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Bern Nadette Stanis

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Nationality
  
American

Name
  
Bern Stanis

Occupation
  
Actress, author

Role
  
Actress

Years active
  
1974–present

Education
  
Website
  
thelmaofgoodtimes.com


Bern Nadette Stanis with a big smile and kinky hair while wearing a red bikini and earrings

Full Name
  
Bernadette Stanislaus

Born
  
December 22, 1953 (age 70) (
1953-12-22
)
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.

Other names
  
BernNadette StanisBernNadetteBern

Known for
  
Thelma Ann Evans – Good Times

Movies and TV shows
  
Good Times, The Engagement

Children
  
Dior Ravel Fontana, Brittany Rose Fontana

Spouse
  
Kevin Fontana (m. 1981), Tom Fauntleroy (m. 1975–1980)

Parents
  
Eula Stanislaus, Gregory Stanislaus

Similar People
  

Bern nadette stanis the first black american sweetheart


Bern Nadette Stanis (born Bernadette Stanislaus, December 22, 1953) is an American actress and author. Stanis is best known for her role as Thelma Ann Evans–Anderson, the only daughter of Florida and James Evans, Sr. on the CBS sitcom Good Times which originally ran from 1974 to 1979. Stanis is the author of four books: Situations 101: Relationships, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly; For Men Only; Situations 101: Finances; and The Last Night.

Contents

Bern Nadette Stanis smiling with curly hair while wearing an earrings and gold and brown crisscross halter top

Bern nadette stanis portrayed thelma on the hit tv show good times


Early life and career

Bern Nadette Stanis smiling while wearing a blue blouse, earrings, and sunglasses on the top of her head

One of five children, Stanis was born and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York City; to a mother named Eula (1931–2011) and father named Gregory Stanislaus (1924–1991). Stanis attended Erasmus Hall High School and later attended the Juilliard School. As a teen Stanis entered Miss Black America pageants, and went on to become Miss Brooklyn, a title with which she became first runner-up in the Miss New York state pageant.

Bern Nadette Stanis smiling while hand on her hips and wearing a striped sleeveless top, pants, necklace, and bracelet

Stanis played the role of Thelma Ann Evans on the CdaughterBS sitcom Good Times from February 1974 to August 1979. After Good Times ended, she made appearances on several television shows, including The Cosby Show and What's Happening Now!!. She and former co-star Jimmie Walker lent their voices to a radio spot for AT&T. Stanis was most recently seen in a Nationwide Insurance commercial. Stanis has been featured in several promotions for the TV One network.

Bern Nadette Stanis with a big smile while looking afar and wearing a black and white blouse, earrings, and ring

Stanis appeared in a "Thelma" promotion that aired on September 19, 2009 alongside actress Anna Maria Horsford in the "Battle of the Thelmas" that specifically aired their weddings from their respective TV series (Horsford portrayed "Thelma Frye" in the TV series Amen). During the "Way Black Then" promotions in February 2010 (in honor of Black History Month), she and Walker appeared on the 30-minute program Color TV to share their memories and thoughts on Good Times. One of her latest appearances was on TV One's show. In July 2016, Stanis appeared on an episode of Centric's Being discussing her life and career.

Personal life

Bern Nadette Stanis smiling while holding sunglasses and wearing a yellow dress, necklace, bracelet, and ring

Stanis has been married four times. Her first marriage was to high-school sweetheart Thomas Fauntleroy from June 1974 until 1978, then to Brooklyn nightclub owner Darnell Johnson in January 1979; which was annulled later that year. Stanis' third marriage was to mechanical engineer Terrence Redd. Stanis gave birth to their daughter Dior Ravel in April 1982. The couple later divorced. Her fourth husband is Kevin Fontana; an article in 2012 said they had been married 31 years, but other sources state that Stanis was married to Redd circa 1981. Stanis also has a second child, daughter Brittany Rose with husband Kevin Fontana.

Filmography

Actress
2023
Chaaw (completed) as
Aunt Thelma
2022
The Family Business (TV Series) as
Nee Nee Duncan
- Crazy As Duncans (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Rise or Fall (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Seeing Things (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- The Return (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Vengeance is mine (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Home Coming (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Dead Silence (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Trigger Happy (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Family First (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
- Everybody Wants Harris (2022) - Nee Nee Duncan
2021
Dreams from the Edge (Short) as
Rose Lane
2021
The Urbans (TV Series) as
Peaches
- The Psychic (2021) - Peaches
2019
The Big Shot (TV Movie) as
Pamela Randolph
2016
No Regrets as
Nina's Mother
2015
Black Jesus (TV Series)
- Good for Nothing (2015) - (as Bernadette Stanis)
- Thy Neighbor's Strife (2015) - (as Bernadette Stanis)
2015
Base (TV Series) as
Captain Mac
- Episode #1.1 - Captain Mac
2013
Whatcha Cookin' (TV Series) as
Gwen
2012
Momma & Me (TV Movie) as
Momma
2011
Forever Young at Heart (Short) as
Mirriam "Sparkles" Mathews
2010
N-Secure as
Dr. Heather
2009
Caution! Heartache Ahead as
Vera
2009
The Adventures of Umbweki as
Usahnisa
2006
The Engagement: My Phamily BBQ 2 as
Bobbi Clark (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
2004
Still 'Bout It (Video) as
Aunt Tee Dee
2004
Land of the Free? as
Psychiatrist
2000
Hidden Blessings (TV Movie) as
Jackson's Lawyer
1999
The Parent 'Hood (TV Series) as
L'Tonya
- Mommy Dearest (1999) - L'Tonya (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
1997
Camp Lo: Black Nostaljack AKA Come On (Video short) as
Thelma Evans
1997
The Wayans Bros. (TV Series) as
Thelma Evans
- Unspoken Token (1997) - Thelma Evans (as Bernadette Stanis)
1997
The Good News (TV Series)
- The Baby on the Door Step (1997)
1993
Positive K: Carhoppers (Music Video) as
Carhopper #3
1991
The Cosby Show (TV Series) as
Carolyn Thompson
- Adventures in Babysitting (1991) - Carolyn Thompson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
1987
Bustin' Loose (TV Series) as
Ms. Fisher
- I Paint What I See (1987) - Ms. Fisher
1985
What's Happening Now! (TV Series) as
Marcie
- Married or Not (1985) - Marcie (as Bernadette Stanis)
1980
The Love Boat (TV Series) as
Janet Reeves
- Invisible Maniac/September Song/Peekaboo (1980) - Janet Reeves (as Bernadette Stanis)
1974
Good Times (TV Series) as
Thelma Evans / Thelma Evans Anderson
- The Evans' Dilemma (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Cousin Raymond (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The End of the Rainbow (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- A Matter of Mothers (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis, credit only)
- The Physical (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Art Contest (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. and T.C. (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Where Have All the Doctor's Gone? (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Blood Will Tell (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Favorite Passenger: Part 2 (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Favorite Passenger: Part 1 (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- House Hunting (1979) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Traveling Christmas (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Snow Storm (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Witness (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. and the Plumber's Helper (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Michael's Decision (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. the Teacher (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Stomach Mumps (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida Gets a Job (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Homecoming: Part 4 (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Homecoming: Part 3 (1978) - Thelma Evans Anderson (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Homecoming: Part 2 (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Homecoming: Part 1 (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- That's Entertainment, Evans Style (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Write On, Thelma (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Willona's New Job (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Something Old, Something New (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Willona, the Other Woman (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J.'s Condition (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Boarder (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- I Had a Dream (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Where There's Smoke (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. and the Boss' Daughter (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Willona's Mr. Right (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- No More Mr. Nice Guy (1978) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Penny's Christmas (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Requiem for a Wino (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Thelma's Brief Encounter (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Bye, Bye, Bookman (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Breaker, Breaker (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Wheels (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Willona, the Fuzz (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Thelma Moves Out (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Evans Get Involved: Part 4 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Evans Get Involved: Part 3 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Evans Get Involved: Part 2 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Evans Get Involved: Part 1 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Love Has a Spot On Its Lung: Part 2 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Love Has a Spot On Its Lung: Part 1 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. in Business (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- My Son, the Father (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida and Carl (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- A Stormy Relationship (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- A Friend in Need (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Willona's Surprise (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Thelma's African Romance: Part 2 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Thelma's African Romance: Part 1 (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Hustle (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Comedian and the Loan Sharks (1977) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Judy Cohen Story (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Night Out (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Rich Is Better Than Poor- Maybe (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Grandpa's Visit (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J.'s New Career: Part 2 (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J.'s New Career: Part 1 (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Evans Versus Davis (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Michael's Great Romance (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Michael the Warlord (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. and the Older Woman (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Big Move: Part 2 (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Big Move: Part 1 (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Rent Party (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Break Up (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida the Woman (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J. in Trouble (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Investigation (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Sweet Daddy Williams (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 2 (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 1 (1976) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- A Place to Die (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Family Tree (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Cousin Cleatus (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- A Loss of Confidence (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Mural (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Protest (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Willona's Dilemma (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Politicians (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Michael's Big Fall (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Baby (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Weekend (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Florida's Rich Cousin (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Love in the Ghetto (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- Operation Florida (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Family Gun (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- A Real Cool Job (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette Stanis)
- The Lunch Money Ripoff (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- Thelma's Scholarship (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The Enlistment (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- My Girl Henrietta (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The Houseguest (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The Dinner Party (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The Debutante Ball (1975) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The Family Business (1975) - Thelma Evans
- The Nude (1975) - Thelma Evans
- Florida Goes to School (1975) - Thelma Evans
- Florida's Big Gig (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle (1974) - Thelma Evans
- The Windfall (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Florida, the Matchmaker (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Part II: J.J. and the Gang (1974) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The Gang: Part 1 (1974) - Thelma Evans
- The Encyclopedia Hustle (1974) - Thelma Evans (as Bernnadette Stanis)
- The I.Q. Test (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Thelma's Young Man (1974) - Thelma Evans
- The Man I Most Admire (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah (1974) - Thelma Evans
- J.J. Becomes a Man: Part II: J.J. Is Arrested (1974) - Thelma Evans
- J.J. Becomes a Man: Part I (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Florida Flips (1974) - Thelma Evans
- My Son, the Lover (1974) - Thelma Evans
- The Check Up (1974) - Thelma Evans
- The TV Commercial (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Springtime in the Ghetto (1974) - Thelma Evans
- The Visitor (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Junior the Senior (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Junior Gets a Patron (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Sex and the Evans Family (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Michael Gets Suspended (1974) - Thelma Evans
- God's Business Is Good Business (1974) - Thelma Evans
- Getting Up the Rent (1974) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette)
- Black Jesus (1974) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette)
- Too Old Blues (1974) - Thelma Evans (as Bern Nadette)
Soundtrack
1976
Good Times (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes)
- The Traveling Christmas (1978) - (performer: "Steam Heat" - uncredited)
- The Rent Party (1976) - (performer: "Stop! In the Name of Love" - uncredited)
Self
2022
Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music & Laughter (TV Special documentary) as
Self
2021
Touré Show (Podcast Series) as
Self - Guest
- Bern Nadette Stanis-I Was Thelma On Good Times (2021) - Self - Guest
2019
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: 'All in the Family' and 'Good Times' (TV Special) as
Self
2019
Sister Circle Live (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 10 October 2019 (2019) - Self
2018
Sidewalks Entertainment (TV Series) as
Self - Guest
- Bern Nadette Stanis (2018) - Self - Guest
2016
Being (TV Series documentary) as
Self
- BernNadette Stanis (2016) - Self
2016
Steve Harvey (TV Series) as
Self
- "Where Are They Now?" Week Continues with JJ Walker and the Cast of "Good Times" (2016) - Self
2015
Extra (TV Series) as
Hwerself - Good Times
- Episode #21.85 (2015) - Hwerself - Good Times
2013
Real Husbands of Hollywood (TV Series) as
Self
- Doing the Bump (2013) - Self
2012
Life After (TV Series) as
Self
- Jimmie Walker: Life After Good Times (2013) - Self
- Ernest Thomas (2012) - Self
- BernNadette Stanis (2012) - Self
2011
The View (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 30 September 2011 (2011) - Self
2010
Way Black When (TV Special) as
Self
2005
TV Land Confidential (TV Series documentary) as
Self / Self - Interviewee
- Oddballs & Original Characters (2007) - Self - Interviewee (as Bernadette Stanis)
- Changing Times and Trends (2005) - Self
- Breakout and Disappearing Star (2005) - Self
2006
BET Awards 2006 (TV Special) as
Self
2006
The 4th Annual TV Land Awards (TV Special) as
Self
2004
BET Comedy Awards (TV Special) as
Self
2003
Girlfriends (TV Series) as
Self
- Where Everyone Knows My Name (2003) - Self
1994
Big Daddy Kane: In The P.J.'S (Video short) as
Self
1992
The Uptown Comedy Club (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.10 (1992) - Self
1988
Family Reunion: A Gospel Music Celebration (TV Movie documentary) as
Self
1987
Ebony/Jet Showcase (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 1 May 1987 (1987) - Self
1975
The Mike Douglas Show (TV Series) as
Self - Actress
- Episode #15.78 (1975) - Self - Actress
1975
Tattletales (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #3.56 (1975) - Self (as Tom & BernNadette)
- Episode #3.55 (1975) - Self (as Tom & BernNadette)
- Episode #3.54 (1975) - Self (as Tom & BernNadette)
- Episode #3.53 (1975) - Self (as Tom & BernNadette)
- Episode #3.52 (1975) - Self (as Tom & BernNadette)
Archive Footage
2022
Dark Side of the '90s (TV Series documentary) as
Thelma Evans
- Black Sitcoms' Last Laugh (2022) - Thelma Evans
2021
History of the Sitcom (TV Series documentary) as
Thelma Evans
- Facing Race (2021) - Thelma Evans
- A Family Matter (2021) - Thelma Evans
2004
TV in Black: The First Fifty Years (Video documentary)
2000
E! True Hollywood Story (TV Series documentary) as
Self
- Good Times (2000) - Self

References

Bern Nadette Stanis Wikipedia