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Crystal Bernard
Crystal Bernard at the 1994 Emmy rehearsal.jpg
Bernard at the 1994 Emmy rehearsal
Born
Crystal Lynn Bernard

(1961-09-30) September 30, 1961 (age 63)
Alma mater Baylor University
Occupation Singer-songwriter, actress
Years active 1982–2008

Crystal Lynn Bernard was born on September 30, 1961. She is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who is now retired. She is most famous for her roles as Helen Chappel-Hackett on the TV show Wings (1990–1997). She also played Amy on It's a Living (1985–1989) and K.C. Cunningham on Happy Days (1983–1984).

Crystal Bernard's Early Life

Crystal Bernard was born in Garland, Texas. Her father, Jerry Wayne Bernard, was a preacher, and her mother, Gaylon Fussell, was a teacher. Crystal started performing at a young age. She sang gospel songs with her older sister, Robyn, who was also an actress. When Crystal was eight years old, she recorded a song called "The Monkey Song."

Crystal grew up in Houston, Texas, and studied acting at the Alley Theatre. She went to Spring High School and later attended Baylor University. There, she continued to study acting and also learned about international relations.

Crystal Bernard's Career

Her Acting Roles

Crystal Bernard at the 1991 Emmy Awards cropped and airbrushed
Crystal Bernard at the 1991 Emmy Awards

Crystal Bernard began her TV career on the popular show Happy Days. She played K.C. Cunningham during the 1982–83 season. After making guest appearances on other shows, she joined the cast of It's a Living. In this show, she played a waitress named Amy Tompkins.

One of her most well-known roles was Helen Chappel Hackett on the comedy show Wings. She played this strong character for all eight seasons, from 1990 to 1997. She also starred in TV movies like To Love, Honor and Betray in 1999.

In Movies

Crystal Bernard also appeared in several movies. 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 movies such as Jackpot (2001) and Welcome to Paradise (2007). She also starred in two Hallmark Channel movies: Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004) and its follow-up, Meet the Santas (2005). Her last film role was in Grave Misconduct (2008).

On Stage

After Wings ended, Crystal Bernard performed in several plays. In 1999, she was in a Los Angeles production of Crimes of the Heart. In 2001, she played Annie Oakley in the musical Annie Get Your Gun. In 2005, she starred in Barbra's Wedding at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, California.

Her Music Career

Besides acting, Crystal Bernard is also a talented singer and songwriter. She released two albums: The Girl Next Door in 1996 and Don't Touch Me There in 1999. Her second album included a gospel song with her father and a song with country artist Billy Dean. The song "Don't Touch Me There" was quite popular, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

She helped write the song "If I Were Your Girl" for Paula Abdul's album Head over Heels (1995). She also co-wrote "Come To Me" for Angie & Debbie Winans' first album.

Crystal Bernard sang a duet with Peter Cetera called "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight." This song was released in 1995 and reached No. 22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. She 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.

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