Mabel King
| Mabel King | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Mabel Elizabeth Washington December 25, 1932 Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | November 9, 1999 (aged 66) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Years active | 1964–1990 |
| Known for | Mabel "Mama" Thomas : What's Happening!! |
| Spouse(s) | Melvin King (m. 1967–89) |
Mabel Elizabeth King (née Washington; December 25, 1932 – November 9, 1999) was an American film, stage, and television actress, and singer. She is best known for her role as Mabel "Mama" Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!! from its premiere on August 5, 1976 until the end of its second season on May 11, 1978. King's next most-remembered role is that of Evillene the Witch, a role she originated in the stage musical The Wiz and reprised in Sidney Lumet's 1978 film adaptation.
King was born Mabel Elizabeth Washington in Charleston, South Carolina, the daughter of Rosalie Washington and Joseph Washington. She was raised in Harlem, New York where she eventually became a gospel and nightclub singer.
She did not start acting until her mid thirties, in 1966, when she played the role of Maria in the national touring play of Porgy and Bess. The following year she played the role of Ernestina in the Broadway musical/comedy Hello, Dolly!. Then in 1972, she appeared in the Broadway musical Don't Play Us Cheap. The following year, 1973, she appeared in the film version of the play. That same year she played the Queen of Myrthia in the horror film Ganja & Hess. In January 1975, she played the role of Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West in the all-African-American cast of the Broadway musical The Wiz. The role earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding featured actress in a musical. Her performance in The Wiz brought her much attention and soon after she received roles in the films The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, with Billy Dee Williams and James Earl Jones, and Scott Joplin, with Billy Dee Williams and Clifton Davis. In June 1980, King returned to stage work, starring in the Broadway musical It's So Nice To Be Civilized. However the show did not do well and was cancelled after eight performances.
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