Bern Nadette Stanis, born on December 22, 1953, is an American actress and author. She is best known for her role as Thelma Evans on the CBS sitcom “Good Times,” which aired from 1974 to 1979. She has also appeared in numerous television shows and films, including “The Cosby Show” and “The Love Boat.”
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Bern Nadette Stanis was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents who were of African American and Puerto Rican descent. She grew up in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and attended Erasmus Hall High School, where she began to develop an interest in acting. After graduating from high school, she attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied acting.
Career
Bern Nadette Stanis’ first television appearance was on the show “Shaft” in 1973. However, it was her role as Thelma Evans on the sitcom “Good Times” that made her a household name. The show, which was a spin-off of “Maude,” followed the lives of an African American family living in a housing project in Chicago. Stanis’ character, Thelma, was the daughter of Florida and James Evans and was known for her catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey!”
After “Good Times” ended in 1979, Stanis continued to act in television shows and films. She appeared in “The Love Boat,” “The Cosby Show,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” and “Girlfriends,” among others. In addition to acting, Stanis has also written several books, including “Situations 101: Relationships,” “Who Can You Trust,” and “The Last Night.”
Personal Life
She was married to Kevin Fontana in 1987, and they have two children together. She is also the mother of a daughter from a previous relationship. In her free time, Stanis enjoys writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Net Worth
Celebrity Net Worth estimates she net worth to be $6 million. Her earnings primarily come from her acting career and book sales.
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Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Bern Nadette Stanis has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in the entertainment industry.The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame inducted her in 2017, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Black Academy of Arts and Letters have also honored her.
Legacy
We consider her a pioneer in African American television, as her role on “Good Times” portrayed one of the first African American families on network television. As Thelma Evans, her character provided a positive representation of a young African American woman and inspired many girls.
FAQs:
Q: What is Bern Nadette Stanis’ most famous role?
A: Her role as Thelma Evans on the CBS sitcom “Good Times” is what she is best known for.
Q: What other television shows and films has Bern Nadette Stanis appeared in?
A: In addition to “Good Times,” Bern Nadette Stanis has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including “The Cosby Show,” “The Love Boat,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” and “Girlfriends.”
Q: What books has Bern Nadette Stanis written?
A: She has written several books, including “Situations 101: Relationships,” “Who Can You Trust,” and “The Last Night.”
Q: What awards has Bern Nadette Stanis received?
A: She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in the entertainment industry, including induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame and honors from the NAACP and the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
Q: What is Bern Nadette Stanis’ legacy?
A: We consider her a pioneer in African American television, as her portrayal of Thelma Evans on “Good Times” inspired many young girls and helped break down barriers for future African American actresses.
Conclusion:
Bern Nadette Stanis is a talented actress and author who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Her role on “Good Times” broke down barriers and paved the way for future African American actresses.
With her net worth of $6 million, she has achieved great success in her career, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.