Telma Hopkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Telma Hopkins
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Hopkins in 2008
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| Born |
Telma Louise Hopkins
October 28, 1948 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Years active | 1967–present |
| Known for | Bosom Buddies Gimme a Break! Family Matters Half & Half |
| Spouse(s) |
Donald B. Allen
(m. 1970; div. 1977) |
| Children | 1 |
Telma Louise Hopkins (born October 28, 1948) is a talented American actress and pop singer. She became famous as a member of the pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn. This group had several number-one songs. Telma also starred on the CBS TV show Tony Orlando and Dawn from 1974 to 1976. Later, she became a well-known actress. She played roles in many popular TV shows. These include Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, and Family Matters.
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Early Life and Dreams
Telma Hopkins was born in Louisville, Kentucky. She grew up in Highland Park, Michigan, with her grandmother. From a young age, Telma knew she wanted to sing. She worked hard to make her dream come true.
A Career in Music
Telma started her music journey as a background singer in Detroit. She sang on many hit songs for famous record labels. She worked with legendary artists like the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye. She also sang on classics such as Freda Payne's "Band of Gold".
Joining Tony Orlando and Dawn
Later, Telma and Joyce Vincent Wilson were asked by Tony Orlando to form a new singing group. This group became known as Tony Orlando and Dawn. They had amazing success in the 1970s. They released 16 songs that made it into the top 40. Three of their songs even reached number one! The group also had their own TV show, Tony Orlando and Dawn, from 1974 to 1976. In 1977, the group decided to retire.
Acting on Television and in Films
After her singing career, Telma Hopkins began acting. Her first acting role was in 1979. She played Daisy in the TV miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.
Famous TV Roles
In 1980, Telma starred with Tom Hanks in the sitcom Bosom Buddies. She played Isabelle Hammond. The show ran for two seasons.
In 1983, she joined the cast of the NBC sitcom Gimme a Break!. She played Adelaide "Addy" Wilson, a childhood friend of the main character. She stayed on the show until it ended in 1987.
One of Telma's most famous roles was Rachel Baines-Crawford. She played Rachel in the ABC sitcom Family Matters. She was a regular cast member for four seasons. She later made guest appearances on the show.
Telma also starred in the sitcom Getting By from 1993 to 1994. In later years, she was a regular on the UPN sitcom Half & Half (2002–2006). She also appeared in Are We There Yet? (2010–2013). In 2014, she played Martin Lawrence's mother in the FX sitcom Partners.
Movie Appearances
Telma has also appeared in several films. She co-starred in the science fiction film Trancers (1984). She also appeared in its sequels, Trancers II (1991) and Trancers III (1992). Other films include The Wood (1999) and The Love Guru (2008). In 2021, she appeared in The Matrix Resurrections.
Personal Life and Giving Back
Telma Hopkins was married to Donald B. Allen from 1970 to 1977. They have one son together.
She cares deeply about helping others. Telma often volunteers for charities. She has worked with groups like Caring for Babies with AIDS and Act on Arthritis. She also helps mentor children.
