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15 Black Sitcom Stars Who Transformed Television Forever
Jan 30, 2025
There’s something about watching a TV show with characters that look like us, talk like us, and dress like us that makes Black sitcoms even more special. They’re more than just ordinary shows; they become an element of our social identity.
Some of our favorite Black actresses and actors drive the success of their sitcoms, with the best ones taking a character and making it their own. These performers are truly entertainment icons.
1. Mabel King
The late, great Mabel King played the family matriarch on the ABC show What’s Happening!! for its first two seasons. She fits the part of the strict, non-nonsense but loving Mabel “Mama” Thomas, a divorcee raising a son and daughter on her own.
As a single mother, Mama Thomas works extra hard to support her teen son, Raj, and adolescent daughter, Dee. She also keeps Raj’s friends in line when needed. She’s the mama fans either had or wanted to have.
2. Isabel Sanford
By portraying Louise “Weezy” Jefferson in the long-running hit series The Jeffersons, Isabel Sanford became a television legend. Louise, the kindly, level-headed wife, compensates for her bombastic, opinionated husband, George.
When George acts hostile and bigoted to the interracial couple, neighbors Helen and Tom Willis, Weezy is the graceful, welcoming one. Sanford’s comedic but dignified acting made a whole generation want to move on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky.
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