4 classic actors that appeared on '90s and '00s TV shows
Shows from the '90s and early 2000s found a formula for longevity and generational success: find rising new talent, sprinkle combinations of situational comedy and drama into the plots for a realistic touch, and add familiar faces (aka classic beloved actors). This formula helped create some of the most nostalgic episodes and scenes in shows starring Black actors, often reminisced about on social media and during gatherings.
So, it's only right that we highlight four times classic actors appeared on our shows. Let's take a look!
Isabel Sanford as Evelyn "Nana" Smith on The Parkers
Classic Role: Louise "Wheezy" Jefferson on The Jeffersons
Sanford's appearance on The Parkers was a role completely different than Wheezy. In "Hands off, Grandma," the classic actress is a widow with "the hots" for a man her granddaughter loves. And, yes, it gets crazier.
Lee Majors as Coach Ross on The Game
Classic Role(s): Colt Seavers on The Fall Guy, Heath on The Big Valley
In this role, Lee Majors lived out his dream of being a football coach. Majors is the coach of the San Deigo Sabers and has to deal with the drama and egos of his players in various episodes.
Todd Bridges as Monk on Everybody Hates Chris
Classic Role: Willis Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes
Viewers see Bridges play a cool con artist in a few episodes of Everybody Hates Chris. He doesn't have much, but he knows how to turn a hustle into a couple of coins...and maybe even love. At least he doesn't have someone in his ear saying, "What you talkin' bout, Willis?"
Billy Dee Williams as Otis "Omar Funk" Wright on Half & Half
Classic Role: Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise, the voice of Two-Face in the Batman franchise, overall Hollywood Star
Whatever role Billy Dee Williams decides to play, just know that if he's not appearing as himself, it's part of a high standard. On Half & Half, Williams played a classic musician looking to upgrade his sound.
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