What’s Happening?: The Untold Story Behind TV’s Groundbreaking Sitcom.
When *What’s Happening?* debuted in 1976, it wasn’t just another feel-good sitcom—it was a revolution.
For the first time, American television spotlighted the everyday lives of Black teenagers, breaking new ground and opening doors for future generations.
But behind the laughs, the show’s history is filled with lawsuits, casting shakeups, secret romances, and battles for respect that nearly tore it apart.
The Birth of a Legend
*What’s Happening?* first aired on ABC as a summer test run in August 1976.
Its popularity quickly soared, and it returned as a weekly series, running until April 1979.
What made the show truly special was its focus: it was the first African-American sitcom centered on teenagers, offering viewers a fresh, authentic look at growing up in a Black community.
The show was loosely inspired by the 1975 film *Cooley High*.
Before the series as we know it, a pilot titled *Central Avenue* was produced.
This early version was much more serious, but the creators decided to shift to a lighter, more comedic tone.
Only one actor from the original pilot survived the transition: Ernest Thomas, who played Roger “Raj” Thomas.
This change set the stage for the show’s unique blend of humor and heart—and the challenges that lay ahead.
Eric Monty’s Fight for Recognition
Behind the scenes, *What’s Happening?* was built on a hidden legal battle.
Eric Monte, the show’s creator and credited writer, sued ABC, CBS, Norman Lear, and others, claiming they used his ideas for hit shows like *Good Times*, *The Jeffersons*, and *What’s Happening?* without giving him proper credit.
Despite reports of a $300 million lawsuit, Monte only received $1 million and a small share of rerun profits.
Monte’s battle for recognition was costly.
He claimed that even his own lawyers pressured him to settle, threatening to drop his case if he refused their terms.
After the lawsuit, Monte said he was blackballed in Hollywood, struggling to find work and battling addiction.
By 2006, the man who brought laughter to millions was living in a Salvation Army shelter in Bell, California—a tragic reminder of the harsh realities behind the entertainment industry.
Casting Secrets and Close Calls
The casting process for *What’s Happening?* was filled with surprises.
Ernest Thomas won the role of Raj after competing against 200 other actors.
The part was originally intended for Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, a well-known actor at the time.
Imagine how different the show might have been if the casting had gone another way.
One of the most iconic characters, Rerun, played by Fred Berry, was originally written as a skinny white kid.
Berry, an energetic, overweight Black man known for his dance moves, auditioned and told producers, “I am a white, skinny guy.”
His unique talent and energy convinced them to rewrite the role, creating the Rerun fans know and love.
Ernest Thomas nearly landed the lead role of Kunta Kinte in the miniseries *Roots*, losing out to LeVar Burton but still appearing in the series as Kyuba.
These close calls and casting twists shaped the show’s legacy and the careers of its stars.
The Unraveling Behind the Scenes
Despite its instant success, *What’s Happening?* faced major challenges behind the scenes.
The show quickly became the first African-American teen sitcom to break into the Nielsen top 30 in its first season.
It tackled issues rarely seen on TV: friendship, obesity, divorce, poverty, racism, gambling, dating, and teen pregnancy.
But success brought tension.
Cast members demanded better working conditions and fair pay.
During the second season, Fred Berry and Ernest Thomas staged a walkout over their dressing rooms, forcing Haywood Nelson and Shirley Hemphill to carry an episode.
Producer Bud York suspended the two actors, making them sign $25,000 promissory notes to prevent future walkouts.
The demands didn’t stop there.
In season three, Berry, Thomas, and Nelson pushed for higher salaries.
Instead of negotiating, producers cancelled the series.
Mabel King, who played Mama Thomas, left after season two due to creative disagreements—she wanted the show to portray strong Black families with married parents, a vision the producers didn’t share.
The Cast: Triumphs and Tragedies
Ernest Thomas (Raj)
Born in Gary, Indiana, Ernest Thomas honed his craft on Broadway before moving to television.
He appeared in plays alongside Glenn Close and landed a role on *The Jeffersons* in 1975.
Thomas has an eye condition called amblyopia, and in the 1970s, he dated actress Kim Cattrall.
After a six-year break, Thomas reprised his role in *What’s Happening Now!!* (1985-1988), where Raj had grown up and was married to a social worker.
Thomas continued acting in shows like *In the Heat of the Night*, *Martin*, and *Everybody Hates Chris*.
He also appeared in films, including *Malcolm X*, and became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Fred Berry (Rerun)
Fred Berry’s comedic energy and dance moves made Rerun a household name.
He legally changed his middle name to Rerun, embracing the character’s fame.
But Berry struggled with substance abuse and spent most of his earnings within three years.
He admitted to spending a million dollars on drugs, real estate, and more.
Drug dealers were present in the studio during the 1970s, and Berry attempted self-harm several times.
Berry returned for *What’s Happening Now!!* as a used car salesman but left after one season due to pay disputes.
He later became a motivational speaker and ordained Baptist minister in Alabama.
Before his death in 2003 at age 52, Berry apologized for his past actions—a powerful act of reconciliation.
He died of natural causes after losing 100 pounds due to diabetes.
Haywood Nelson (Dwayne)
Haywood Nelson played the lovable Dwayne.
Before *What’s Happening?*, he starred on Broadway and appeared on *Sanford and Son*.
As a teen heartthrob, Nelson became one of the first Black teen idols.
After the show, he studied architecture and electronics, later working as a technical director and lighting technician for major TV shows.
Nelson has been married four times and has three children.
Danielle Spencer (Dee)
Danielle Spencer’s journey is one of resilience.
In 1977, she survived a car accident that killed her stepfather and left her in a coma.
She spent months in recovery and later pursued veterinary medicine, becoming a veterinarian in 1996.
Spencer overcame spinal stenosis and breast cancer, writing a memoir about her experiences.
She was honored by the National Museum of African-American History and Culture and started a fashion line inspired by her style.
Shirley Hemphill (Shirley)
Shirley Hemphill’s path to comedy began with a cassette tape sent to Flip Wilson.
She quit her factory job, moved to Los Angeles, and became a stand-up comedian.
Hemphill turned down a spin-off from *Good Times* to play Shirley Wilson.
After *What’s Happening?*, she starred in *One in a Million* and returned to stand-up.
Hemphill passed away in 1999 at age 52, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing comedian.
Mabel King (Mama Thomas)
Mabel King departed the show over disagreements about its portrayal of Black families.
She battled diabetes, resulting in multiple amputations and the loss of her son.
King passed away in 1999 at age 66, but her advocacy for positive representation continues to inspire.
The Show’s Enduring Legacy
*What’s Happening?* remains a beloved classic, remembered for its humor and pioneering role in TV history.
Its reruns often garnered higher ratings than the original broadcasts, leading to the spin-off *What’s Happening Now!!*
Sony Pictures has released the series on DVD, allowing new generations to enjoy its timeless stories.
More than four decades later, *What’s Happening?* stands as a testament to the power of representation, resilience, and the enduring spirit of its cast.
Behind the laughter were real struggles, triumphs, and stories that changed television—and the lives of those who watched it—forever.
