Alaina Reed Hall
Sonic the Hedgehog, 227, Cleghorne!Alaina Reed Hall (November 10, 1946 – December 17, 2009) was an American singer and actress best known for her roles as Olivia Robinson, Gordon's younger sister, on the long-running children's television series Sesame Street, and as Rose Lee Holloway on the NBC sitcom 227.Angela Bassett
American Horror Story, ER, Ryan's HopeBorn on August 16, 1958, in New York City, Angela Bassett was brought up by a single mother in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bassett's early life was marked with struggles, which she overcame through her intense passion for the arts. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in African-American studies from Yale University, followed by a Master's degree in Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama, under the guidance of renowned theatrical producer Lloyd Richards. Bassett's breakthrough came in 1993 when she portrayed Tina Turner in the biographical film What's Love Got to Do With It. Her riveting performance earned her a Golden Globe award for Best Actress, as well as an Academy Award nomination, making her the first African-American to receive such recognition. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned several decades, during which Bassett distinguished herself in a variety of roles across genres, including drama, action, and comedy. Some of her notable films include Waiting to Exhale, Vampire in Brooklyn, and Black Panther. In addition to her film career, Bassett made significant contributions to television. She showcased her versatility in series like ER and American Horror Story, earning her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Moreover, she extended her talents behind the camera, directing episodes for American Horror Story and the television film Whitney. Despite the fame and success, Angela Bassett remained grounded, using her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, such as education and health awareness.Barry Sobel
227, The Ellen Burstyn Show, Black in the 80sBarry Sobel (born July 11, 1959) is an American actor and comedian.Countess Vaughn
The Parkers, 227, MoeshaCountess Danielle Vaughn (born August 8, 1978) is an American actress and singer. Vaughn is best known for her role as Kimberly Ann Parker on the UPN sitcoms Moesha (1996–1999), its spin-off The Parkers (1999–2004), & as Alexandria DeWitt on 227.Curtis Baldwin
227Curtis BaldwinHal Williams
227, Mad Love, Private BenjaminHalroy Candis Williams (born December 14, 1938) is an American actor, best known for his recurring role as Police Officer Smith ("Smitty") on Sanford and Son (1972–76) and as the patriarch Lester Jenkins, the husband of Marla Gibbs's character, on the NBC sitcom 227 (1985–90).Helen Martin
227, Baby, I'm BackHelen Dorothy Martin (July 23, 1909 – March 25, 2000) was an American actress of stage and television. She is best known for her roles as Wanda on the CBS sitcom Good Times (1974–79) and as Pearl Shay on the NBC sitcom 227 (1985–90).Jackée Harry
Sister, Sister, 227Jacqueline Yvonne Harry (born August 14, 1956), better known by her mononymous stage name Jackée, is an actress, singer, comedian, director, and television personality. She is best known for her roles as Sandra Clark, the sexy nemesis of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs), on the NBC TV series 227 (1985–90), and as Lisa Landry on the ABC/The WB sitcom Sister, Sister (1994–99). She is noted for being the first and only African-American to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.Gary Coleman
Married... with Children, Diff'rent Strokes, The Gary Coleman ShowGary Coleman, born in 1968 in Zion, Illinois, was an American actor best known for his role as Arnold Jackson on the hit TV series Diff'rent Strokes. Despite experiencing a challenging childhood marked by health issues, Coleman emerged as a star, winning hearts with his infectious charisma and talent. His character's catchphrase, "What'chu talkin' about, Willis?" became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Coleman's place in television history. Coleman's early life was fraught with difficulty. Born with a congenital kidney disease that stunted his growth, he underwent two kidney transplants before reaching adolescence. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated an indomitable spirit, turning to acting as an avenue to express himself. He began his career with commercials, eventually landing the iconic role in Diff'rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. This role earned him a spot in the limelight and made him one of the most recognizable child actors of his time. Unfortunately, Coleman's post-TV series life was marked by legal and financial troubles. He sued his parents and business advisor over misappropriation of his $3.8 million trust fund. In later years, he worked as a security guard and made sporadic appearances in films and TV shows. Despite the ups and downs, Coleman remains remembered for his unforgettable contribution to American television.Kevin Peter Hall
227, Misfits of ScienceKevin Peter Hall (May 9, 1955 – April 10, 1991) was an American actor best known for his roles as the title character in the first two films in the Predator franchise and the title character of Harry in the film and television series, Harry and the Hendersons. He also appeared in the television series Misfits of Science and 227, along with the film Without Warning.Kia Goodwin
227Kia Joy Goodwin (born August 2, 1973) is an American actress. She is best known for her childhood role as Tiffany Holloway, Rose Holloway's (played by Alaina Reed Hall) daughter on the NBC comedy sitcom 227 for two seasons (1985-1987).Marla Gibbs
The Jeffersons, Passions, 227Marla Gibbs (born Margaret Theresa Bradley; June 14, 1931) is an American actress, comedian, singer, writer and television producer, whose career spans five decades. Gibbs is known for her role as George Jefferson's maid, Florence Johnston, in the CBS sitcom, The Jeffersons (1975–85), for which she received five nominations for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also starred in the show's spin-off Checking In (1981) and the NBC sitcom, 227 (1985–90); Gibbs co-produced the latter series, played the lead role of Mary Jenkins, and sang the theme song. Gibbs has won seven NAACP Image Awards. In later years, Gibbs played supporting roles in films The Meteor Man (1993), Lost & Found (1999), The Visit (2000), The Brothers (2001), Madea's Witness Protection (2012), Grantham & Rose (2015), and Lemon (2017) and the TV show Station 19 (2018).Iman Abdulmajid
The Fashion ShowZara Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali: Zara Maxamed Cabdulmajiid; 25 July 1955), mononymously known as Iman, is a Somali-American fashion model, actress and entrepreneur. A former muse of designers Gianni Versace, Halston, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Yves Saint Laurent, she is also noted for her philanthropic work. She is the widow of English rock musician David Bowie, whom she married in 1992.Paul Winfield
Julia, 227, The Women of Brewster PlacePaul Edward Winfield (May 22, 1939 – March 7, 2004) was an American television, film and stage actor. He was known for his portrayal of a Louisiana sharecropper who struggles to support his family during the Great Depression in the landmark film Sounder (1972), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1978 television miniseries King, for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award. Winfield was also known for his roles in The Terminator, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He received five Emmy nominations overall, winning for his 1994 guest role in Picket Fences.Regina King
24, The Boondocks, SouthlandRegina King, an exceptional talent in the world of Hollywood, has established herself as a versatile and determined artist. Born on January 15, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, she kick-started her acting career with television roles and quickly became recognized for her robust performances. Her journey to stardom began at a young age when she played Brenda Jenkins on the popular television series, 227. Over the years, King expanded her portfolio by adding a variety of roles, which showcased both her dramatic and comedic abilities. King's prowess did not go unnoticed. She started gaining recognition for her performances in feature films like Jerry Maguire, Ray, and If Beale Street Could Talk. Her portrayal of Sharon Rivers in If Beale Street Could Talk earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her dedication and skill. She also earned critical acclaim for her roles in various television series such as American Crime, for which she received two Primetime Emmy Awards. Not content with just being in front of the camera, King transitioned into directing as well, successfully carving out a niche for herself behind the scenes. Her directorial debut came with the television film Let The Church Say Amen, followed by episodes of Scandal, This Is Us, and Insecure. Furthermore, her directorial feature film debut, One Night in Miami, was met with significant praise, reinforcing her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.Stoney Jackson
The White Shadow, 227, The InsidersStonewall W. "Stoney" Jackson (born Alwyn Jackson on February 27, 1960) is an American actor. Jackson was born in Richmond, Virginia.Nia Long
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, House of Lies, Third WatchNia Long, a name that has become synonymous with talent and tenacity in Hollywood, was born on October 30, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. She is an accomplished actress, recognized for her compelling performances in both television and film, and has garnered praise for her exceptional range and depth of character portrayal. Her mother, Talita Long, a printmaker and teacher, and her father, Doughtry Long, a high school teacher and poet, were instrumental in nurturing her love for the arts from an early age. Long's acting journey began at the tender age of six when she landed a role in Disney's Broadway production, The Bells Ring. However, it was her breakout role in the seminal television drama, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing Will Smith's girlfriend, Lisa Wilkes, that catapulted her into the limelight. Long's film career also flourished with notable roles in critically acclaimed movies such as Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, The Best Man and its sequel, The Best Man Holiday, demonstrating her ability to master diverse genres from drama to romance and comedy. What sets Nia Long apart is not only her acting prowess but her dedication to causes close to her heart. She is a passionate advocate for women's rights, and uses her platform to promote equality and justice. Long's contribution to cinema has been honored with numerous awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.Reginald VelJohnson
Family Matters, Hart of Dixie, Tron: UprisingReginald VelJohnson (born Reginald Vel Johnson, August 16, 1952) is an American actor. He is best known for playing policeman characters such as Carl Winslow on the sitcom Family Matters, which ran from 1989 to 1998, and LAPD Sgt. Al Powell in the films Die Hard and Die Hard 2.Toukie Smith
Doris A. "Toukie" Smith is an American actress and model. Smith is best known for her role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227 (1989–90). She is the sister of fashion designer Willi Smith.
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