You probably know her as the sharp-tongued, bell-bottom-wearing daughter of Florida and James Evans. If you grew up in the 70s—or spent your Saturday mornings watching TV One reruns—you definitely remember her. But for many fans, she’s just "Thelma."
Thelma from Good Times real name is Bern Nadette Stanis. Honestly, it’s a name that carries as much grace as the woman herself. Born Bernadette Stanislaus in Brooklyn, New York, she eventually shortened it to the more rhythmic Bern Nadette Stanis. But don't let the name change fool you. She wasn’t just a sitcom star; she was a pioneer. Before her, you didn't really see Black teenage girls portrayed with that specific mix of intelligence, sass, and ambition on a major network.
Who Exactly is Bern Nadette Stanis?
She wasn't just some kid they found at a cattle call. Bern Nadette was a trained dancer and a student at the prestigious Juilliard School. Think about that for a second. While she was playing a teenager in a Chicago housing project, she was actually honing her craft at one of the most elite performing arts schools in the world.
She actually got the role of Thelma Evans while she was competing in a beauty pageant. Talk about a "right place, right time" situation. She was Miss Brooklyn and a runner-up for Miss New York. During the pageant, she caught the eye of the producers who were looking for someone to play the only daughter in the Evans household.
Why Thelma Evans Changed Everything
Representation is a buzzword now, but back in 1974, it was revolutionary. Thelma was the first Black female teenager to be a regular cast member on a TV sitcom. Before Good Times, Black characters were often relegated to the background or played for cheap laughs.
Thelma was different.
She was the bridge between her parents' old-school values and the changing world of the 70s. She stood up to her brother J.J. (played by Jimmie Walker) and wasn't afraid to give her father, James, a bit of a reality check when needed.
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"I had the honor of representing a strong, beautiful, brown-skinned girl whose journey echoed the hopes and dreams of countless viewers." — Bern Nadette Stanis in her memoir.
Life After the Projects
When the show ended in 1979, many actors from that era just sort of faded away. Not Bern Nadette. She’s stayed incredibly busy, though her path took some turns you might not expect.
- She became a prolific author. She’s written four books, including Situations 101: Relationships and The Last Night.
- She’s a caregiver advocate. After watching her mother, Eula Mae, battle Alzheimer’s, she founded the Remembering the Good Times Foundation.
- She still acts. Most recently, you might have seen her as Nee Nee Duncan in The Family Business and the 2025 spinoff The Family Business: New Orleans.
The Great 2024 Animated Controversy
If you follow TV news, you know there was a bit of a stir recently. Netflix released an animated Good Times reboot, and let’s just say the reception was... mixed. Many fans felt it leaned too heavily into stereotypes.
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Even the real Thelma had thoughts.
Bern Nadette voiced her disappointment, noting that the original show was about progress and "getting out" of the projects. She felt the new version felt like a step backward, which is a sentiment shared by a lot of the original fanbase. It shows just how protective she is of the Evans family legacy.
Surprising Facts Most People Forget
- Vocal Cord Struggles: At one point during her career, she developed nodules on her vocal cords and couldn't speak for months. She’s said in interviews that this "quiet time" actually led her to become a writer.
- The "It" Girl: She was often called the first Black "It" girl of television. Her fashion sense—the high-waisted jeans and those iconic sweaters—influenced a whole generation of young women.
- Juilliard Alum: She graduated with a B.A. in Drama. This wasn't a "hobby" for her; it was her life's work.
What Bern Nadette Stanis is Doing Today
As of 2026, Bern Nadette is still out there, looking nearly identical to how she did forty years ago (seriously, her skincare routine must be legendary). She spends a lot of her time traveling the country, speaking about Alzheimer's awareness and the importance of Black family history.
She’s also a regular at fan conventions. If you ever get the chance to meet her, do it. People always say she’s one of the kindest stars from the "Golden Age" of sitcoms. She doesn't just sign an autograph; she actually talks to people.
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Finding More of Thelma
If you’re looking to dive deeper into her story or see what she’s up to right now, here is what you should do:
- Check out her books: Specifically The Last Night if you’ve ever dealt with caregiving. It’s raw and honest.
- Watch 'The Family Business': It’s a complete 180 from Thelma Evans, showing her range as a mature dramatic actress.
- Support her foundation: The Remembering the Good Times Foundation does great work for families dealing with dementia.
Bern Nadette Stanis is more than just a name you look up because you forgot who played J.J.'s sister. She’s a piece of cultural history. She took a character that could have been a footnote and turned her into a symbol of beauty and intelligence that still resonates today.
Next time you see a rerun, remember that the woman behind the character was—and still is—working hard to make sure "Good Times" wasn't just a title, but a legacy.