NEW YORK – The new supernatural comedy-drama series "Coven Academy" (streaming now, Disney+ and Hulu) marks the first time that two '90s heartthrobs, Tiffani Thiessen and Devon Sawa, are working together.
But it's not the first time they've met.
"Our kids went to the same preschool," Sawa, 48, tells USA TODAY alongside Thiessen. The kids attended in different classes but Sawa says the two "passed each other a couple of times."
"I was happily surprised at how amazing she is," Sawa continues about his costar. "She's an icon. She's been around the business for so long and she's still so cool on set and so fun to be around."
Thiessen says the feeling is mutual and adds that some of her friends were particularly excited she'd get to work with Sawa.
"Girlfriends
who might have had the poster on the wall of Devon," the actress, 52, adds. "Not feeling like I was the only older presence [and] having a male, older presence, I think it was really nice for these young adults that we're working with."
Set in New Orleans, "Coven Academy" follows three teenage witches and their classmates at a magic boarding school. Thiessen plays Miss Graves, who runs the school. Sawa takes on the role of Mr. Cole, a professor. The series also stars Malina Weissman, Malachi Barton, Louis Thresher, Jordan Leftwich and Ora Duplass.
Tiffani Thiessen, Devon Sawa on working with younger actors
Thiessen and Sawa both gained fanbases in the '90s on television and in films respectively. The actress catapulted to fame for her roles as Kelly Kapowski on "Saved by the Bell" and Valerie Malone on "Beverly Hills, 90210." Meanwhile, Sawa became known for "Casper" and "Now and Then," which both hit theaters in 1995.
Both are comfortable with their past roles and places in the pop culture lexicon. Thiessen credits that "badge of honor" with the years that have gone by and "the fact that we've been able to still continue doing what we really love."
"There was a time in my life I hated hearing the word 'Casper,' Sawa admits. "I hated hearing the word 'Teen Beat' in my early 20s, but it's how I got to where I am now."
And now Thiessen says she "really enjoys" working with the younger generation as she appreciates their energy and drive. She also brings some lessons from home to set; the actress shares two children including a 16-year-old daughter with husband Brady Smith.
"I'm always asking [the younger actors] for things like, 'What does this mean? What should I be watching out for?'" she says. "My daughter's a junior in high school, so I feel like I'm asking [the cast] just as much as they're asking me."
Sawa also has two children with his wife, Dawni Sahanovitch, including a 12-year-old son.
"My 12-year-old told me not to go to set and do '6-7,' like I was not allowed to do it, but I tried it anyways and I got the crickets," Sawa recalls as Thiessen laughs.
They both agree he was a few weeks too late on the trend. "And that's when I made the decision not to talk anymore."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Devon Sawa tried Gen Z slang on 'Coven Academy' set. It did not go well
