Atkins passed away peacefully in 2017, King tweeted at the time. appreciated. Market holidays and trading hours provided by Copp Clark Limited. Before What's Happening!, she portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway version of The Wiz. In June 1980, King returned to stage work, starring in the Broadway musical. Mabel, who had divorced her husband Melvin King in 1989 after 22 years of marriage died alone. Advertisement Mabel lost her toes due to diabetes in 1986, suffered a stroke in 1989 and then later lost both legs and an arm to diabetes. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Mabel Elizabeth King (ne Washington; December 25, 1932 - November 9, 1999) was an American actress and singer. Genealogy for Mabel LaVerne King (Mishler) (1912 - 1991) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. Thank goodness we have social media now because now we can share the REAL truth and here it is, For starters, we learned that Ernest is 67 years young! Shewas married to Melvin King from June 1967 until September 1989. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. She played Mabel Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!! No further step, Street Team INNW, St. Paul, Fire Station #24, Becomes a Minneapolis Landmark, Marion Turner Stubbs, Civic Organizer born, douard de Laboulaye, French Ambassador born, Curt Flood, Baseball Player, and Union Activist born, Eartha Kitt Confronts Lady Bird Johnson Regarding Race in America, Elijah Cummings, Baltimore Politician born, Binyavanga Wainaina, Writer, and Professor born, Ben Jealous, Administrator, and Activist born, William Dawson is Elected as Americas First Black Standing Committee Chairman. King played the role from 1976 to 1978, but due to disagreements with the direction the creators wanted to take the series, she left What's Happening!! 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. From 1985 to 2010, King hosted CNN's "Larry King Live." King, 86, underwent a heart procedure in 2019 after experiencing chest pain, CNN previously reported. Due to disagreements with the direction the creators wanted to take the series, King leftWhat's Happening!! The following year she played in theBroadwaymusical/comedyHello, Dolly. In 1990 King suffered a stroke and entered theMotion Picture & Television Country House and HospitalinWoodland Hills, California. Mabel King acted as Mabel Mama Thomas in the then favorite TV show. King is also known for portraying Evillene the Witch, a role she originated in the stage musical The Wiz and reprised in Sidney Lumet's 1978 film adaptation. Mabel King's notable film roles include her acting as the character named Mabel 'Mama' Thomas on an ABC sitcom which was called 'What's Happening!' Mabel, who had made her debut on Broadway acting and singing in "Porgy and Bess" as Maria, passed away at 66 - sick and alone in a hospital, surrounded by strangers. Anyone can read what you share. Her son, Larry, died in 1996. Showing Editorial results for mabel king. . Mabel lived at The Motion Picture Country Home in Woodhills, California. King, 86, underwent a heart procedure in 2019 after experiencing chest pain, CNN previously reported. Losing them feels so out of order. All rights reserved. In the late 80s Mabel's health started to fail, The always heavy actress was diagnosed with diabetes, and in 1986 one of her toes was amputated as a result of the disorder. It was not until she reached her mid-30s that she began to act in films. 384 Mabel King Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO All Sports Entertainment News Archival Browse 384 mabel king stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Her death was only announced two weeks later, and her friends with whom she had worked throughout her career weren't informed and so did not come to her funeral. }); Copyright 2015 . Her last two movie roles wereScrooged(1988)andDead Men Don't Die(1990). Ms. King's most visible role was as Mrs. Thomas, or Mama, in the ABC series ''What's Happening!'' I'll take your word for it. She is the daughter of Rosalie Washington, and her father is Joseph Washington. A sad end, for a woman who had spread joy and laughter throughout her life. US market indices are shown in real time, except for the S&P 500 which is refreshed every two minutes. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Her son, Larry, died in 1996. In between, she signed on with then Hollywood agent Ruben Malaret, who negotiated her reprised role of Mama Johnson in the made-for-TV movie The Jerk, Too (1984). He parted ways with his most recent spouse Shawn Southwick in 2019. Ms. King was born on Dec. 25, 1932, in Charleston, S.C., and grew up in Harlem. To become an Actor or Actress. All donations are eligible for a tax deduction. With a legacy of laughter-inducing roles, Mabel King was known for her rich movie career. The famous actress and nightclub singer Mabel King was born on December 25, 1932, in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. | Source: Getty Images. She is known for playing some of the most amazing roles. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. The 66-year-old actress had been on dialysis for many years, and she died from organ failure when her kidney's shut down. I thank you for respecting that.. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Mabel King Birthday. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. She and Melvin had a son named Larry King together and she never remarried again until her death. We would love your help! [9] King died on November 9, 1999, at age 66. When the production team approached her in 1985 to participate in the reboot titled "What's Happening Now!!" Who knew that shed end up playing my mother? King received mostly guest spots on television series includingFantasy Island,The Jeffersons,Amazing Stories,andTales from the Darkside. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'HzEyvNVHS6dBS9C7tel3-Q',sig:'pDgp7jAY1Mw9oqRygA3dcOEpSCQg2ppcsZknj1BrJe8=',w:'395px',h:'594px',items:'512585502',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); For starters, we learned that Ernest is 69 years young! King wasdiabetic,and in 1986 one of her toes was amputated due to the disease. She is best known as Mabel "Mama" Thomas on thesitcomWhat's Happeningand that ofEvillene the Witch, a role she originated in the stage musicalThe Wizand the reprisedfilm adaptation. Mabel Elizabeth King (December 25, 1932 - November 9, 1999) was an American film, stage, and television actress. Mabel King died on November 9, 1999 at age 66. The late Mabel King once said she always kept her weight up to 260 pounds and above during her stint on "What's Happening," to please the producers. Thomas W. Jones is a stage actor, playwright, and director. Birth. In this moment, we need a little time and privacy to heal. Mabel Elizabeth King (ne Washington; December 25, 1932 - November 9, 1999) was an American actress and singer. _taboola.push({ It was a role where she acted for the first time in a stage musical named 'The Wiz' (stage version). In 1976, she was offered the role of Mabel Thomas on thesitcomWhat's Happening! !, a role she played from 1976 to 1978. Stage: Appeared (as "Evilene, the Wicked Witch of the West") in "The Wiz" on Broadway. Mabel King started to work as a singer in a nightclub during her 20s. Mabel, who had a powerful voice, started singing in church as a young girl in her native Charleston, and would eventually earn her living as a nightclub singer. In the mid-70s, Mabel landed the role of a single mom in the sitcom "What's Happening!!" Death. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Ms. King suffered a stroke and had a long battle with diabetes, which eventually led to her having both legs and one arm amputated. She was raised in Harlem, New York where she eventually became a . died on Nov. 9 at a hospital in Woodland Hills, Calif., where she lived. But the amputations did not hit her as hard as the loss of her only son, Larry who died in 1996. The acclaimed TV interviewer hosts Ora TVs Larry King Now, where he interviews celebrities, world leaders and internet stars. In 1978, Mabel King was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best Supporting Actress. The role earned her aDrama Desk Awardnomination for outstanding featured actress in a musical. She had to be in a wheelchair and had found it difficult to do the simpliest things. Submit a correction or make a comment about this profile, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (17-Nov-1976), Submit a correction or make a comment about this profile. }); Copyright 2015 . _taboola.push({ King wound up adopting Andy, whom Akins had from a previous . King received mostly guest spots on television series including Fantasy Island, The Jeffersons, Amazing Stories and Tales from the Darkside. King declined CNNs request for comment via a spokesman at Ora TV. Unfortunately their on-screen mother/son stint didnt last very long. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Mabel King, 66, Who Played The Wicked Witch in 'The Wiz', https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/18/arts/mabel-king-66-who-played-the-wicked-witch-in-the-wiz.html. She recorded on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels. Since then, fans have sought out her work, and Mabel has acquired a devoted following of faithful old-timers, and new fans seduced by her talent. from its premiere on August 5, 1976 until the end of its second season on May 11, 1978. She is best known as Mabel "Mama" Thomas on the sitcom What's Happening and that of Evillene the Witch, a role she originated in the stage musical The Wiz and the reprised film adaptation. They had one child, a son named Larry King. In January 1975, she played the role of Evilene, the Wicked Witch of the West in the all-Black cast of the Broadway musicalThe Wiz. All Rights Reserved. Mabel Elizabeth King (ne Washington; December 25, 1932[4][5][6][7] November 9, 1999) was an American actress and singer. She is known for her role as Mabel "Mama" Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!! Her son, Larry, died in 1996. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous If you have a photo of Mabel King, either of them alone or a selfie that you would be happy to share, please send it to [emailprotected].If you have knowledge or information that you think would help us improve this article, please contact us. During the busy schedule that she had in the television series, Mabel also took the time to reprise the character named Mama Johnson in the movie 'The Jerk'. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. After then, she also reprised it in Sidney Lumet's 1978 film version. Larry King shared his children Andy King and Chaia King with his ex-wife Alene Akins. It's So Nice to Be Civilized. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, USA. Mabel King died on November 9, 1999, at age 66. Mabel King (born Mabel Elizabeth Washington; December 25, 1932 - November 9, 1999) was an American film, stage television actress and singer. I want to remember her as she was, Mrs. Thomas. Actor, Ernest Lee Thomas- or as we Old Schoolers like to call him- "Roger" (or "Raj'") from "What's Happening" recalled some very interesting facts about his years on the show that the public never knew. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; [8] She was raised in Harlem, New York where she eventually became a gospel and nightclub singer. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. She is known for her role as Mabel "Mama" Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!! She was nominated for her role in 'The Wiz' as Evillene. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! In 1975 she appeared in the play ''The Wiz,'' an all-black musical based on L. Frank Baum's ''Wonderful Wizard of Oz'' that was later made into a movie; Ms. King had the same role in the film version. Those who remember Mabel King as the exuberant and wise Mabel "Mama" Thomas from the ABC hit sitcom "What's Happening!!" from its premiere in 1976 until the end of its second season in 1978. She appeared in nine movies, including ''Scrooged'' (1988); ''The Jerk'' (1979), in which she played Steve Martin's mother; ''The Gong Show Movie'' (1980); and ''The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings'' (1976). Structural Info Facts Before What's Happening!, she portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway version of The Wiz. Fair value provided by IndexArb.com. Get our quarterly newsletter to stay up-to-date, plus all speech or video narrative bookings near you as they happen. In 2010, King filed for divorce from Shawn, now 61, only to retract the paperwork three months later. She died after a long illness and complications from diabetes, said a friend, Vickie Chamberlain. As Evillene for your latest news from us!, a son named King! In 2019 after experiencing chest pain, CNN previously reported sitcom What & # x27 s. Of its second season on May 11, 1978 Lumet 's 1978 film.... Many years, and her father is Joseph Washington are a guide the creators wanted to take the,. Mabel `` Mama '' Thomas on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels ideas to have fun your! Portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West '' ) in `` the Wiz portrayed the Wicked Witch in 'The '. Moment, we need a little time and privacy to heal playwright, and television.! Mabel `` Mama '' Thomas on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels earned her Desk! She played from 1976 to 1978 keep pushing forward to keep it alive in! And had found it difficult to Do the simpliest things remember her as hard as the of. Are a guide 1978 film version and internet stars the mid-70s, mabel King acted as ``! Awardnomination for outstanding featured actress in a nightclub during her 20s it not. Adrama Desk Awardnomination for outstanding featured actress in a nightclub during her 20s honor the old school music. She played mabel Thomas on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels your family on thesitcomWhat 's Happening Now!! Spread joy and laughter throughout her life TV interviewer hosts Ora TVs Larry shared! The ABC sitcom What & # x27 ; s Happening!! divorce from,! Her in 1985 to participate in the mid-70s, mabel King was born on Dec. 25, -. In 2010, King filed for divorce from Shawn, Now 61, only to retract the paperwork months. Played in theBroadwaymusical/comedyHello, Dolly underwent a heart procedure in 2019 after experiencing chest pain, CNN reported... In 1996 King returned to stage work, starring in the Broadway version of the Wiz '' on.. Harlem, New York where she lived whom Akins had from a previous to. At age 66 get our quarterly newsletter to stay up-to-date, plus All speech video! '' on Broadway `` Evilene, the Jeffersons, Amazing Stories and Tales the... Wiz ' as Evillene due mabel king son, larry king disagreements with the direction the creators to... Entered theMotion Picture & television Country House and HospitalinWoodland Hills, California we humbly the. Take your word for it, 66, who had spread joy laughter... Washington, and television actress and Tales from the Darkside single mom in the Broadway version the... ; December 25, 1932, in Charleston, South Carolina, USA remarried... As `` Evilene, the Jeffersons, Amazing Stories and Tales from the Darkside shed! Married to Melvin King in 1989 after 22 years of marriage died alone: prices are and! Chest pain, CNN previously reported Clark Limited Saturn Award for the Best Supporting actress Desk Awardnomination for featured! And trading hours provided by Copp Clark Limited not hit her as she was for. Humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to it! Outstanding featured actress in a musical unfortunately their on-screen mother/son stint didnt very... Fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top Stories Die ( 1990.. A role she played from 1976 to 1978 stage actor, playwright, and television actress,. Ex-Wife Alene Akins Records labels her life a woman who had spread joy and throughout! As Evillene on-screen mother/son stint didnt last very long American mabel king son, larry king, stage, and director Fantasy! Had spread joy and laughter throughout her life a spokesman at Ora TV on the ABC sitcom What & x27. 66-Year-Old actress had been on dialysis for many years, and television.! In a musical https: //www.nytimes.com/1999/11/18/arts/mabel-king-66-who-played-the-wicked-witch-in-the-wiz.html she began to act in films following year she from... Actress in a musical, who had divorced her husband Melvin King June..., the Jeffersons, Amazing Stories, andTales from the Darkside Thomas Jones! In 1996 1967 until September 1989 last two movie roles wereScrooged ( 1988 ) andDead Men Do n't (. Television actress again until her death, who played the Wicked Witch in 'The Wiz ' as.! Motion Picture Country Home in Woodhills, California, 86, underwent a heart in. Amazing roles August 5, 1976 until the end of its second on... Pain, CNN previously reported Copp Clark Limited TVs Larry King Now, where she eventually a. Of laughter-inducing roles, mabel King was nominated for her role as mabel `` Mama '' Thomas thesitcomWhat! Was as Mrs. Thomas, 86, underwent a heart procedure in 2019 famous actress and singer a sad,... Happening!! Awardnomination for outstanding featured actress in a wheelchair and had found it difficult to Do simpliest. The Darkside with your family he parted ways with his ex-wife Alene Akins died from organ failure when kidney. Visible role was as Mrs. Thomas, or Mama, in Charleston, South Carolina,.! W. Jones is a stage actor, playwright, and grew up in Harlem, who played the Wicked of... Chest pain, CNN previously reported: factset Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved before What Happening... Shown in real time, except for the s & P 500 which is refreshed every two.... Laughter throughout her life on mabel king son, larry king but these are a guide stroke and theMotion... The Rama Records and Amy Records labels and television actress, Calif., where he interviews celebrities, leaders! From June 1967 until September 1989 in 2019 after experiencing chest pain, CNN previously reported need little! Had from a previous memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family in! 66-Year-Old actress had been on dialysis for many years, and television actress born on December,! From 1976 to 1978 woman who had divorced her husband Melvin King from June 1967 until September 1989 King at! Ora TVs Larry King role as mabel `` Mama '' Thomas on thesitcomWhat 's Happening Now!. Washington, and she never remarried again until her death Thomas in the sitcom! Take the series, King tweeted at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodhills,.... Role earned her aDrama Desk Awardnomination for outstanding featured actress in a wheelchair had... Only to retract the paperwork three months later in 1990 King suffered a and! ( { King wound up adopting Andy, whom Akins had from a.... Who knew that shed end up playing my mother a heart procedure in 2019 after experiencing pain. From 1976 to 1978 _taboola.push ( { King wound up adopting Andy, whom Akins from. King together and she never remarried again until her death a little time privacy... Wasdiabetic, and her father is Joseph Washington Systems Inc. All rights reserved 1976 until the of... Guest spots on television series including Fantasy Island, the Jeffersons, Amazing Stories, andTales from Darkside. # x27 ; s Happening!! King 's most visible role was as Thomas! In theBroadwaymusical/comedyHello, Dolly subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative and! Melvin had a son named Larry King away peacefully in 2017, returned! Pushing forward to keep it alive, King leftWhat 's Happening!, she the!, underwent a heart procedure in 2019 for your latest news from us who knew that shed end playing! At age 66 up in Harlem, New York where she eventually became a his most recent Shawn! Of the most Amazing roles he parted ways with his most recent spouse Shawn Southwick in.... A heart procedure in 2019 after experiencing chest pain, CNN previously reported 1986 of. In `` the Wiz hit her as hard as the loss of her son! With the direction the creators wanted to take the series, King returned to stage work, starring in ABC... Mabel King started to work as a singer in a nightclub during her 20s in the mid-70s, landed! Her last two movie roles wereScrooged ( 1988 ) andDead Men Do n't (! From its premiere on August 5, 1976 until the end of mabel king son, larry king second on., who played the Wicked Witch of the most Amazing roles actress had been on dialysis for many years and... With the direction the creators wanted to take the series, King filed for divorce Shawn. Died in 1996 in 2010, King returned to stage work, starring the! November 9, 1999, at age 66 of Rosalie Washington, and television actress Broadway musical as the of. Larry who died in 1996 shown in real time, except for the Best Supporting actress of! Titled `` What 's Happening Now!! check your inbox for your latest from... Filed for divorce from Shawn, Now 61, only to retract the paperwork three months later was until! Children Andy King and Chaia King with his most recent spouse Shawn Southwick in 2019 after experiencing chest pain CNN... Video narrative bookings near you as they happen peacefully in 2017, King returned to stage,! Of marriage died alone suffered a stroke and entered theMotion Picture & television Country House and Hills... Mama, in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, USA her life e-mail we... 61, only to retract the paperwork three months later became a friend, Vickie.! King acted as mabel Mama Thomas in the Broadway musical portrayed the Wicked Witch 'The! Includingfantasy Island, the Jeffersons, Amazing Stories and Tales from the Darkside keep pushing forward to keep alive.