Vernee Watson-Johnson
| Vernee Watson-Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Vernee Christell Watson January 14, 1954 Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Vernee Watson-Johnson |
| Occupation | Actress, author, voice actress, acting coach |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Known for |
Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air |
| Spouse(s) | Joe Duckett (m. 1976–77) |
Vernee Christell Watson-Johnson (born Vernee Christell Watson; January 14, 1954) is an American actress, author, voice artist, and acting coach. She is best known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter and as Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing the mother of Will Smith's character. In March 2014, she appeared in Teen Wolf.
Career
Watson-Johnson played Blue's love interest in the 1972 film Trick Baby. She was also a regular cast member of the 1985-86 situation comedy Foley Square as Denise Willums, the secretary for Alex Harrigan, played by the show's star, Margaret Colin. She played a small role on Sister, Sister as Lisa's (Jackée Harry) best friend Patrice, and as the mayor's secretary, Lucille Banks, on Carter Country. She also had a recurring role as "Birdie" on The Young and the Restless. In 2005, she appeared in the film Christmas with the Kranks.
In addition, Watson-Johnson has made appearances in episodes of television shows as The Love Boat, Hill Street Blues, Married... with Children, L.A. Law, Suddenly Susan, Dharma & Greg, The X-Files, ER, Days of Our Lives, Malcolm in the Middle, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Desperate Housewives, Ghost Whisperer, Benson, The Big Bang Theory, Good Times, Dexter, Two and a Half Men, Southland, Criminal Minds, A.N.T. Farm, What's Happening!! and several other series.[1]
As a voice actress, she has been tied to Hanna-Barbera Productions and Warner Bros. Animation with roles in shows such as Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels, Laff-A-Lympics, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Animaniacs, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, as well as the feature film The Ant Bully, and several video games related to these productions.[2] From 1991 to 1992, she lent her voice to the show Baby Talk, where she was the voice of baby Danielle (played by Alicia and Celicia Johnson). In 2006, Watson-Johnson had roles in three films: The Ant Bully, The Celestine Prophecy and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties.[1]
Personal life
Watson-Johnson was married to Joe Duckett from 1976 until 1977. In 2005, Watson-Johnson was a witness in Michael Jackson's second case of child molestation.[3][4]
Filmography/Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Cotton Comes to Harlem | Woman | |
| 1972 | Trick Baby | Cleo Howard | |
| 1976 | Norman... Is That You? | Melody |
References
- 1 2 "Vernee Watson-Johnson profile". FilmReference.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
- ↑ "Vernee Watson-Johnson voiceography". Voice Chasers. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
- ↑ "Witness Testimony: 5/18: Actress Vernee Watson Johnson". CBS News.com. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
- ↑ "Michael Jackson Trial Continues". Life.com. May 18, 2005. Retrieved April 20, 2011.