Ernest Thomas at Motor City Comic Con 2013

The Motor City Comic Con returns to Novi, MI May 17-19 and I will be "On the Beat" as usual. While I look forward to this year, I look back at some of my favorite moments over the years at MCCC.

Ernest Lee Thomas rose to fame as "Raj" on tv's What's Happening!! Several years later, he reprised that role on What's Happening Now!! He also had a recurring role on Everybody Hates Chris.

I had the pleasure o meeting Ernest several years ago at MCCC and I landed an interview with him there. That interview can be found at On the Beat with Ernest L. Thomas.

That interview was a lot of fun, especially because Ernest started it with a bit of extra humor. Little things like that make for memorable moments for me, but probably also help him get through the many interviews he has to do at such conventions. I am grateful for his time and even more so for him being a great sport.

I love the picture, too. Our shirts are a pretty close match in color.

Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and scheduling. Also follow Motor City Comic Con on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Ernest Thomas and me in Novi, MI-May 2013.

On the Beat with Ernest L. Thomas at Motor City Comic Con 2013

I am sure Ernest L. Thomas has been asked "What's Happening?" thousands of times by fans.  Still, I had to ask it and he humored me with a fun laugh.  As a matter of fact, during our interview at the Motor City Comic Con, Thomas returned the line, along with giving me the Raj laugh and also doing the Raj dance.  That is quite a trifecta!

Thomas starred as Roger "Raj" Thomas for three seasons of What's Happening!! and about ten years later, three seasons of What's Happening Now!!  Thirty some years after the first episode aired, Thomas is highly recognizable, barely looking a few years older.

I met Thomas and former costar Danielle Spencer at another convention a couple years ago.  All that was missing was Haywood Nelson (Dwayne).

Thomas was as nice as could be.  I had no interview scheduled with him, but he graciously talked to us anyway (including giving us the previously mentioned What's Happening?? trifecta).  He also greeted us several other times when we crossed paths at the convention.

Thomas has remained busy over the years.  He discusses some of his projects in the interview.  He is also a writer, an author, a speaker and more.  To learn more about him and all of his projects, check out ErnestLThomas.com.

What's Happening!!

The tv sitcom What's Happening!! (yes, two exclamation marks are in the official title) was a light-hearted comedy in the 70's. Sometimes it was criticized for being too light and not attempting any serious shows about social issues. I applaud them for just trying to entertain people.
When I met Ernest Thomas (Raj) and Danielle Spencer (Dee), I told them I liked What's Happening!! for the entertainment and was glad they never went serious. They laughed a bit and said it was just a show and not meant to be a life-changer. If anything, it provided comic relief during tough times.
I like that attitude. It is always great seeing former young stars doing well now. Hey hey hey (sorry, I couldn't resist).

Ernest Thomas, me and Danielle Spencer in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.