<P> Mabel Elizabeth King ( née Washington ; December 25 , 1932 -- November 9 , 1999 ) 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 made recordings with Rama Records and Amy Records . </P>
<P> Mabel Elizabeth King ( née Washington ; December 25 , 1932 -- November 9 , 1999 ) 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 made recordings with Rama Records and Amy Records . </P>
who played the mother on what 's happening
who played the mother on what 's happening
Mabel Elizabeth King
Mabel Elizabeth King