Occupation Actor Years active 1974–present | Name Ernest Thomas Role Actor | |
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Full Name Ernest Lee Thomas Nominations NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Movies and TV shows Similar People | ||
unedited 1 actor ernest lee thomas interview with yahweh magazine
Ernest Lee Thomas (born March 26, 1949) is an American actor. He was born in Gary, Indiana. He is best known for his role as Roger "Raj" Thomas on the 1970s ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, and its 1980s syndicated sequel, What's Happening Now!!, and for his recurring role as Mr. Omar on Everybody Hates Chris.
Contents
- unedited 1 actor ernest lee thomas interview with yahweh magazine
- Yahweh magazine with actor ernest lee thomas
- Early career and Whats Happening
- Whats Happening Now and later career
- Filmography
- References
Yahweh magazine with actor ernest lee thomas
Early career and What's Happening!!
Thomas began his professional acting career as a Broadway actor, appearing in the 1974 revival production of Love for Love and in the 1975 revival of The Member of the Wedding. Both shows starred actress Glenn Close. Shortly after he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a TV/film actor. In the fall of 1975 he received a role on an episode of The Jeffersons. It was during the taping of the show that he learned of an audition for the upcoming comedy sitcom What's Happening!!, loosely based on the 1975 film Cooley High. He eventually went on to win the role of Roger "Raj" Thomas on the show, which aired from 1976 to 1979.
During the show's run, Thomas was involved in other acting film and TV projects including Baretta, Roots, The Brady Bunch Hour and the film A Piece of the Action starring Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. Though the series rated well, What's Happening!! was cancelled after its third season in the early spring of 1979.
What's Happening Now!! and later career
After a six-year hiatus from TV and film acting, Ernest resumed his role as Roger "Raj" Thomas in the sequel What's Happening Now!!. The show aired from 1985 to 1988.
Ernest Thomas is also one of the stars of rocker/horror movie director Rob Zombie's 2012 film The Lords of Salem in which he plays a local town's radio DJ.
Since the show's cancellation Thomas has guest starred on a number of popular TV dramas and sitcoms including In the Heat of the Night, (which co-starred his TV wife Anne-Marie Johnson, from What's Happening Now!!), The Parent 'Hood, Martin (which starred his What's Happening Now!! co-star Martin Lawrence), Soul Food, The Steve Harvey Show, All About the Andersons and more recently Just Jordan. He has also appeared in a number of films, including a supporting role in Malcolm X and a cameo in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. He later had a recurring role as funeral director, Mr. Omar, on the TV sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. He had an uncredited guest spot as Ernest T "Bass" on the TV Show Are We There Yet? It was titled, "The Satchel Paige Episode" and had him playing a Flavor Flav type personality.
He has an eye condition called amblyopia.
Filmography
Actor
-
Dive (pre-production) as
Phineas
-
The Gospel Truth (pre-production) as
Gabriel
-
The Truth (pre-production) as
James Millicent
-
Youn G (post-production) as
OG
2016
Presence (TV Movie) (completed) as
Chuck Panama
2023
The Dark Side as
Olympus
2022
69 Parts as
Bank
2022
John Wynn's One Hour as
Doctor Thomas
2022
Chocolate City 3: Live Tour as
Mr. Williams
2021
Tales of a Fifth Grade Robin Hood as
Principal Richards (as Ernest Lee Thomas)
2021
John Wynn's Playhouse as
Ernie
2020
Persuasive (Short) as
Officer Devash
2019
John Wynn's Mirror Mirror as
Pastor Ron Johnson
2019
Pawn (Short) as
Brad
2019
Loved to Death as
Pastor
2019
Malcolm (Short) as
Malcolm Head Assistant
2019
79 Parts: Director's Cut as
Bank Teller
2018
The Chosen Ones (TV Series) as
Ray
- Pilot - Ray
2018
Two Wolves as
Olivier
2017
Ledisi: Add to Me (Short) as
Speaker
2017
Chocolate City: Vegas as
Mr. Williams
2017
Veep (TV Series) as
Omar al-Saleh
- Qatar (2017) - Omar al-Saleh (as Ernest L. Thomas)
2017
The Lost Souls Cafe (TV Movie) as
Hobbi
2017
Workaholics (TV Series) as
Albert
- Faux Chella (2017) - Albert (as Ernest L. Thomas)
2017
The Gods as
Olympus
2016
In the Cut (TV Series) as
Landlord
- One Night Only (2016) - Landlord
2016
Earworm (Short)
2016
79 Parts as
Bank Teller
2015
The Family as
Joseph Jesús
2015
Chocolate City as
Diner Manager
2015
Mega Shark vs. Kolossus as
Admiral Titus Jackson
2014
The Slimbones as
Uncle AB
2014
Revenge as
Neville
2014
Basketball Girlfriend as
Lenny
2014
Anonymous (TV Series) as
Olivier
- Anonymous (2014) - Olivier
2014
The Great Central Valley Taco Tour (Short) as
Roger Omar
2013
Foreclosed (Video) as
Martin Coughlin (as Ernest L. Thomas)
2013
The Pastor and Mrs. Jones as
Pastor
2013
Ms. 3pm (Short) as
Roger Omar (voice)
2012
Are We There Yet? (TV Series)
- The Satchel Paige Episode (2012)
2012
The Lords of Salem as
Chip McDonald (Frankenstein and the Witchhunter) (uncredited)
2009
Funny People as
Yo Teach Principal
2009
Yo Teach...! (TV Mini Series) as
Principal Andrews
- MC Shakespeare (2009) - Principal Andrews
- EPK (2009) - Principal Andrews
2005
Everybody Hates Chris (TV Series) as
Mr. Omar / Funeral Director / Radical Man
- Everybody Hates the G.E.D. (2009) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Bomb Threats (2009) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Back Talk (2009) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Varsity Jackets (2009) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Mr. Levine (2009) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates New Year's Eve (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates My Man (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the English Teacher (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Cake (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Earth Day (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the BFD (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the First Kiss (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Bad Boys (2008) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Kwanzaa (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Bed-Stuy (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the Bachelor Pad (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Blackie (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the Guidance Counselor (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the Last Day (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Dirty Jokes (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Gambling (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Baseball (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Chain Snatching (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the Substitute (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Snow Day (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Eggs (2007) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Kris (2006) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Superstition (2006) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Thanksgiving (2006) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates the Buddy System (2006) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates a Liar (2006) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Elections (2006) - Mr. Omar
- Everybody Hates Funerals (2006) - Funeral Director
- Everybody Hates Halloween (2005) - Radical Man (uncredited)
2008
MANTIME with Fran and Ramis (TV Series) as
Loother
2007
Just Jordan (TV Series) as
Minister
- Practice What You Preach (2007) - Minister
2007
Paroled as
Royce Henderson
2004
All About the Andersons (TV Series) as
Mr. Johnson
- Get Out of Dodge- Ball (2004) - Mr. Johnson
2003
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star as
Ernest Thomas
2003
The Watermelon Heist as
Jailer
2000
The Steve Harvey Show (TV Series) as
Reverend Charles / Reverend Franklin
- Love, Death and Basketball (2000) - Reverend Charles (as Ernest L. Thomas)
- Wedlocked (2000) - Reverend Franklin (as Ernest L. Thomas)
2000
Soul Food (TV Series) as
Det. Craig Quinn
- Man Trouble (2000) - Det. Craig Quinn (uncredited)
1999
Linc's (TV Series) as
Ernest Thomas
- Real Time (1999) - Ernest Thomas
1996
Martin (TV Series) as
Prince Uche
- The Life You Save Might Make You Rich (1996) - Prince Uche
1996
The Parent 'Hood (TV Series) as
Waiter
- Clothes Call (1996) - Waiter
1993
Kiss and Be Killed as
Det. Ross
1992
Malcolm X as
Sidney
1990
In the Heat of the Night (TV Series) as
Off. Parker
- Brotherly Love: Part 2 (1990) - Off. Parker (uncredited)
- Brotherly Love: Part 1 (1990) - Off. Parker (uncredited)
1985
What's Happening Now! (TV Series) as
Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Adventures of Kangaroo Kincaide (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Members Only (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Man in Motion (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Debt (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Fabulous Fortunes (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Happy Face (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Older Woman (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Run, Shirley, Run (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- I Gotta Be Raj (1988) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- Daddy's Back (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- Teacher's Threat (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Pad (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Nadine's Wood-Be-Father (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- Running Scared (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Family Life (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- The Candidate (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Girls Night Out (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dwayne's Big Step (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- The Hat Comes Back (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The New Employee (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- The Boxer (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Ask Al (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The HouseKeeper (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj on the Double (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Opening Day (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Taking the Rap (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- I'll Be Homeless for Christmas (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dee's Suitor (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Mad Money (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Sorority Sisters (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dwayne's Amiga (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Yard Sale (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Old Army Daze (1987) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Instant Family (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Cabin Fever (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Thy Boss's Daughter (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj's Big Break (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Little Sister (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Party Animal (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj's Nightmare (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Picture Perfect (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Movie Deal (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Landlord (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Nadine's Surprise (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Wedding (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Nadine's Boss (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Pen Pal (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Mr. First Nighter (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dee and Dwayne (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Goodbye, Mr. Ripps (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Rags to Riches (1986) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Improbable Dream (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Married or Not (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Challenge (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj on the Run (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dee's Dilemma (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dueling Menus (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- That Old Gang of Mine (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Bully (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The New Kid (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Aunt Shirley (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- One Enchanted Evening (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Houseguest (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dwayne's Crush (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- A Horse Is Not a Home (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj Returns (1985) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
1986
That's My Mama Now! (TV Movie) as
Roger 'Raj' Thomas
1980
The Righteous Apples (TV Series) as
Winston
- Point of View (1980) - Winston (as Ernest Lee Thomas)
1976
What's Happening!! (TV Series) as
Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Benefit Show (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dwayne's Debate (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- First Class Coach (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Last Page (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Thomas Treasure (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Eviction (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Food Poisoning (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Fired (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dwayne's Dream (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- A Present for Dee (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dee, the Cheerleader (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Making Out (1979) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Positive Identification (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- No Clothes Make the Man (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj Moves Out (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Charge (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Landlady (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Cookies (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Creep Detective (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Basketball Brain (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Boyfriend (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Disco Dollar Disaster (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Apartment (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley Is a Mother (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Diplomatic Immunity (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj and the Older Woman (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Rerun Sees the Light (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Doobie or Not Doobie: Part 2 (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Doobie or Not Doobie: Part 1 (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dee's First Date (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Going, Going, Gong (1978) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Black and White Blues (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Testimonial (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- One Strike and You're Out (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Mama, the School Girl (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Bill Gets Married (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Give Me Odds (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Play's the Big Thing (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- If I'm Elected (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas (credit only)
- Nothing Personal (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Raj Goes to Press (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Trial and Error (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- It's All in Your Head (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Rerun Gets Married (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- From Here to Maternity (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Nice Guys Finish Last (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- What's Wrong with Raj? (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Tickets (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Dwayne's Dilemma (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Boarder (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Firing Squad (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Sunday Father (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Hospital Stay (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Incomplete Shakespeare (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Maid Did It (1977) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Puppy Love (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Christmas (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Shirley's Date (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Speak for Yourself, Dwayne (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Burger Queen (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- Saturday's Hero (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- My Three Tons (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- When Daddy Comes Marching Home (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Birthday Present (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
- The Runaway (1976) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
1977
A Piece of the Action as
John
1977
The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (TV Series) as
Raj
- Episode #1.7 (1977) - Raj
1977
Roots (TV Mini Series) as
Kailuba
- Part I (1977) - Kailuba
1976
Baretta (TV Series) as
Lew
- Under the City (1976) - Lew
1976
Insight (TV Series) as
Tony Lanier
- Juvie (1976) - Tony Lanier
1975
Cooley High (TV Movie) as
Preach
1975
The Jeffersons (TV Series) as
Ronnie Walker
- George Won't Talk (1975) - Ronnie Walker
Producer
2020
Persuasive (Short) (producer)
2016
Hamilton Hays (TV Movie) (executive producer)
2015
The Family (executive producer)
2014
Revenge (executive producer)
2013
Kid Justice (TV Series) (executive producer - 2 episodes)
- Jacking the Hacker (2013) - (executive producer)
- To Scratch Or Not To Scratch (2013) - (executive producer)
Soundtrack
2003
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star ("Child Stars on Your Television")
1978
What's Happening!! (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode)
- Positive Identification (1978) - (performer: "O Come, All Ye Faithful", "Jingle Bells")
Thanks
2011
Happy Birthday: The Short Film Thriller (Short) (very special thanks)
Self
2023
A Spiritual Connection (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.4 - Self
2018
The Actor's Choice (TV Series) as
Self
- Ernest Lee Thomas, John Snow & Govanni Adams (2021)
- Ernest L. Thomas (2018) - Self
2021
History of the Sitcom (TV Series documentary) as
Self
- Facing Race (2021) - Self (as Ernest Lee Thomas)
- Just Friends (2021) - Self (as Ernest Lee Thomas)
- A Family Matter (2021) - Self (as Ernest Lee Thomas)
2021
ICONversation (Documentary) as
Self
2020
The eZWay Awards 2020 as
Presenter
2020
The Mike & Donny Show: Being Black in Hollywood (TV Series) as
Ernest Thomas
2014
Unsung Hollywood (TV Series documentary) as
Self
- The Jeffersons (2017) - Self (as Ernest L. Thomas)
- Sheryl Lee Ralph (2016) - Self (as Ernest L. Thomas)
- What's Happening!! (2014) - Self
2017
Mandell & Friends (TV Series) as
Ernest Thomas
- "Mandell & Friends" profiles Actor/Author Ernest Thomas (2017) - Ernest Thomas
2016
Stop Bullying Now: Live from the Big House as
Self
2016
4th Annual Gospel Goes to Hollywood Awards (TV Special) as
Self
2015
Chasing LA (TV Series) as
Self
- Chocolate City LA Premiere! (2015) - Self
2014
4TH NAFCA: African Oscar (TV Special) as
Self - Presenter
2014
Actors Entertainment (TV Series) as
Self
- ActorsE Chat with Ernest L. Thomas and Ron Brewington (2014) - Self
2014
The EZ Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Actor Ernest Thomas, French Pop Artist LP Offishal and the EZ Way Angels (2014) - Self
2013
Real Husbands of Hollywood (TV Series) as
Self
- Doing the Bump (2013) - Self
2011
Life After (TV Series) as
Self
- Ernest Thomas (2012) - Self
- BernNadette Stanis (2012) - Self
- Danielle Spencer (2011) - Self
2011
The Actor's Journey (Video documentary) as
Self
2011
The Actor's Journey for Kids (Video documentary) as
Self
2011
Way Black When: Primetime (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.4 (2011) - Self
2010
Way Black When (TV Special) as
Self
2007
TV Land Confidential (TV Series documentary) as
Self - Interviewee
- Finales (2007) - Self - Interviewee
2006
The 100 Greatest TV Quotes & Catchphrases (TV Mini Series documentary) as
Self
- 20-1 (2006) - Self
- 40-21 (2006) - Self
- 60-41 (2006) - Self
- 80-61 (2006) - Self
- 100-81 (2006) - Self
2006
The John Kerwin Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 20 September 2006 (2006) - Self
2004
BET Comedy Awards (TV Special) as
Self
1997
Vibe (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 19 November 1997 (1997) - Self
1989
An Evening at the Improv (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #4.6 (1989) - Self
1986
The 28th Annual Strawberry Festival Parade (TV Movie) as
Self
1979
All-Star Family Feud Special (TV Series) as
Self - Celebrity Contestant
- Special #3: Love Boat vs. Eight Is Enough; Family vs. What's Happening (1979) - Self - Celebrity Contestant
1976
Donny and Marie (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #3.6 (1977) - Self
- Episode #2.7 (1976) - Self
1976
The Captain and Tennille (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.5 (1976) - Self
References
Ernest Lee Thomas Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA