Bern Nadette Stanis Net Worth

What Is Bern Nadette Stanis’ Net Worth?

Bern Nadette Stanis, an accomplished American actress and author, has amassed a considerable net worth of $6 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to her iconic role as Thelma Evans on the beloved CBS sitcom “Good Times,” which aired throughout the late 1970s. Beyond her acting career, Stanis has also expanded her income streams through her literary works, which include “Situations 101: The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly.” Her diverse career ventures have significantly contributed to her overall financial standing.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 22, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, Bern Nadette Stanislaus grew up as one of five children. Her formative years were spent in the vibrant community of Brooklyn, where she attended Erasmus Hall High School. During her high school years, Stanis frequently participated in beauty pageants, demonstrating her poise and charisma. She achieved significant recognition when she won the title of Miss Brooklyn. Following this accomplishment, she advanced to the Miss New York state pageant, where she was named first runner-up, highlighting her competitive spirit and dedication. Stanis’s academic pursuits led her to be accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School, a renowned performing arts conservatory in New York City. However, she made the pivotal decision to leave Juilliard after completing her sophomore year, as she was presented with the opportunity to star in the television show “Good Times,” marking a turning point in her career.

Career Highlights: “Good Times” and Beyond

Stanis secured her place in television history with her role as Thelma Ann Evans on the CBS sitcom “Good Times.” The show aired from February 1974 to August 1979. Thelma Ann Evans was the daughter of Florida and James Evans Sr., played by Esther Rolle and John Amos, respectively. Stanis portrayed Thelma as a smart, resilient, and attractive young woman navigating life in a Chicago housing project. During its five-year run, “Good Times” became a cultural phenomenon, addressing important social issues while maintaining a comedic tone. Stanis’s character, Thelma, was particularly popular among viewers, and she became a role model for many young women. The show’s success helped to solidify her status as a prominent actress in the entertainment industry.

Following her successful stint on “Good Times,” Stanis expanded her acting repertoire by guest-starring on various television shows. Her appearances included roles on “The Love Boat,” showcasing her versatility in different genres; “What’s Happening Now?,” where she revisited the world of sitcoms; “The Cosby Show,” a critically acclaimed series; “The Wayans Bros.,” a popular comedy show; “The Parent ‘Hood,” a family-oriented program; and “Girlfriends,” a contemporary sitcom. These guest appearances allowed Stanis to showcase her acting skills in a variety of roles, further solidifying her presence in the television industry. In addition to her television work, Stanis has also appeared in numerous commercials, representing well-known brands such as AT&T and Nationwide Insurance. These commercials provided her with additional exposure and income. She has also been featured in multiple promos for The One Network, where she humorously references or parodies her character from “Good Times,” capitalizing on her iconic role. Bern and her former “Good Times” co-star Jimmie Walker collaborated on the program “Color TV,” where they shared their reflections and experiences of starring in the groundbreaking sitcom. This program offered fans a nostalgic look back at the show and its impact on television history.

In 2016, Stanis participated in Centric’s “Being,” a biographical program that explored her life and career in depth. The show provided insights into her personal journey, her professional challenges, and her accomplishments. Stanis discussed her early life, her experiences on “Good Times,” and her subsequent endeavors, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of her career trajectory. In 2019, Stanis made an appearance in ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Good Times,” a special hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. This event paid tribute to the iconic sitcom by recreating an episode with a new cast, while also featuring original cast members like Stanis. Her participation in this special underscored the enduring legacy of “Good Times” and her contribution to its success.

Stanis has also ventured into the world of film, appearing in a number of movies throughout her career. Her film credits include roles in “No Regrets,” “The Big Shot,” “N-Secure,” and “36 Hour Layover,” among others. These film roles have showcased her versatility as an actress and expanded her presence in the entertainment industry.

Literary Works and Authorial Pursuits

Beyond her acting career, Bern Nadette Stanis is a published author. Her books include “Situations 101: The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly,” which offers guidance on navigating various life challenges. Additionally, she penned “Situations 101: Finances,” a book focused on financial literacy and management. Stanis also authored “The Last Night,” a work of fiction, and “For Men Only,” a book of poetry that delves into the male perspective on relationships. Her literary endeavors have added another dimension to her career and contributed to her overall income.

• “Situations 101: The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly”: This book provides readers with practical advice and insights on how to navigate a variety of real-life situations, covering topics such as relationships, career, and personal growth.
• “Situations 101: Finances”: This book focuses on financial literacy, offering guidance on budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It aims to empower readers to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial stability.
• “The Last Night”: A work of fiction that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
• “For Men Only”: A collection of poems that explores the male perspective on relationships and emotions.

Personal Life and Relationships

Stanis’s personal life has included several marriages. She was first married to her high school sweetheart, Thomas Fauntleroy, from 1974 to 1978. The year after their divorce, Bern married Brooklyn nightclub owner Darnell Johnson. Her third marriage was to Terrence Redd, a mechanical engineer, and they welcomed a daughter, Dior Ravel, in 1982. After Stanis and Redd divorced, Bern wed Kevin Fontana, with whom she had a daughter named Brittany Rose. Stanis currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Bern Nadette Stanis has a net worth of $6 million, accumulated through her work as an actress, author, and spokesperson. Her earnings are primarily derived from her role on “Good Times,” her guest appearances on various television shows, her work in commercials, and her book sales. While specific details of her earnings from each of these sources are not publicly available, it is evident that her diverse career has contributed to her financial success. Stanis’s career highlights include:

• Starring as Thelma Evans on “Good Times” (1974-1979)
• Guest appearances on numerous television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Girlfriends”
• Commercials for AT&T, Nationwide Insurance, and The One Network
• Author of several books, including “Situations 101: The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly”

Stanis’s net worth reflects her longevity in the entertainment industry and her ability to diversify her income streams. Her success as an actress and author has allowed her to accumulate significant wealth and establish herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment world.