2009 movie, Wonderland, likewise brings a flood of the past for many.

The question whatever happened, almost always has a tone of nostalgia, longing and of bittersweet sadness at missing an individual or an opportunity.