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Mabel Elizabeth King was an American film, stage, and television actress, and singer. She is best known for her role as Mabel "Mama" Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!! from its premiere in 1976 until the end of its second season in 1978. King's next most remembered role is that of Evillene the Witch, a role she originated in the stage musical The Wiz and reprised in Sidney Lumet's 1978 film adaptation. She recorded on the Rama Records and Amy Records labels.
Birth Name
Donnie Mabel Elizabeth Washington
Born
Sunday, 25 December 1932
Died
Tuesday, 09 November 1999
Actress Filmography
| Title | Character | Year |
|---|
| History of the Sitcom | Mabel Thomas | 2021 |
| RuPaul's Drag Race | Evillene | 2009 |
| The 72nd Annual Academy Awards | Self - Memorial Tribute | 2000 |
| Dead Men Don't Die | Chafuka | 1990 |
| Scrooged | Gramma | 1988 |
| Wiseguy | Mae Nina | 1987 |
| American Film Institute Comedy Special | Grandmother (segment "The Rec Room") | 1987 |
| All-Star Party for 'Dutch' Reagan | Self | 1985 |
| The Colbys | Fortune Teller | 1985 |
| Amazing Stories | Jennifer Mowbray | 1985 |
Actress Filmography
| Title | Character | Year |
|---|
| History of the Sitcom | Mabel Thomas | 2021 |
| RuPaul's Drag Race | Evillene | 2009 |
| The 72nd Annual Academy Awards | Self - Memorial Tribute | 2000 |
| Dead Men Don't Die | Chafuka | 1990 |
| Scrooged | Gramma | 1988 |
| Wiseguy | Mae Nina | 1987 |
| American Film Institute Comedy Special | Grandmother (segment "The Rec Room") | 1987 |
| All-Star Party for 'Dutch' Reagan | Self | 1985 |
| The Colbys | Fortune Teller | 1985 |
| Amazing Stories | Jennifer Mowbray | 1985 |
| What's Happening Now! | Mabel 'Mama' Thomas | 1985 |
| The Master | Willie | 1984 |
| The Jerk, Too | Mama Johnson | 1984 |
| Tales from the Darkside | Ruby Cuzzins | 1983 |
| Lottery! | Mabel | 1983 |
| Getting Over | Mabel Queen | 1981 |
| The Gong Show Movie | Mabel | 1980 |
| Palmerstown, U.S.A. | Aunt Toog | 1980 |
| The Jerk | Mother | 1979 |
| The Wiz | Evillene | 1978 |
| Scott Joplin | Madam Amy | 1977 |
| ABC Weekend Specials | Mrs. Trussker | 1977 |
| Fantasy Island | Bertha Jones / Lelani / Mama Parker | 1977 |
| The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings | Bertha Dewitt, Owner of Charcoal Kings / Bertha | 1976 |
| What's Happening!! | Mabel 'Mama' Thomas / Mabel Thomas | 1976 |
| Match Game PM | Self - Panelist | 1975 |
| The Jeffersons | Mother Tobin | 1975 |
| Barney Miller | Mother Zilla | 1974 |
| Match Game | Herself - Panelist | 1973 |
| Ganja & Hess | Queen of Myrthia | 1973 |
| Don't Play Us Cheap | House guest at the party | 1972 |
| The 22nd Annual Tony Awards | Self - Performer | 1968 |
