At 75, Ernest Lee Thomas has finally spoken out and exposed some shocking secrets about his time on What’s Happening!!
Ernest Lee Thomas, best known for his iconic role as Roger “Raj” Thomas in the hit TV sitcom What’s Happening!!, has spent much of his career in the spotlight. Now, at the age of 75, Thomas is breaking his silence, revealing the untold stories and dark secrets that happened behind the scenes of this beloved 1970s show. While What’s Happening!! was a hit with audiences, it was far from a smooth journey, as the show’s success came with significant challenges, backstage drama, and personal struggles that often went unnoticed by the public.
Born on March 26, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, Ernest Lee Thomas didn’t have the privileged path to fame that many would imagine. His journey to Hollywood was a combination of hard work, determination, and pure passion for acting, which began long before he ever set foot in Los Angeles. Gary, Indiana, far from being an entertainment hub, was where Ernest’s dreams first took root. He wasn’t just another aspiring actor; he worked tirelessly to hone his craft, first making his mark on Broadway.
Ernest’s breakthrough came in the 1970s, performing in several major Broadway productions. In 1974, he appeared in the revival of Love for Love, a performance that helped shape his skills. The following year, he starred in the 1975 revival of The Member of the Wedding, alongside future Hollywood legend Glenn Close. While Broadway was a significant milestone, Ernest knew his ultimate goal was to make it in television and film.
In 1975, he made his first big move to Los Angeles, where he soon found success with guest roles on shows like The Jeffersons. It was during one of these early appearances that Ernest learned of a new opportunity: an audition for a sitcom based on the 1975 film Cooley High. The show was initially called Central Avenue, but after several reworks, it eventually became the iconic What’s Happening!!.
What’s Happening!! was a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled themes of friendship, family, and adolescence in a working-class African-American community. Ernest was cast as the lovable and ambitious Roger “Raj” Thomas, a character who quickly became beloved by viewers. The show’s success was remarkable, running from 1976 to 1979. However, the ride wasn’t all smooth sailing.
As What’s Happening!! gained popularity, behind-the-scenes tensions began to rise. The cast, led by Ernest as Raj, was no stranger to challenges. One of the first significant conflicts emerged when Fred Berry, who played “Rerun”, demanded a higher salary and better accommodations for the cast. This resulted in a walkout by both Fred Berry and Ernest, a move that led to serious consequences, including a $25,000 promissory note to return to work.
Mabel King, who portrayed Raj’s mother, also caused tensions behind the scenes. King sought to push for more representation of a Black family in the storylines, often clashing with producers who didn’t always share her vision. This conflict led to her reduced role in the second season.
Despite these challenges, the show was groundbreaking. It was one of the first to depict the lives of working-class African-American teens in a way that had not been done before. The characters of Raj, Rerun, and Dwayne Nelson were relatable, dealing with real-life issues like peer pressure, school, and family dynamics. Raj’s aspirations of becoming a writer provided both humor and heart in the show’s storylines.
While What’s Happening!! was a major success, it wasn’t without its toll on the cast. Ernest Lee Thomas found himself caught in the darker side of fame. As the pressures of being a popular TV star mounted, Ernest’s personal life began to unravel. The sudden success left him feeling overwhelmed, and the next phase of his life became marked by a difficult personal battle: substance abuse.
After the show ended in 1979, Ernest took a six-year hiatus from acting, during which time he struggled with deep depression and substance abuse. His time away from the screen was a period of self-reflection, but also of despair. Ernest turned to drugs such as cocaine, crack, and marijuana, using them as a form of escape from the overwhelming feelings of loss and uncertainty. His addiction soon took over, and he found himself spiraling down a dangerous path.
The turning point came when Ernest was evicted from his home, a painful reminder of how far he had fallen. It was during this dark time that he sought refuge at his sister’s house, where he began to confront his addiction. Through his faith, Ernest found the strength to turn his life around. He found solace in Islam and began praying for strength and guidance. This faith-driven recovery was the foundation for his eventual return to sobriety, but it was not without its challenges.
Ernest’s journey back to sobriety was long and difficult, but it was fueled by his deep spiritual beliefs. He credits his recovery to the guidance he received from his faith, along with the support of family and friends. He gradually began to reclaim control of his life, turning his back on the drugs that had once consumed him.
Through this process, Ernest became an advocate for others struggling with addiction. His story of redemption is one of hope, as he often speaks about the power of faith and God’s ability to pull him out of the darkest times in his life. He is now dedicated to helping others find strength in their own battles, using his experience as a testament to the possibility of change.
As Ernest Lee Thomas approaches his 75th birthday, he reflects on his career, his struggles, and the lasting legacy of What’s Happening!!. The show may have ended over 40 years ago, but its impact on television and on Ernest’s life continues to resonate today. Through his role as Raj, Ernest helped shape the portrayal of African-American youth on television, and the show remains a beloved classic.
At 75, Ernest Lee Thomas is more than just the actor who portrayed the lovable Raj; he is a man who has overcome personal demons, a figure who now uses his experiences to inspire others. His journey has been marked by highs and lows, but ultimately, he is a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of second chances.
The dark secrets that once plagued the set of What’s Happening!! are now part of the story Ernest has chosen to share, shedding light on the challenges of fame, the complexities of personal struggles, and the path to redemption. As he continues to inspire with his story, Ernest proves that no matter the darkness of the past, there is always hope for a brighter future.
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