The Day a ‘Reba’ Legend Crashed ‘Happy’s Place’ – What Really Happened Behind the Scenes!

Former Reba star Steve Howey crashed the Happy’s Place set like Van Montgomery walking into Reba McEntire’s new kitchen, and fans loved it.

In a clip posted to social media, Steve Howey, who played the loveable Van Montgomery in Reba, shows up on the set of McEntire’s new show, Happy’s Place, sporting a mustache and asking about her new bar.

Reba pokes fun at his new ‘stache in the clip, and he calls her “Mrs H.” and addresses Melissa Peterman as “Barbara Jean” when she enters the scene. “Van” even brings up his famous show wife, “Cheyenne,” to wrap up the spot, throwing it back to the beloved character names from Reba.

As the scene concludes, it become obvious that Howey and his former castmates were all just kidding, as he humorously apologizes and says, “I had to do it!”

@nbcMrs. H, Barbra Jean, is that you?! Steve Howey guest stars on #HappysPlace tonight at 9:15/8:15c on NBC and streaming on @Peacock #stevehowey #melissapeterman #RebaMcEntire #reba

The fans loved the clip, responding with lots of love for “Van.”

“Steve Howey was hot on Reba and even hotter now. Aged like fine wine.” commented one user.

“Not him bringing up Cheyenne laugh emoji.” commented another Reba fan.

“Why can’t we have a Reba reboot.” questioned one fan.

McEntire’s new sitcom, Happy’s Place, debuted very strong, attracting 10 million viewers across live and streaming platforms in its first week. The show stars Reba as a woman taking over her late father’s bar alongside her half-sister.

McEntire thanked fans for their support, crediting their loyalty for the show’s success. Featuring a blend of humor and heart, Happy’s Place reunites McEntire some of the creative team from Reba, as well as Peterman from the cast. McEntire’s real-life boyfriend, Rex Linn, also stars on the show.

Happy’s Place airs on NBC every Friday night at 8PM ET, and episodes are then available for streaming via Peacock.

What Happened To the Cast of ‘Reba’?

See the cast of Reba McEntire’s TV show Reba, then and now with updates on where each of the primary actors ended up.

2024 update: Several producers and at least two stars are teaming up for a new NBC sitcom called Happy’s Place in 2024. McEntire is the star of the show.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Then: Reba Hart

Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Then: Reba Hart

Reba Nell Hart is a single mother recently divorced from a dentist, Brock Hart. She is the star of the show and her no-nonsense, wise-cracking ways drove ratings.

Now: Reba McEntire (Or Just “Reebs”)

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Now: Reba McEntire (Or Just “Reebs”)

She’s Reba! The television series and its eventual cancelation didn’t slow McEntire’s music career. While she’s not getting rewarded with radio airplay, the Hall of Famer keeps creating great albums while she maintains a high profile as host of shows like the ACM Awards.

Within the last five years, McEntire’s acting resume has really grown as the star of shows like Big Sky: Deadly Trails on ABC and (in fall 2024) Happy’s Place on NBC.

Then: Barbara Jean Booker Hart

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Then: Barbara Jean Booker Hart

Barbara Jean was a stereotypical dumb blonde, but her big heart and affection for Reba — despite being the one who broke up the marriage — was charming. The new Mrs. Hart found out she was pregnant on early on during the series. She remained on the show to the end.

Now: Melissa Peterman

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Now: Melissa Peterman

Peterman and McEntire remain very good friends, with the actress and comedian often appearing during specials like the ACM Awards. They’re a peanut butter and jelly kind of duo, but on her own Peterman has been very successful. Most notably, for six seasons she starred as Bonnie, the mother on Baby Daddy on ABC Family.

Beginning in fall 2024, Peterman will join McEntire on Happy’s Place on NBC.

Then: Brock Hart

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Then: Brock Hart

Reba’s ex-husband is Brock Hart, a dentist who has an affair with his hygienist. The tension between the two ex-lovers was both relatable and a great source of comedy.

Now: Christopher Rich

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

Now: Christopher Rich

Unlike many of the stars of Reba, Christopher Rich had TV experience prior to the show and he kept trucking after it was canceled. He divorced in real life, as well. In this picture he’s seen with wife Eva Halina Rich. They were married in 2003.

Professionally, Rich has slowed way down in the last decade.

Then: Van Montgomery

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Then: Van Montgomery

Van Montgomery matched wits with Barbara Jean on the show. He got Reba’s daughter pregnant and later moved in with the family when he was thrown out of his own house. The show’s star and the football player become very close.

Now: Steve Howey

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Now: Steve Howey

Howey burst out of any notion of typecasting after wrapping the show. These days he’s anything but a dolt, with his best role post-show being as Kevin in Shameless since 2011. He’s now married to actress Sarah Shahi and together the couple have three kids.

In 2023, Howey starred in CBS’ True Lies. The show has been canceled.

Then: Cheyenne Hart (Eventually Montgomery)

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Then: Cheyenne Hart (Eventually Montgomery)

As a character, Cheyenne enjoyed the largest arc. She gets pregnant as a senior in high school, marries, tries to become a dentist, realizes she’s an alcoholic and decides to help others with addiction by the end. While at times selfish, fans grew to love the big, caring heart beneath the surface.

Now: Joanna Garcia Swisher

Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images

Now: Joanna Garcia Swisher

Joanna Garcia added the Swisher when she married MLB star Nick Swisher in 2010, but she’s also remained very busy in film and television, starring as the lead role in two-short lived programs and earning recurring roles on several others. Most recently she was on Kevin (Probably) Saves the World on ABC.

Then: Kyra Hart

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Then: Kyra Hart

Reba’s second daughter Kyra has a quick wit like her mother, which is a great source of humor and perhaps some hurt feelings. The middle child is also a child with challenges, and she disappeared completely for most of the fifth season. There was a real-life reason for that …

Then: Scarlett Pomers

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Then: Scarlett Pomers

Reba was Pomers’ last television role, but she tried music as frontwoman for the Scarlett Pomers Band for awhile after the show (the Facebook page was last updated in 2014). Sadly she battled an eating disorder while on the show. The depth of her battle with anorexia came out only after the show was through. It’s something she was treated for when she was 16.

2024 update: Pomers’ has pulled further back from the public eye by deleting her Instagram page.

Then: Jake Hart

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Then: Jake Hart

Jake was the sensible little kid on the show while his older siblings and parents often acted very un-adultlike. His role grew as the show went on.

Now: Mitch Holleman

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Now: Mitch Holleman

Holleman has had a few Hollywood roles since Reba ended in 2007, including that of “Max” in the movie The Hangover (2009). We don’t remember who Max was, either, but the kid is only 29 today so his future is still bright.

On social media, he identifies as a musician, actor, writer and comedian but his profiles have been pretty quiet for the last few years. We can confirm he got married in 2020.

Reba McEntire + Melissa Peterman Were BFF Goals at the 2024 Emmys

The dynamic duo — who co-star in the upcoming TV show Happy’s Place — attended the 2024 Emmy Awards together to present the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

Melissa Peterman + Reba McEntire Attend the 2024 Emmy Award