Mabel King
Biography
Mabel Elizabeth King, born Mabel Washington on December 25, 1932, in Charleston, South Carolina, was an American actress and singer. She recorded on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels. King is recognized for portraying Mabel Mama Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening from its premiere in 1976 through the end of its second season in 1978. She is also known for playing Evillene the Witch, a role she originated in the stage musical The Wiz and later reprised in the 1978 film adaptation directed by Sidney Lumet. King had 24 known acting credits during her career. She passed away on November 9, 1999, at the age of 66.
Career overview
Mabel Elizabeth King, born Mabel Washington on December 25, 1932, in Charleston, South Carolina, was an American actress and singer who recorded on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels. Her career encompassed both television and film work, accumulating a total of twenty-four known acting credits according to archive records.
In television, she is recognized for playing the role of Mabel Mama Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, appearing from the show's premiere in 1976 through the end of its second season in 1978.
On stage and in film, King is known for portraying Evillene the Witch. She originated this role in the stage musical The Wiz and later reprised the character in the 1978 film adaptation directed by Sidney Lumet. King passed away on November 9, 1999, at the age of sixty-six.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
24 titles- Dead Men Don't Die (1990) as Chafuka
- Scrooged (1988) as Gramma
- Wiseguy (1987)
- Amazing Stories (1985) as Jennifer Mowbray
- The Colbys (1985)
- Tales from the Darkside (1984) as Ruby Cuzzins
- The Master (1984) as Willie
- The Jerk, Too (1984) as Mama Johnson
- All the Money in the World (1983) as Mrs. Trussker
- Getting Over (1981) as Mabel Queen
- Palmerstown, U.S.A. (1980)
- The Gong Show Movie (1980) as Mabel
- The Jerk (1979) as Mother
- Fantasy Island (1978) as Lelani
- The Wiz (1978) as Evillene
- Weekend Special (1977)
- Scott Joplin (1977) as Madam Amy
- What's Happening!! (1976) as Mabel Thomas
- The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976) as Bertha
- Barney Miller (1975) as Mother Zilla
- The Jeffersons (1975)
- Don't Play Us Cheap (1973) as Mrs. Bowser
- Ganja & Hess (1973) as Queen of Myrthia
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Mabel King best known for?
Mabel King is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Scrooged (1988), Wiseguy (1987), Amazing Stories (1985), The Colbys (1985).
When and where was Mabel King born?
Mabel King was born on December 25, 1932 in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. They passed away on November 9, 1999.
How many credits does Mabel King have?
Mabel King has accumulated over 24 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 1990.
What is Mabel King's background in cinema and television?
Mabel Elizabeth King, born Mabel Washington on December 25, 1932, in Charleston, South Carolina, was an American actress and singer. She recorded on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels. King is recognized for portraying Mabel Mama Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening from its premiere in 1976 through the end o...
Mabel King by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Amazing Stories (1985) as Jennifer Mowbray — aged about 52
- Weekend Special (1977) — aged about 44
- What's Happening!! (1976) as Mabel Thomas — aged about 43
- Barney Miller (1975) as Mother Zilla — aged about 42
- The Jeffersons (1975) — aged about 42
- Tales from the Darkside (1984) as Ruby Cuzzins — aged about 51
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