Michelle Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michelle Thomas
Thomas in 1996
Born	Michelle Doris Thomas (1968-09-23)September 23, 1968 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	December 23, 1998(1998-12-23) (aged 30) New York City, New York, U.S.
Resting place	Rosedale Cemetery, Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, comedian
Years active	1985–1998
Known for	Justine Phillips (The Cosby Show) Myra Monkhouse (Family Matters) Callie Rogers (The Young and the Restless)

Michelle Doris Thomas (born September 23, 1968 – died December 23, 1998) was an American actress. She was well-known for her roles in popular TV shows. She played Justine Phillips on The Cosby Show from 1988 to 1990. Later, she became famous as Myra Monkhouse on Family Matters from 1993 to 1998. She also appeared as Callie Rogers on the soap opera The Young and the Restless in 1998.

Early Life and Growing Up

Michelle Thomas was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on September 23, 1968. Her mother, Phynjuar "Penwah" Thomas, was a stage actress. Her father, Dennis Thomas, was a saxophonist and a founding member of the band Kool & the Gang.

Michelle grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. She finished high school at West Essex High School in 1987. As a child, she often went with her mother to theater rehearsals and performances. Her mother was her first acting teacher and helped her throughout her career.

When she was 15, Michelle won the Miss Talented Teen New Jersey pageant. In July 1984, she was crowned Miss Talented Teen International. She won this title in Montego Bay, Jamaica, competing against 35 other teens from different states and countries.

Michelle's Acting Career

Michelle Thomas started her acting journey in 1983 with her first TV commercial. In December 1984, she appeared on the TV show Soul Train after winning the Miss Talented Teen International pageant.

From 1988 to 1990, Michelle played Justine Phillips on The Cosby Show. Justine was the girlfriend of the character Theo Huxtable. Michelle also appeared on other TV programs like A Man Called Hawk in 1989 and Thea in 1994. She had roles in the film Dream Date in 1989 and a small part in Hangin' with the Homeboys in 1991.

Michelle also appeared in music videos for popular artists like Mint Condition, Chubb Rock, and Dru Hill. She was a guest host for the weekly music series Soul Train in May 1996 and March 1997.

From 1993 to 1998, she was well-known for playing Myra Monkhouse on Family Matters. Myra was the girlfriend of the show's main character, Steve Urkel. After Family Matters ended in 1998, Michelle joined the soap opera The Young and the Restless. She played Callie Rogers, a singer who was a love interest for the character Malcolm Winters.

Health and Passing

In August 1997, Michelle Thomas was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. She had surgery to remove a tumor before she started her role on The Young and the Restless in 1998. She had another surgery in October 1998 when a second growth appeared.

Michelle passed away on December 23, 1998, in New York City. She was 30 years old. Her friend and former boyfriend, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, was with her. A funeral service was held on December 26, 1998, and she was buried in New Jersey.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Music Videos

Awards and Honors