I think this has been posted before, but it is true. She was acting like she was still in drama school. Here is one episode where I'll give an example.
"The Family Business" where James got tired of fixing Bookman's appliances. He was at the table with Florida, complaining about Bookman, slammed his fist on the table, waking up J.J. and Michael. Seconds later, Thelma came running out of the room asking "Hey, What's happening? What was going on?" She really overacted using those sentences. Anyone has that episode or seen it, go back to that and peep her in that scene.

Bernadette really couldn't act that good but she more than made up for it with her vast HOTNESS!!! :heart:

Bernadette Stanis was really horrible in GETTING UP THE RENT

Bernadette Stanis was really horrible in GETTING UP THE RENT
hell yeah she was. I know the character Thelma is not an actress, just a high school kid, but when she is trying to act as if she has had nothing to eat, that is way off. Maybe the director wanted it that way, but it made no sense if one is trying to give the impression that they are in dire need of rent money. I think the director wanted it to be "funny" instead of serious, but still, it didn't make it's mark. She was horrible. I also agree her dramatics are a bit too much. She almost yells her lines. I wouldn't yell like that in those same circumstances. I wouldn't only yell like that if there was a fire or somebody collapsed. Just my opinion.

ooops, i did it again, i meant, I WOULD only yell like that..... sorry.

I agree with y'all. She was a horrible actress. Beautiful, but too over the top.

Bernadette's acting was over the top but from the second season on she was fine.

I know what you mean about her acting, but you have to realize they were practicing they hustle routine, she wasn't used to her lines and how to act them out yet.