Ernest Lee Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Lee Thomas
|
|
|---|---|
Thomas in 2015
|
|
| Born | March 26, 1949 Gary, Indiana, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Known for | Roger "Raj" Thomas on What's Happening!! and What's Happening Now!!, and Mr. Omar on Everybody Hates Chris |
Ernest Lee Thomas (born March 26, 1949) is an American actor. He is famous for playing Roger "Raj" Thomas in the 1970s TV show What's Happening!!. He also starred in its follow-up show, What's Happening Now!!. Later, he became well-known for his role as Mr. Omar on the TV comedy Everybody Hates Chris.
Contents
Ernest Thomas's Early Acting Days
Ernest Thomas was born in Gary, Indiana. He started his acting career on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. He appeared in plays like Love for Love in 1974 and The Member of the Wedding in 1975. Both of these plays also featured the famous actress Glenn Close.
Soon after, Ernest moved to Los Angeles to act in TV shows and movies. In 1975, he got a part in an episode of The Jeffersons, a popular TV comedy. While working on that show, he heard about auditions for a new comedy series. This new show was inspired by the 1975 movie Cooley High.
Ernest tried out and won the main role in the first version of the show. However, this first version didn't do very well with test audiences. So, the show was changed to be more fun and light-hearted. It was first called Central Avenue before finally being named What's Happening!!. Ernest Thomas was the only actor from the first version who stayed with the show. He played the main character, Roger "Raj" Thomas. The show became a big hit and ran from 1976 to 1979.
During his time on What's Happening!!, Ernest also worked on other projects. He appeared in TV shows like Baretta and The Brady Bunch Hour. He also acted in the movie A Piece of the Action, which starred famous actors Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. Ernest was also considered for the main role of Kunta Kinte in the important TV miniseries Roots. That role eventually went to LeVar Burton, but Ernest still played a smaller part as Kailuba in the miniseries.
After What's Happening!!
After a break from TV and movie acting, Ernest Thomas returned to his role as Roger "Raj" Thomas. This was for the follow-up show called What's Happening Now!!. This show was shown in syndication, meaning different TV stations could air it. It ran from 1985 to 1988.
Since What's Happening Now!! ended, Ernest has appeared in many other popular TV shows. These include dramas and comedies like In the Heat of the Night (where he acted with Anne-Marie Johnson, who played his TV wife). He also appeared in The Parent 'Hood and Martin, which starred his What's Happening Now!! co-star Martin Lawrence. Other shows he guest-starred in include Soul Food, The Steve Harvey Show, and Just Jordan.
Ernest has also acted in several movies. He had a supporting role in the important film Malcolm X. He also made a quick appearance in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. Later, he had a regular role as Mr. Omar, a funeral director, on the TV comedy Everybody Hates Chris. He also had a small, uncredited role on the TV show Are We There Yet?.
In 2012, Ernest Thomas was in the movie The Lords of Salem, directed by Rob Zombie. In 2016, he appeared in a short comedy film called Earworm.
Ernest Thomas's Life
Ernest Thomas has an eye condition called amblyopia, sometimes known as "lazy eye." He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, which is a fraternity. Fraternities are social organizations, often found at colleges, that focus on brotherhood and community service.
Ernest Thomas's Acting Roles
Ernest Thomas has had many roles in movies and TV shows. Here are some of his notable works:
Movies
- 1977: A Piece of the Action as John
- 1992: Malcolm X as Sidney
- 2003: Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star as Ernest Thomas
- 2009: Funny People as Yo Teach Principal
- 2012: The Lords of Salem as Chip McDonald
- 2015: Mega Shark vs. Kolossus as Admiral Titus Jackson
- 2015: Chocolate City as Diner Manager
- 2017: Chocolate City: Vegas Strip as Mr. Williams
Television Shows
- 1975: The Jeffersons as Ronnie Walker
- 1976–79: What's Happening!! as Roger "Raj" Thomas (main cast)
- 1977: Roots as Kailuba
- 1985–88: What's Happening Now!! as Roger "Raj" Thomas (main cast)
- 1990: In the Heat of the Night as Officer Parker
- 1996: Martin as Prince Uche
- 2005–09: Everybody Hates Chris as Mr. Omar (regular role)
- 2012: Are We There Yet? as Ernest T "Bass"
- 2017: Workaholics as Albert
- 2017: Veep as Omar al-Saleh
- 2024–present: Everybody Still Hates Chris as Mr. Omar (voice role)
