"What's Happening!!" was an American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979. The show followed the lives of three black teenagers living in a working-class neighborhood in Los Angeles. The show was groundbreaking for its time, as it was one of the first sitcoms to feature a predominantly black cast.
The show's main characters were Rerun (Fred Berry), Dwayne (Haywood Nelson), and Dee (Dana Plato). Rerun was a wisecracking and mischievous character, while Dwayne was more serious and responsible. Dee was the only female character in the main cast, and she was often the object of Rerun's affections.
"What's Happening!!" was a popular show with both black and white audiences. The show's humor was relatable and accessible, and its characters were well-developed and likeable. The show also tackled important social issues, such as racism and poverty.
The cast of "What's Happening!!" went on to have successful careers in television and film. Fred Berry appeared in several other sitcoms, including "The Jeffersons" and "Silver Spoons." Haywood Nelson starred in the sitcom "Sanford and Son," and Dana Plato appeared in the film "Diff'rent Strokes."
"What's Happening!!" is a classic sitcom that still holds up today. The show's humor is timeless, and its characters are still relatable. The show is a reminder of a time when television was more diverse and inclusive.
What's Happening Cast
The cast of the sitcom "What's Happening!!" was groundbreaking for its time. The show featured a predominantly black cast, which was a rarity on television in the 1970s. The cast members were all talented actors who brought their own unique personalities to their roles.
- Rerun (Fred Berry)
- Dwayne (Haywood Nelson)
- Dee (Dana Plato)
- Raj (Ernest Thomas)
- Shirley (Shirley Hemphill)
- Mama (Helen Martin)
- Mr. Thomas (Don Bexley)
The cast of "What's Happening!!" had a great chemistry together, and their performances helped to make the show a success. The show tackled important social issues, such as racism and poverty, in a humorous and accessible way. The cast members were all able to deliver their lines with perfect timing and intonation, and they always seemed to be having fun on set.
The cast of "What's Happening!!" has gone on to have successful careers in television and film. Fred Berry appeared in several other sitcoms, including "The Jeffersons" and "Silver Spoons." Haywood Nelson starred in the sitcom "Sanford and Son," and Dana Plato appeared in the film "Diff'rent Strokes." Ernest Thomas went on to star in the sitcom "The Parkers," and Shirley Hemphill starred in the sitcom "The Hughleys." Don Bexley has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Everybody Hates Chris."
The cast of "What's Happening!!" is a reminder of a time when television was more diverse and inclusive. The show's success helped to pave the way for other shows with predominantly black casts, such as "The Cosby Show" and "Black-ish."
1. Rerun (Fred Berry)
Fred Berry, who played the character Rerun on the sitcom "What's Happening!!", was a key member of the show's cast. Rerun was a wisecracking and mischievous character, and Berry's performance was a big part of the show's success.
Rerun was always getting into trouble, but he had a good heart. He was also a loyal friend to Dwayne and Dee, and he was always there for them when they needed him. Berry's performance was so good that he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 1977.
Rerun was an important character on "What's Happening!!" because he represented the show's target audience. Rerun was a young, black teenager who was trying to find his place in the world. He was often faced with challenges, but he always managed to overcome them with the help of his friends and family.
Rerun's character was also important because it helped to break down stereotypes about black teenagers. Rerun was not a criminal or a drug dealer. He was a good kid who was just trying to do his best. Rerun's character showed that black teenagers could be successful and that they had the same dreams and aspirations as other teenagers.
Fred Berry's performance as Rerun was a big part of the success of "What's Happening!!". Rerun was a relatable and likeable character, and Berry's performance helped to make him one of the most popular characters on television in the 1970s.
2. Dwayne (Haywood Nelson)
Haywood Nelson played the character Dwayne Wayne on the sitcom "What's Happening!!". Dwayne was the more serious and responsible member of the main cast, and he was often the voice of reason for his friends, Rerun and Dee. Nelson's performance was a key part of the show's success, and he helped to make Dwayne one of the most popular characters on television in the 1970s.
Dwayne was an important character on "What's Happening!!" because he represented the show's target audience. Dwayne was a young, black teenager who was trying to find his place in the world. He was often faced with challenges, but he always managed to overcome them with the help of his friends and family. Dwayne's character showed that black teenagers could be successful and that they had the same dreams and aspirations as other teenagers.
Nelson's performance as Dwayne was so good that he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 1977. Nelson's performance was also praised by critics, who noted his ability to bring depth and nuance to the character of Dwayne. Dwayne was a complex character, and Nelson was able to capture all of his different sides. He was able to show Dwayne's vulnerability, his strength, and his determination. Nelson's performance helped to make Dwayne one of the most memorable characters on television in the 1970s.
3. Dee (Dana Plato)
Dana Plato played the character Dee Thomas on the sitcom "What's Happening!!". Dee was the only female character in the main cast, and she was often the object of Rerun's affections. Plato's performance was a key part of the show's success, and she helped to make Dee one of the most popular characters on television in the 1970s.
Dee was an important character on "What's Happening!!" because she represented the show's target audience. Dee was a young, black teenager who was trying to find her place in the world. She was often faced with challenges, but she always managed to overcome them with the help of her friends and family. Dee's character showed that black teenagers could be successful and that they had the same dreams and aspirations as other teenagers.
Plato's performance as Dee was so good that she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series in 1977. Plato's performance was also praised by critics, who noted her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character of Dee. Dee was a complex character, and Plato was able to capture all of her different sides. She was able to show Dee's vulnerability, her strength, and her determination. Plato's performance helped to make Dee one of the most memorable characters on television in the 1970s.
4. Raj (Ernest Thomas)
Ernest Thomas played the character Raj on the sitcom "What's Happening!!". Raj was the owner of the local hangout spot, Raj's Barber Shop. He was a kind and wise man who often gave advice to the main characters. Thomas's performance was a key part of the show's success, and he helped to make Raj one of the most popular characters on television in the 1970s.
- Raj's Role in the Community
Raj was a central figure in the community. His barber shop was a gathering place for the neighborhood's young people. Raj was always there to listen to their problems and offer advice. He was a father figure to many of the kids, and he helped them to stay out of trouble.
- Raj's Wisdom and Experience
Raj was a wise and experienced man. He had seen a lot in his life, and he had a lot of good advice to offer. He was always willing to share his wisdom with the young people who came to his barber shop.
- Raj's Sense of Humor
Raj had a great sense of humor. He was always making jokes and keeping the mood light. He was a joy to be around, and he always made people laugh.
- Raj's Importance to the Show
Raj was an important character on "What's Happening!!". He was a father figure to the main characters, and he provided them with wisdom, advice, and support. He was also a source of comic relief, and he always made the audience laugh. Raj was a beloved character, and he helped to make "What's Happening!!" a success.
Raj was an important character on "What's Happening!!" because he represented the show's target audience. Raj was a young, black man who was trying to find his place in the world. He was often faced with challenges, but he always managed to overcome them with the help of his friends and family. Raj's character showed that black men could be successful and that they had the same dreams and aspirations as other people.
5. Shirley (Shirley Hemphill)
Shirley Hemphill played Shirley Wilson Jefferson in the sitcom "What's Happening!!". Shirley was the mother of Rerun and Dee, and she was a recurring character in the show's first two seasons. Hemphill's performance was a key part of the show's success, and she helped to make Shirley one of the most popular characters on television in the 1970s.
- Shirley's Role in the Family
Shirley was a loving and supportive mother to Rerun and Dee. She was always there for them, and she always put their needs before her own. Shirley was also a strong and independent woman. She worked hard to provide for her family, and she was always willing to stand up for what she believed in.
- Shirley's Relationship with Rerun and Dee
Shirley had a close relationship with both Rerun and Dee. She was always proud of her children, and she always encouraged them to follow their dreams. Shirley was also a great listener, and she was always there to offer advice and support.
- Shirley's Sense of Humor
Shirley had a great sense of humor. She was always making jokes and keeping the mood light. Shirley was a joy to be around, and she always made people laugh.
- Shirley's Importance to the Show
Shirley was an important character on "What's Happening!!". She was the matriarch of the family, and she provided a sense of stability and support for the main characters. Shirley was also a source of comic relief, and she always made the audience laugh. Shirley was a beloved character, and she helped to make "What's Happening!!" a success.
Shirley was an important character on "What's Happening!!" because she represented the show's target audience. Shirley was a strong and independent black woman who was trying to raise her family in a challenging environment. Shirley's character showed that black women could be successful and that they had the same dreams and aspirations as other people.
6. Mama (Helen Martin)
Helen Martin's portrayal of Mama in the sitcom "What's Happening!!" was a groundbreaking moment in television history. Mama was a strong, independent black woman who was the matriarch of her family. She was always there for her children, Rerun and Dee, and she always put their needs before her own. Mama was also a source of wisdom and guidance for the other characters on the show, and she often provided them with the support and encouragement they needed to overcome challenges.
- Mama's Role in the Family
Mama was the glue that held her family together. She was a loving and supportive mother to Rerun and Dee, and she always put their needs before her own. Mama was also a strong and independent woman. She worked hard to provide for her family, and she was always willing to stand up for what she believed in.
- Mama's Relationship with Rerun and Dee
Mama had a close relationship with both Rerun and Dee. She was always proud of her children, and she always encouraged them to follow their dreams. Mama was also a great listener, and she was always there to offer advice and support.
- Mama's Importance to the Show
Mama was an important character on "What's Happening!!". She was the matriarch of the family, and she provided a sense of stability and support for the main characters. Mama was also a source of comic relief, and she always made the audience laugh. Shirley was a beloved character, and she helped to make "What's Happening!!" a success.
Mama's character was important because it showed that black women could be strong, independent, and successful. She was a role model for young black women, and she helped to change the way that black women were portrayed on television.
7. Mr. Thomas (Don Bexley)
Mr. Thomas, played by Don Bexley, is the high school teacher and history buff on the sitcom "What's Happening!!". He is a recurring character in the show's first two seasons and makes occasional appearances in later seasons.
- Mentor and Guide
Mr. Thomas is a mentor and guide to the show's main characters, Rerun, Dwayne, and Dee. He is always willing to offer advice and support, and he helps them to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
- Source of Wisdom
Mr. Thomas is a source of wisdom and knowledge for the characters. He is passionate about history and loves to share his knowledge with his students. He also has a deep understanding of human nature and is able to provide valuable insights into the characters' lives.
- Comic Relief
Despite his serious demeanor, Mr. Thomas also provides some of the show's comic relief. His dry wit and sarcastic humor often get laughs from the audience.
- Importance to the Show
Mr. Thomas is an important character on "What's Happening!!". He provides stability and support for the main characters, and he helps them to learn and grow. He is also a source of humor and entertainment for the audience.
Mr. Thomas is a well-developed and memorable character. He is a positive role model for young people, and he helps to make "What's Happening!!" a classic sitcom.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "What's Happening!!" Cast
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the cast of the classic sitcom "What's Happening!!":
Question 1: Who played the role of Rerun?
Answer: Rerun was played by Fred Berry.
Question 2: Who played the role of Dwayne?
Answer: Dwayne was played by Haywood Nelson.
Question 3: Who played the role of Dee?
Answer: Dee was played by Dana Plato.
Question 4: Who played the role of Raj?
Answer: Raj was played by Ernest Thomas.
Question 5: Who played the role of Shirley?
Answer: Shirley was played by Shirley Hemphill.
These talented actors brought the characters of "What's Happening!!" to life and made the show a success. Their performances are still enjoyed by fans today.
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the cast of "What's Happening!!". If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Conclusion
The "What's Happening!!" cast was a groundbreaking group of actors who helped to change the face of television. They were among the first black actors to star in a successful sitcom, and their performances helped to break down stereotypes about black people.
The cast of "What's Happening!!" is still remembered today for their and their contributions to television history and popular culture. Their work continues to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.
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