Cornell Young Says He Prefers Dating Older Women

The A Different World star made the remark on The Shop, saying he has only dated women older than him.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Romance

Cornell Young Says He Prefers Dating Older Women

Actor Cornell Young, 26, said on The Shop that he prefers dating older women and that every woman he has dated has been older than him. The comment came as he plays Shaquille 'Five Star' Johnson in Netflix's A Different World reboot, which premiered September 24.

Why it matters

Young said he often feels a disconnect with women his age or younger, a perspective he tied to a childhood shaped by his grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles. His remarks offer a personal look at dating preferences for a rising actor in a widely watched series.

The interview is a first-person account from Young, who is 26, and it provides no independent measure of dating patterns. Young said he was 11 when a girl his age broke his heart, which he cited as part of the reason he looks to older partners.

The players

Cornell Young

Cornell Young is a 26-year-old actor who plays Shaquille 'Five Star' Johnson in Netflix's A Different World reboot.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is an actor and filmmaker who plays the twin characters Smoke and Stack in the film Sinners.

The details

Young made the comments on The Shop, saying he has grown more comfortable with older women and often feels a disconnect with peers. He credited the influence of his grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles, who taught him the value of conversation and communication. Young also appeared in costume with his twin brother as Smoke and Stack from the film Sinners for Halloween.

- September 24: A Different World premiered on Netflix.
- Last month: Doing Life premiered globally on Netflix.
- Recent week: Young revealed his dating preference on The Shop.
- November 1: Young and his twin brother dressed as Smoke and Stack for Halloween.

Culture Shift

The Netflix reboot of A Different World revisits the 1987 NBC sitcom that followed students at a historically Black college, and Young's role places a new cast within that established campus framework. The revival reflects a broader streaming-era pattern of reviving older network comedies for new audiences.

A Different World is available to stream on Netflix, where the reboot has reached number one and been renewed for a second season. Viewers can watch the new episodes on the platform without a separate ticket or theatrical release.

The takeaway

Young's account shows how personal experience can shape dating preferences, with his upbringing among older relatives shaping his view of conversation and connection. Readers interested in relationship trends can use his example to consider how family influence affects their own choices.