What Is BernNadette Stanis’ Net Worth?
Bern Nadette Stanis, the American actress and author celebrated for her role as Thelma Evans on the CBS sitcom “Good Times,” boasts a net worth of $6 million. This financial standing reflects her successful career in television, film, and literary endeavors. Stanis’s journey from Brooklyn, New York, to becoming a recognizable face on American television is a testament to her talent and versatility. Her net worth encompasses earnings from her acting roles, book sales, and various commercial endorsements.
Early Career and “Good Times”
Bern Nadette Stanis, born Bernadette Stanislaus on December 22, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, was one of five children. She attended Erasmus Hall High School, where she began her journey into the world of beauty pageants. Stanis won the Miss Brooklyn crown and subsequently became the first runner-up in the Miss New York state pageant. This early exposure to the public eye laid the groundwork for her future career in entertainment. She gained acceptance to the prestigious Juilliard School but departed after her sophomore year when she received the pivotal role on “Good Times.”
Stanis’s role as Thelma Ann Evans on “Good Times,” from February 1974 to August 1979, was a defining moment in her career. “Good Times” aired for five seasons, showcasing Stanis as the charming and intelligent daughter of Florida and James Evans Sr. Her portrayal of Thelma resonated with audiences, making her a beloved figure in American households. While specific contract details and episode-by-episode earnings from “Good Times” are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that her role as a main cast member provided a stable income and contributed significantly to her early net worth. It can be estimated that she would have earned $2,000 – $5,000 per episode at the time, putting her earnings for the series in the range of $200,000 to $500,000.
Television and Film Appearances
Following her success on “Good Times,” Bern Nadette Stanis continued to work in television, securing guest-starring roles on various shows. She appeared on “The Love Boat,” offering a lighthearted contrast to her previous role. Stanis also made appearances on “What’s Happening Now?,” “The Cosby Show,” “The Wayans Bros.,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” and “Girlfriends,” demonstrating her ability to adapt to different comedic styles and appeal to diverse audiences. These roles, while not as prominent as her role on “Good Times,” helped maintain her visibility and provided additional income.
Beyond television, Stanis ventured into film, appearing in movies such as “No Regrets,” “The Big Shot,” “N-Secure,” and “36 Hour Layover.” While these films may not have been major box office hits, they provided her with opportunities to expand her acting repertoire and earn additional income. The specific financial details of her film roles are not publicly available, but it is known that actors can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars for independent films to millions for major studio productions. Given the nature of these films, it can be assumed that her earnings were likely on the lower end of the spectrum, but still contributed to her overall financial standing.
Commercial Endorsements and Media Appearances
Bern Nadette Stanis has also appeared in numerous commercials for companies such as AT&T and Nationwide Insurance, as well as promos for The One Network. These endorsements likely provided a steady stream of income, leveraging her established public image and association with “Good Times.” Commercial endorsements can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the scope and duration of the campaign.
Stanis and her former “Good Times” co-star Jimmie Walker also appeared in the program “Color TV” to share their reflections on starring in the sitcom. In 2016, Stanis was featured on Centric’s “Being,” where she discussed her life and career. In 2019, she appeared in ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Good Times,” hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. These appearances not only kept her in the public eye but also likely provided additional income through appearance fees and residuals.
Authorial Ventures
In addition to her acting career, Bern Nadette Stanis is a published author. She has written several books, including “Situations 101: The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly,” “Situations 101: Finances,” and “The Last Night.” Stanis also penned a book of poetry titled “For Men Only.” While it is difficult to determine the exact sales figures and royalties earned from these books, it is clear that her writing endeavors have contributed to her overall income. A successful book can generate anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on its popularity and distribution. Given the subject matter and target audience, it can be assumed that her books have generated a modest but consistent income stream.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Bern Nadette Stanis was married to her high school sweetheart, Thomas Fauntleroy, from 1974 to 1978. In 1979, she married Brooklyn nightclub owner Darnell Johnson. Her third marriage was to Terrence Redd, a mechanical engineer, and they had a daughter, Dior Ravel, in 1982. After divorcing Redd, Stanis married Kevin Fontana, with whom she had a daughter named Brittany Rose. Stanis currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Details about her specific residence, including its address and estimated value, are not publicly available. However, real estate holdings typically contribute to an individual’s net worth. A home in Atlanta, depending on its size, location, and amenities, could range in value from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars.
Summary of Bern Nadette Stanis’ Net Worth
In summary, Bern Nadette Stanis’s $6 million net worth is the result of a multifaceted career that includes acting, writing, and endorsements. Her role on “Good Times” provided a solid foundation for her financial success, and she has continued to build upon that foundation through various television and film appearances, commercial endorsements, and literary endeavors. While the specific details of her earnings from each of these ventures are not always publicly available, it is clear that her talent, hard work, and business acumen have contributed to her impressive net worth. Her continued involvement in the entertainment industry suggests that her net worth may continue to grow in the future.