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Ernest Lee Thomas delivers a powerful and deeply personal account of his journey through fame, adversity, and redemption. He begins with wild, unforgettable moments surrounding his audition for What’s Happening!!, sharing how Fred Berry landed the role of Rerun and his first encounters with Haywood Nelson, Shirley Hemphill, and Danielle Spencer. He recalls the support Shirley received from Jimmy Walker and reflects on working with the iconic Mabel King. Ernest discusses the shock of overnight stardom, his eventual fall into despair, and the personal trauma of childhood molestation and racism.

He shares an emotional and humorous story about a life-changing meeting with Muhammad Ali and his struggle to finance a film. Ernest explains how he helped bring What’s Happening Now!! to life, the behind-the-scenes drama with Fred Berry, and his work with rising stars like Martin Lawrence.

He opens up about a painful experience with Bill Cosby and cherished encounters with Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, and auditioning for Malcom X for Spike Lee. Ernest also discusses his iconic role as Mr. Omar on Everybody Hates Chris, his chaotic time working with Robert Blake on Baretta, and incredible memories working with Adam Sandler and Robin Williams.

From Broadway origins to nearly being cast as Kunta Kinte in Roots, Ernest’s story is rich with Hollywood history, spiritual growth, and a triumphant 35 years of sobriety. His honesty, humor, and resilience made for a moving and unforgettable journey. Thank you so much Ernest!

Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.


00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:46 Ernest's crazy moments around his audition for What's Happening's!!
00:08:42 Ernest talks about how Fred Berry got the role of Rerun
00:12:20 The first time Ernest met Haywood Nelson, Shirley Hemphill and Danielle Spencer
00:16:37 Ernest talks about Jimmy Walker helping Shirley Hemphill in real life
00:19:36 Ernest talks about Mabel King
00:20:40 Ernest talks about the difficulty of going from being an unknown to stardom
00:24:55 Ernest talks about hitting rock bottom
00:26:13 Ernest tells incredible Muhammad Ali story
00:39:49 Ernest talks about trying to get financing for a film
00:40:50 Ernest talks about being molested as a child
00:43:41 Ernest talks about how he brought together What's Happening Now?
00:47:22 Fred Berry causes trouble and is let go from What's Happening Now?
00:49:56 Ernest talks about Martin Lawrence
00:51:18 Ernest on almost being cast as Kunta Kinte on Roots
00:54:27 Ernest talks about the racism he dealt with as a child
00:55:41 Ernest tells the disappointing experience he had with Bill Cosby
00:57:33 Sidney Poitier and James Earl Jones
01:02:58 Ernest tells the funny story how he got Spike Lee to see him for Malcolm X
01:13:48 Ernest plays Mr. Omar on Everybody Loves Chris
01:20:21 Ernest's crazy story about working with Robert Blake on Baretta
01:25:12 Ernest talks about his amazing experience working with Adam Sandler and Robin Williams
01:28:00 The incredible story of how Ernest became an actor on Broadway
01:37:13 Ernest talks about his sobriety for 35 years