Let me tell you something incredible about laughter. For Ernest Thomas, it wasn’t just about making people laugh—it was about opening hearts. Shortly after landing his iconic role as Raj on the beloved sitcom What’s Happening!!, Ernest realized just how powerful comedy could be. This show, loosely inspired by the 1975 film Cooley High, followed the adventures of three African-American teenage best friends, and it changed lives—including Ernest's.
“I remember meeting this one lady who admitted she hated Black people,” says Ernest, now 75, sharing with Closer. “But then, she stumbled upon our show while flipping channels and started laughing. It completely transformed her perspective. That’s the magic of laughter.”
Growing Up in a Racially Charged World
Ernest’s journey wasn’t easy. Long before he became the beloved Raj, he faced harsh realities of racism growing up in Gary, Indiana. As a teenager attending an all-white school, he wasn’t even allowed to use the front door. Yet, despite these challenges, Ernest found strength in his faith and resilience.
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“When I look back at the young kid I was before What’s Happening!!, I see a hero,” Ernest reflects. “I told the Lord I couldn’t handle any more rejection, but He didn’t let me give up. That’s the power of belief, folks. Never underestimate it.”
From Shy Church Boy to Hollywood Star
Believe it or not, Ernest never imagined himself as an actor. In fact, he wanted to be a social worker because of a compassionate woman who helped his family. “That was my dream when I went to college,” he explains. “I was a quiet church boy who stayed in my room, so acting wasn’t even on my radar. But sometimes, life has other plans for you.”
Overcoming Adversity Through Faith
Ernest’s life was marked by struggles—racism, physical abuse, and bullying—but his faith kept him grounded. “Without God, those hardships could’ve crushed me,” he admits. “I might’ve turned to drugs or worse. A lot of my friends in similar situations didn’t make it out alive. They let their pain consume them, but I refused to do that.”
The Breakthrough Moment
So, what was Ernest’s big break? It all started with a guest spot on The Jeffersons. An agent mentioned a pilot for a new show that would eventually become What’s Happening!!. “I wanted that show so badly,” he recalls. “It felt like my entire future depended on it. Do it or die—that’s how serious I was.”
Family Support: A Mixed Bag
Not everyone believed in Ernest’s dreams. “People tried to discourage me with statistics, but I didn’t care,” he says. “I told myself, ‘The world needs me. They’re waiting for me.’ I convinced myself I could lead a sitcom, and I promised God I’d always make time for my fans and give back.”
The Gift of Being Raj
For Ernest, the greatest blessing of What’s Happening!! was embodying Raj, a character who resonated deeply with audiences. “Raj is everyone’s best friend, every woman’s ideal mate, every teacher’s dream student, and every parent’s perfect child,” he explains. “When you see him smiling in the opening scene, that’s me. That’s who I am.”
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A Complicated Friendship
Ernest’s relationship with Fred Berry, who played Rerun on the show, was anything but simple. “Fred was my brother, my frenemy, and then my brother again,” he says. “We were super close at first, but cocaine changed him. There was gossip and backstabbing, but before Fred passed in 2003, he made amends. He had found religion and became a preacher. I officiated his funeral, and now I’m like an uncle to his daughter, Portia, who’s a comedian and looks just like him.”
A Day to Remember
In 1977, Gary, Indiana, celebrated Ernest Thomas Day, marking the height of the series’ popularity. “It was an unforgettable experience,” he says. “Coretta Scott King, Dick Gregory, Deniece Williams, and Rev. Jesse Jackson were there. Jesse gave me a little attitude because he wasn’t getting the attention. People rushed the stage to touch me, holding up their babies. Someone even gifted me a bust of my head, and they held a massive parade. My mom shouted from the crowd, ‘You are not Jesus Christ!’”
Inspired by Love and Faith
Ernest’s mother, Liza, lived to be 91. “She worked tirelessly to get off welfare, taking on two jobs that nearly killed her,” he recalls. “But she didn’t watch What’s Happening!! or my movies. That hurt at first, but I realized she just wasn’t into TV or film. She read her Bible daily, prayed for others, and healed people with her words.”
Role Models Who Shaped Him
Ernest credits his teachers, pastor, uncles, and legendary actor Sidney Poitier as his role models. “Sidney became my imaginary father,” he says. “Seeing someone so dark yet so classy and articulate inspired me. I tried to mimic his walk and talk.”
Working with Legends
Collaborating with Sidney Poitier on the 1977 film A Piece of the Action was surreal. “I couldn’t stop staring at him,” Ernest admits. “He told me to snap out of it, but I explained what it meant to me. He said he admired my work too and even acted out one of Raj’s lines from the show.”
Advice from Muhammad Ali
Another legendary figure who left a lasting impression was Muhammad Ali. “Ali encouraged me to stop dwelling on setbacks,” Ernest recalls. “He shared personal struggles and told me not to let anyone intimidate me. He inspired me to write a treatment to bring What’s Happening!! into the ’80s, which led to What’s Happening Now!!, running for three years in syndication.”
What’s Next?
Ernest continues to thrive in the entertainment world. “I’m recurring on BET’s Diarra From Detroit, and the animated Everybody Hates Chris premieres on Comedy Central in June, where I reprise my role as Mr. Omar, the funeral director,” he shares. “They’re even talking about rebooting What’s Happening!!
