was a beloved sitcom that first aired in the late 1970s, capturing the hearts of many with its relatable humor and engaging cast. The show depicted the everyday lives of three African American teenagers growing up in Los Angeles. With its light-hearted take on friendship, family, and the various challenges of adolescence, the series left an indelible mark on its audience. As we take a closer look at the talented individuals who brought these characters to life, we can't help but appreciate the lasting impact they've made. The cast of What's Happening!! was comprised of a diverse group of actors, each contributing to the show's unique charm and appeal. From the charismatic Roger "Raj" Thomas to the sassy and quick-witted Dee, the characters were both relatable and aspirational. Over the years, fans have continued to celebrate the show's legacy, sparking curiosity about where the cast members are now and the paths they have taken since their time on the show. In this article, we'll explore the lives and careers of the What's Happening!! cast, delving into their backgrounds, achievements, and personal journeys. Through detailed biographies, personal insights, and a look at their contributions to the entertainment industry, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview that pays homage to these iconic figures. Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of What's Happening!! and discover how the cast has continued to influence and inspire generations. ### Table of Contents 1. Who Were the Stars of What's Happening? 2. Roger "Raj" Thomas: A Closer Look - Biography of Ernest Lee Thomas - Personal Life and Achievements 3. Dwayne Nelson: The Heart of the Trio - Biography of Haywood Nelson - Personal Life and Career Highlights 4. Rerun: The Dancing Sensation - Biography of Fred Berry - Personal Life and Legacy 5. Dee Thomas: The Sassy Sister - Biography of Danielle Spencer - Personal Life and Contributions 6. Shirley Wilson: The Feisty Waitress - Biography of Shirley Hemphill - Personal Life and Career 7. The Impact of What's Happening on Society 8. How Did the Show Influence Future Sitcoms? 9. What Made What's Happening!! So Popular? 10. Where Are the Cast Members Now? 11. What's Happening!! Spin-Offs and Reunions 12. Frequently Asked Questions 13. Conclusion 14. External Resources for Further Exploration ### 1. Who Were the Stars of What's Happening? The cast of What's Happening!! featured a talented ensemble that brought the show's characters to life. The main cast included Ernest Lee Thomas as Roger "Raj" Thomas, Haywood Nelson as Dwayne Nelson, Fred Berry as Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs, Danielle Spencer as Dee Thomas, and Shirley Hemphill as Shirley Wilson. Each actor brought their unique flair and personality to the show, creating memorable characters that resonated with audiences. ### 2. Roger "Raj" Thomas: A Closer Look #### Biography of Ernest Lee Thomas Ernest Lee Thomas, born on March 26, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, is best known for his role as Roger "Raj" Thomas. Thomas pursued a career in acting after completing his education in drama. His portrayal of Raj was central to the show's success, as he captured the character's intelligence, ambition, and humor. | Personal Details | Information | |------------------------|-------------------------| | **Full Name** | Ernest Lee Thomas | | **Date of Birth** | March 26, 1949 | | **Place of Birth** | Gary, Indiana, USA | | **Occupation** | Actor | | **Famous Role** | Roger "Raj" Thomas | #### Personal Life and Achievements Beyond his work on What's Happening!!, Ernest Lee Thomas has appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has continued to work in the entertainment industry, participating in projects that highlight his comedic and dramatic talents. Thomas is also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes related to education and the arts. ### 3. Dwayne Nelson: The Heart of the Trio #### Biography of Haywood Nelson Haywood Nelson, born on March 25, 1960, in New York City, brought the character of Dwayne Nelson to life with his charming and easygoing demeanor. Dwayne was known for his catchphrase "Hey, hey, hey!" and his unwavering loyalty to his friends. | Personal Details | Information | |------------------------|-------------------------| | **Full Name** | Haywood Nelson | | **Date of Birth** | March 25, 1960 | | **Place of Birth** | New York City, USA | | **Occupation** | Actor | | **Famous Role** | Dwayne Nelson | #### Personal Life and Career Highlights After What's Happening!!, Haywood Nelson continued to work in television, appearing in various shows and movies. He has also ventured into production, demonstrating his passion for storytelling and the arts. Nelson's career reflects his dedication to his craft and his desire to explore different facets of the entertainment industry. ### 4. Rerun: The Dancing Sensation #### Biography of Fred Berry Fred Berry, born on March 19, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, became an iconic figure thanks to his portrayal of Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs. Known for his dance moves and vibrant personality, Rerun was a fan favorite and brought a unique energy to the show. | Personal Details | Information | |------------------------|-------------------------| | **Full Name** | Fred Berry | | **Date of Birth** | March 19, 1951 | | **Place of Birth** | St. Louis, Missouri, USA| | **Occupation** | Actor, Dancer | | **Famous Role** | Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs | #### Personal Life and Legacy Fred Berry's career extended beyond What's Happening!!, as he continued to showcase his talents in other television and film projects. He became a cultural icon, known for his signature dance style and humorous performances. Berry's legacy lives on, as he remains a cherished figure in the world of entertainment. ### 5. Dee Thomas: The Sassy Sister #### Biography of Danielle Spencer Danielle Spencer, born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, played the role of Dee Thomas, Raj's younger sister. With her quick wit and sassy comebacks, Dee was a standout character who often stole the show. | Personal Details | Information | |------------------------|-------------------------| | **Full Name** | Danielle Spencer | | **Date of Birth** | June 24, 1965 | | **Place of Birth** | Trenton, New Jersey, USA| | **Occupation** | Actress, Veterinarian | | **Famous Role** | Dee Thomas | #### Personal Life and Contributions In addition to her acting career, Danielle Spencer pursued a career in veterinary medicine, demonstrating her passion for animal care. Her contributions to both fields highlight her diverse talents and dedication to making a positive impact. Spencer remains an influential figure, inspiring others with her achievements and resilience. ### 6. Shirley Wilson: The Feisty Waitress #### Biography of Shirley Hemphill Shirley Hemphill, born on July 1, 1947, in Asheville, North Carolina, portrayed the feisty waitress Shirley Wilson. Her comedic timing and larger-than-life personality made her a beloved character on the show. | Personal Details | Information | |------------------------|-------------------------| | **Full Name** | Shirley Hemphill | | **Date of Birth** | July 1, 1947 | | **Place of Birth** | Asheville, North Carolina, USA| | **Occupation** | Actress, Comedian | | **Famous Role** | Shirley Wilson | #### Personal Life and Career Shirley Hemphill's career was marked by her contributions to comedy and television. She became a successful stand-up comedian and appeared in various shows and films. Her legacy is celebrated for her ability to bring laughter and joy to audiences, making her a trailblazer for future generations of comedians. ### 7. The Impact of What's Happening on Society What's Happening!! played a significant role in shaping societal perceptions and addressing cultural themes during its time. The show highlighted the experiences of African American teenagers, providing representation and relatability for viewers. It tackled issues such as friendship, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up with humor and authenticity. ### 8. How Did the Show Influence Future Sitcoms? The influence of What's Happening!! extended beyond its original run, as it paved the way for future sitcoms featuring diverse casts and realistic portrayals of teenage life. The show's success demonstrated the importance of representation and storytelling that resonates with audiences, inspiring a new generation of television creators. ### 9. What Made What's Happening!! So Popular? The popularity of What's Happening!! can be attributed to its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and humor. The show's ability to address everyday issues with a lighthearted approach made it a favorite among viewers. Its memorable catchphrases, dance sequences, and dynamic cast contributed to its enduring appeal. ### 10. Where Are the Cast Members Now? The cast members of What's Happening!! have pursued various paths since the show's conclusion. Many have continued to work in the entertainment industry, while others have explored different careers. Their contributions to television and film continue to be celebrated, and their legacy remains an integral part of pop culture history. ### 11. What's Happening!! Spin-Offs and Reunions Following the success of What's Happening!!, a spin-off series titled What's Happening Now!! was created, reuniting the original cast and introducing new characters. The spin-off allowed fans to reconnect with their favorite characters and explore new storylines. Additionally, the cast has participated in reunions and special events, celebrating the show's legacy and lasting impact. ### 12. Frequently Asked Questions **1. What year did What's Happening!! first air?** What's Happening!! first aired in 1976. **2. Who played the role of Raj's sister Dee?** Danielle Spencer portrayed Dee Thomas, Raj's younger sister. **3. Was there a spin-off series for What's Happening!!?** Yes, the spin-off series What's Happening Now!! aired in the 1980s. **4. What is Fred Berry best known for in the show?** Fred Berry is best known for his role as Rerun and his signature dance moves. **5. Did the cast members pursue careers outside of acting?** Yes, several cast members pursued different careers, such as Danielle Spencer's work as a veterinarian. **6. How did the show contribute to representation in media?** What's Happening!! provided representation by showcasing the experiences of African American teenagers, paving the way for future diverse storytelling in television. ### 13. Conclusion The cast of What's Happening!! has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and pop culture. Through their performances, they brought joy, laughter, and representation to audiences, creating a legacy that continues to resonate. As we revisit the charm of this beloved sitcom and its talented cast, we celebrate their contributions and the lasting impact they've made on television history. ### 14. External Resources for Further Exploration For those interested in learning more about the cast and legacy of What's Happening!!, consider exploring the following resources: - [IMDb: What's Happening!!](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074071/) - [Biography of Ernest Lee Thomas](https://www.biography.com/actor/ernest-lee-thomas) - [The Legacy of Fred Berry](https://www.dancemagazine.com/fred-berry-rerun-tribute/) These resources provide additional insights and information about the show's cultural significance and the achievements of its cast members.
