Ernest Thomas

Ernest Lee Thomas, born March 26, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, is an American actor whose career has spanned Broadway, television, and film. He is most widely recognized for playing Roger "Raj" Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, which aired from 1976 to 1979, and for reprising that role in the syndicated sequel What's Happening Now!!, which ran from 1985 to 1988. He also earned recognition for a recurring role as Mr. Omar on the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.

Thomas began his professional career on the stage. His Broadway work, which ran from 1974 to 1975, included a 1974 revival production of Love for Love and a 1975 revival of The Member of the Wedding, both of which starred actress Glenn Close. He subsequently relocated to Los Angeles to pursue work in television and film.

His transition to television began in the fall of 1975 with an appearance on The Jeffersons. While taping that episode, Thomas learned of an audition for a sitcom loosely based on the 1975 film Cooley High. He won the lead role and filmed a pilot that tested poorly, leading producers to rework the concept into a lighter project initially titled Central Avenue before it became What's Happening!!. Thomas was the only cast member carried over from the original pilot. The series became a ratings success and was expanded from a summer run to a full series.

During the run of What's Happening!!, Thomas appeared in additional projects, including the television series Baretta and The Brady Bunch Hour, as well as the film A Piece of the Action, starring Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. He was also among the final two actors considered for the lead role of Kunta Kinte in the miniseries Roots, a part that ultimately went to LeVar Burton. Thomas did appear in the miniseries in the smaller role of Kailuba.

Following a six-year absence from television and film, Thomas returned to the role of Raj Thomas in What's Happening Now!!, which aired in first-run syndication from 1985 to 1988. After that series ended, he continued to guest star on numerous television programs, including In the Heat of the Night, The Parent 'Hood, Martin, Soul Food, The Steve Harvey Show, All About the Andersons, and Just Jordan. His film appearances during this period included a supporting role in Malcolm X and a cameo in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. He later took on the recurring role of funeral director Mr. Omar on Everybody Hates Chris, and had an uncredited guest appearance on Are We There Yet? in an episode titled "The Satchel Paige Episode."

In 2012, Thomas appeared in director Rob Zombie's film The Lords of Salem, and in 2016 he appeared in a comedic body horror short film called Earworm.

Thomas has spoken in interviews about a romantic relationship with actress Kim Cattrall during her time as a student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in the 1970s. He has an eye condition called amblyopia and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.