Bernadette Stanis
P.O. Box 9065
Whittier, Ca 90608
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September 26, 2005 @ 10:30 am
Good Times With BernNadette Stanis
Vibe: You were the fantasy of a lot of men who watched the show and a lot of women wanted to be Thelma. How does that make you feel?
BernNadette: I’m very happy that I was chosen. It’s flattering to me. I’m glad I was a positive example for women, which is what I wanted to be. One of the reasons Thelma was popular is she was wholesome. She was like a little girl that was grown and she did everything by the book. That’s a nice image for a lot of young girls to follow and look up to, then and today.
How were you cast in the role of Thelma Evans?
I was in a beauty pageant one summer when my mom and I met a manager who told us about the Good Times casting. At the time I was at Julliard but auditioned anyway. No one thinks they’re going to get the part on the first try so I did it for the experience. I went and auditioned and they asked me to come back for a second time. This time Norman Lear was there with Jimmie Walker. We improvised and we had Norman cracking up. After that, they asked me to come to California to do a screen test and that’s how I got Good Times. That was my first acting role.
What were the cast interactions like? There have been reports of a lot of tension on the set particularly between the late Esther Rolle and Jimmie Walker.
That information has really gotten out of hand. We had a lot of love on that set. I wish we could have taken people back stage to see it, because it’s nothing like they painted the picture to be. It was wonderful. We were ready to go for another five years, actually.
So, you’re still in touch with the members of the cast?
Ja’Net Dubois, John Amos, Ralph Carter. I’ve spoken to Jimmie several times.
Excellent! Does that mean we can look forward to a Good Times reunion?
I really don’t know. I’ve thought about that. I think we’d be interested, but I don’t think Jimmie wants to do that anymore. When you think of Good Times you think of JJ so much. I’m not sure that can happen without him.
What was your life like post the show?
Interesting! I’m a writer and a painter. I’ve produced many plays on and off Broadway. I starred in and produced Whatever Happened to Black Love for a number of years. I wrote a book that will be out in a few months called Situations 101, about dealing with situations that occur in relationships.
So, you’re not broke?
Oh, no! I’ve never been broke. I’ve taken very good care of my money. Plus, I still get residuals from the show.
That’s good to know! Finally, how is Good Times going to go down in television history?
I see Good Times hanging around like I Love Lucy because of the wholesomeness of the show and the subject matters that we dealt with. When you look at Good Times in terms of black people today, outside of altering the clothes a little bit and some of the slang, it’s the same scenario. We are still going through the poverty, the struggle, and trying to keep it together. The impact of the show is still there.
If you’re interested in contacting BernNadette Stanis, please write to her at:
Bernadette Stanis
P.O. Box 9065
Whittier, Ca 90608
Bernadette Stanis
P.O. Box 9065
Whittier, Ca 90608
Article tags: Good Times, BernNadette Stanis, Jimmie Walker, Ja Net Dubois, John Amos, Ralph Carter, Norman Lear
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http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2005/09/good_times_with_bernnadette_stanis/
Comments
1.
blac007 says:
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i just turn 55 and i must say that you still look as good even better,i thought that when women get older they look older,but you look like a beauty queen,,love to meet you one day,,,james posey
August 12, 2008 at 12:42 am
2.
merkie53 says:
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As a white boy growing up in Suburbia watching GT, and of a similar birth year as Bernadette, I never even thought once about a black chick being a romantic interest.. However, after watching Thelma prance around that apartment in that most incredible body of hers, she was the catalyst for my desire of women of colour. I 'fantasized' about her often. I eventually dated black women and married a beautiful black woman from North Carolina shortly after graduating college. We now have 2 grown daughters and 2 beautiful young grandbabies. All of this happened in my life because of 'Thelma' ..needless to say, I often tell/told my wife that if I ever met Ms Stanis, she should pack her bags, because I am going all out after my lifetime fantasy woman. She laughs and says Good Luck... I will never stop trying...I love you Bernadette!
December 20, 2007 at 10:48 pm
3.
Terrance Barringer says:
Hey Thelma ,whats the good word for the day? How are you doing ? fine I hope.Are you still acting ? You need to bring Good Times back to the 2000's.I hope you have a nice day. Terry
November 12, 2007 at 5:23 pm
4.
Ms.Dale Renee Jefferson says:
I really enjoyed watching the show as a teen.I thought your part was really positive.I love the role you did with ebay,the gut from africa.
November 10, 2007 at 9:50 am
5.
WREN says:
Hello Thelma am a graceful and intelligent man who came from a large family in South Carolina all my life i wanted to be a Radio Annoucer well i got the chance to go to school thanks to the Air Force. when i lived in Boston and attend school during the seventies racism was in it's all time high and i know in order to deal with it i would reflex to the T.V show GOODTIMES. i've learn alot from that show and now am fifty something and working for the goverment again never became the annoucer that the world would here. chak akan, luther vandros, maze and other old timers James brown, clarence carter. man i can go on and on. Thanks for your contribution to the american black community. we love ya take care. god bless.
October 29, 2007 at 8:36 am
6.
carey v brooks says:
SHE; STILL SO BEUTIFUL I WISH I COULD HAVE MARRIED HERE
September 30, 2007 at 5:42 am
7.
teana stokes says:
hi thelma i don't know if you will get a chance to ever see this message but if you happen to see this i want to know if you know anyone who will be interested in investing in a play that i wrote called' she got papers on me.' i have been trying to raise the money but it has been hard but i have been living month to month on disability and it's said to say but the black where i live are not supportive. you are such a strong black female role model and a inspiration to me. I'm not asking for your money or nothing i justdon't have any connections don't noone want to accept unsolicted material. It's getting very frustrating and depressing where i just cry at times. if you can offer me any information on who can assit me with my play please please write m at 1550 e court#2 kankakee,il 60901 or you can call me at 815-929-9489 my name is teana stokes
August 31, 2007 at 7:59 pm
8.
jennifer moore says:
i love bern nadette stanis so much she is what little girls need today a good role model
August 24, 2007 at 9:33 am
9.
Jesseca Mccoy says:
Just wanted to say thanks once again for the wonderful years of good times the episodes really did hit close to home as you know. Let people know how life really was for us folk back in the day. P.S if ya'll can shoot a fan a picture oh the good times crew
August 18, 2007 at 2:23 pm
10.
Bobbie Harris says:
This is my first time visiting your website. I was impressed with the interview that was done with Bernadette Stanis. Please do more interviews with stars who may not be as visual today. Stars like Ms. Stanis have a character quality that today's society need to be exposed to and adults like me need to remember. I will visit this site again. Keep up the quality and I will keep reading and writing. Thank You, Bobbie Harris
August 15, 2007 at 6:32 pm
11.
deborah brown says:
enjoyed good times interview with theima its nice to go back to the old school. she is so very pretty and still is
August 13, 2007 at 10:17 am
12.
jesseca mccoy says:
I would just like to say good job to all good times cast I enjoyed every show and also thanks to the great, late Esther Rolle. God Bless and keep you.
Ms. Jesseca McCoy of oklahoma city oklahoma.
August 8, 2007 at 2:44 pm
13.
Nathaniel A Jackson says:
Dear Bern Nadette,
As a Caribbean person, born in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and currently residing in Trinidad and Tobago, I’m confident that I speak for the Caribbean when I say thanks for the good messages, pleasant memories and hours of enjoyment. By its syndication, Good Times has left an indelible mark in hearts of the Caribbean people as it provided situations and circumstances with which we too did clearly relate.
July 31, 2007 at 5:47 pm
14.
Camille says:
She is a beautiful woman and did such an excellent job on the show. I wanted to know did you marry and do you have any granchildren?
July 23, 2007 at 7:58 pm
15.
yolanda duncan says:
she did a great job .and i love good time and how can i get your book
July 20, 2007 at 10:38 pm
16.
anthony says:
I love this story of bernadette stanis
July 19, 2007 at 12:50 pm
17.
clesia says:
just wanting to let you know that your show was a real reality for 85% of black family in america today i loved it and i still do so thank you for the show and it's effect it hade on the life of the black family.
July 11, 2007 at 7:44 am
18.
priscilla brown says:
I just wanted to say, i am glad to hear things are good with you. May God Bless you and all you do, You are a true inspiration.
June 27, 2007 at 8:38 pm
19.
Phil Gibson says:
I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT WHAT I HAVE READ ABOUT YOU. I CAN TELL THAT YOUR HEART IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .........LOVE ALWAY PHIL
June 24, 2007 at 9:59 am
20.
Dee says:
Hello Ms. Stanis, I am so happy to see things are going well for you. I, too, enjoyed Good times. It portrayed the real life family of the Ghetto. A father who worked hard to make ends meet, a mother who stood by her man, and kept the home together, and children, oh yes, the children. You all had real laughter, real suffering, and real togetherness. One thing I liked the most about you, was your ability to get back at JJ with the wise cracks. Good Times, Bill Cosby, and Fresh Prince Of Belair have given me some of the best laughs of my life. Thank you for being a part of it. God bless you Ms. Stanis
June 7, 2007 at 8:14 pm
21.
Sam says:
Ms. Stanis, I really enjoyed watching Good Times , and love the way you carried yourself. i just have one question, are you daughters beautiful as you.
Sincerely ,
Sam 34 ( Engineer for Defense Company)
June 4, 2007 at 4:29 pm
22.
Karin says:
Hello Ms. Stanis!
I've always enjoyed watching you on Good Times. Thelma was a prime example of what a lady was and is still supposed to be. You were beautiful on Good Times, and you're even more beautiful now. I'm glad to see that you're still in the spotlight!
May 29, 2007 at 8:36 am
23.
sam says:
i love stage play you did a good job in play thelma i would love to do some stage play
May 18, 2007 at 4:37 pm
24.
Tony Guilllory says:
I really love the shows where Thelma really turns the heat on, her feistiness. 1. The epsidoe where she moves out 2. Thelmas dates a bigamist. 3. Keith's drinking problem. 4 The episode with Willona ex's Ray. 5. The episode where James doesn't want her marrying Larry. These are my favorite episodes with Thelma.
Tony
Houston, Texas
May 1, 2007 at 1:07 pm
25.
Harold J Parker says:
Mrs. Stanis, I enjoyed your prescence on Good Times and role as a young woman of virtue residing in th eprojects. The main theme for me was that if you put your best effort into something, stay focused, and believe in God; you will be successful. It was sometimes heartbraking to watch a Black family never receive a break but it tuned out all right in the end. Have a Blessed Day. hjp
March 9, 2007 at 10:58 am
26.
Noe Lozano says:
Love the show, just today I was catching up on the reruns.....
February 18, 2007 at 5:29 pm
27.
KEOSHA HOLMES says:
HELLO MRS. STANIS, I GOTTA SAY THIS, GOOD TIMES IS MY FAVORITE SHOW AND I'VE BEEN WATCHING IT SINCE I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, NOW I'M 26. I CAN'T GO A SINGLE DAY WITHOUT WATCHING IT. MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. YOUR ROLE AS THELMA WAS AWESOME AND YOU WERE LIKE A ROLE MODEL FOR US BLACK GIRLS. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU. LOVE YOU!
January 25, 2007 at 12:43 pm
28.
Anthony Roberts says:
I've been a big fan of Good Times and Thelma all my life. I think it was probably the most powerful show that black people ever had on television because it actually addressed head on many controversial issues facing our community. For whatever reason you don't see any of that today. In fact the only shows that ever came close was A Different World, and ROC, in terms of addressing important issues facing our community. Bernadette was awesome as Thelma. She was the daughter every mother and father wanted to have, the sister every brother wanted to have, and definitely the girlfriend every dude wanted to have. I thank you Bernadette for bringing such a beautiful and graceful presence to the show. You are totally awesome. Much continued success and blessings to you and your family.
Anthony Roberts
January 15, 2007 at 1:05 pm
29.
Craig Haynes says:
Seasons greetings and happy belated birthday to Bernadette Stanis! I've always been an admireer of Ms. Stanis and since I'm back in Brooklyn and hapen to be watching Good Times, as I write, I just wanted to send my blessings and praises! Much love and ...Right on!
December 24, 2006 at 1:25 am
30.
matthew phipps says:
I am currently watching TV Land's 100 greatest tv quotes and the famous "kid dynamite" was on and i saw Thelma so i looked her up.
I saw a recent picture and i gotta say ohh my gosh Mrs. Stanis still looks so fine, wow!! I am still in love with Thelma, big up to Mrs B. I am a huge fan.
One love,
Jah Mattaz
December 16, 2006 at 1:00 am