Crystal Bernard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Crystal Bernard
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Bernard at the 1994 Emmy rehearsal
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Crystal Lynn Bernard
September 30, 1961 |
| Alma mater | Baylor University |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, actress |
| Years active | 1982–2008 |
Crystal Lynn Bernard, born on September 30, 1961, is a talented American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for her roles in popular TV shows. You might know her as Helen Chappel-Hackett from the sitcom Wings. She also played Amy in It's a Living and K.C. Cunningham in Happy Days.
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Early Life and Education
Crystal Bernard was born in Garland, Texas. Her father, Jerry Wayne Bernard, was a televangelist, and her mother, Gaylon Fussell, was a teacher. Crystal started performing at a very young age. She sang gospel songs with her older sister, Robyn. Robyn was also an actress.
One of their early recordings is a song called "The Monkey Song." It was part of an album from 1972. Crystal also has two younger sisters, Scarlett and Angelique.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Crystal studied acting at the Alley Theatre. She went to Spring High School. Later, she continued her studies at Baylor University. There, she focused on acting and international relations.
Acting Career
Crystal Bernard has had many roles in television and movies. She is known for playing strong and interesting characters.
Television Roles
Crystal's first big TV role was on the sitcom Happy Days. She played K.C. Cunningham during the 1982–83 season. After that, she made guest appearances on other shows.
She then joined the cast of It's a Living. This show was brought back for syndication. Crystal played Amy Tompkins, a waitress. In 1989, she starred in a TV pilot called Chameleons. She played Shelley, a character trying to solve a mystery.
From 1990 to 1997, Crystal starred in the sitcom Wings. She played Helen Chappel Hackett, a strong-willed airport lunch counter operator and cellist. The show ran for eight seasons. In 1999, she also starred in the TV movie To Love, Honor and Betray.
Film Roles
Crystal Bernard appeared in movies too. Early in her film career, she was in Young Doctors in Love (1982). She also starred in the horror film Slumber Party Massacre 2 (1987).
Later, she had roles in films like Jackpot (2001). She also starred in Welcome to Paradise (2007) and Grave Misconduct (2008). Crystal also appeared in two Hallmark Channel movies. These were Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004) and its sequel, Meet the Santas (2005).
Theatre Performances
After Wings ended, Crystal Bernard performed in several stage plays.
- In 1999, she was in a Los Angeles production of Crimes of the Heart.
- In 2001, she played Annie Oakley in a revival of Annie Get Your Gun.
- In 2005, she starred in Barbra's Wedding at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, California.
Music Career
Besides acting, Crystal Bernard is also a singer and songwriter. She has released several albums.
Albums
- The Girl Next Door (1996)
- Don't Touch Me There (1999)
Her album Don't Touch Me There includes a gospel song she recorded with her father. It also features a song with country artist Billy Dean.
Songwriting and Duets
Crystal co-wrote the song "If I Were Your Girl" with Rhett Lawrence. This song appeared on Paula Abdul's album Head over Heels in 1995. She also helped write "Come To Me" for Angie & Debbie Winans' first album in 1993.
She sang a duet with Peter Cetera called "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight." This song was released on Cetera's album One Clear Voice in 1995. It was a popular song on the Adult Contemporary chart. Crystal also sang a duet with Jim Messina called "Watching the River Run."
She even appeared in the music video for "Birdhouse in Your Soul" by the band They Might Be Giants.
Filmography
Crystal Bernard has appeared in many films and television shows. Here are some of her notable roles:
Film Appearances
- 1982: Young Doctors in Love as Julie
- 1987: Slumber Party Massacre II as Courtney Bates
- 1999: Gideon as Jean MacLemore
- 2001: Jackpot as Cheryl
- 2007: Welcome to Paradise as Debbie Laramie
Television Appearances
- 1982–83: Happy Days as K.C. Cunningham (16 episodes)
- 1985–89: It's a Living as Amy Tompkins (93 episodes)
- 1990–97: Wings as Helen Chappel-Hackett (172 episodes)
- 1990: Without Her Consent (Television film) as Marty
- 1993: Miracle Child (Television film) as Lisa Porter
- 1995: As Good as Dead (Television film) as Susan Warfield
- 1996: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Peña Story (Television film) as Ellen Hart Peña
- 1999: To Love, Honor and Betray (Television film) as Melissa Brennan
- 2004: Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (Hallmark Channel film) as Beth Sawtelle
- 2005: Meet the Santas (Hallmark Channel film) as Beth Sawtelle
- 2008: Grave Misconduct (Television film) as Julia London
Discography
Crystal Bernard has released two studio albums.
Albums
- Girl Next Door (1996)
- Don't Touch Me There (1999)
Singles
She also released several singles, including:
- "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight" (with Peter Cetera) (1995)
- "Have We Forgotten What Love Is" (1996)
- "State of Mind" (1997)
- "Don't Touch Me There" (1999)
Music Videos
Crystal Bernard has appeared in music videos for her songs and for other artists.
- "I Wanna Take Forever Tonight" (1995)
- "Watching the River Run" (with Jim Messina) (1996)
- "Have We Forgotten What Love Is" (1996)
- "State of Mind" (1997)
- "Hey" (1999)
