*After getting his start on the popular ’70s sitcom “The Jeffersons,”
Ernest Lee Thomas would evolve into one of the more well-known actors of his generation. His roles have transcended time. Old schoolers are familiar with his popular Raj character on “What’s Happening!!” and “What’s Happening Now!!,” while millennials are more familiar with his work on “Everybody Hates Chris” as flirty funeral director Mr. Omar.
Thomas got his big break as Ronnie Walker on “The Jeffersons.” Flanked by stars Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover, Thomas hit the set looking to impress. It was a feat that was more easily said than done in the eyes of Hemsley — at least on the surface that is. From afar, Helmsley took notice of the budding young star and eventually gravitated toward him while offering him advice of how to succeed in the industry.