Ernest Lee Thomas is an American actor best known for his starring role as Roger "Raj" Thomas on the television series What’s Happening!! (1976–1979). Born on January 14, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois, Thomas is 75 years old as of 2025. He began his career in theater and transitioned to film and television, appearing in notable works such as the original What’s Happening!! series, its sequel What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988), and various guest roles across subsequent decades. This profile provides verified details about his age, career milestones, and enduring influence in television history.
Early Life and Birth Details
Ernest Lee Thomas was born on January 14, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois. He grew up during a transformative period for African American representation in television and film. His early interest in performing arts led him to pursue acting professionally after completing his education. Understanding his birth year and birthplace provides context for his age and the era in which he rose to fame.
Key Biographical Data
Below is a summary of verified attributes related to Ernest Lee Thomas’s age and career timeline. These details are drawn from public records, reputable biographical sources, and industry databases.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Ernest Lee Thomas | Official credits |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1949 | Public records |
| Place of Birth | Kankakee, Illinois, USA | Biographical references |
| Current Age (2025) | 75 years old | Calculated from birth date |
| Breakout Role | Roger "Raj" Thomas on What’s Happening!! | Television archives |
Career Highlights and Television Legacy
Thomas’s most prominent role came in 1976 when he was cast as Roger "Raj" Thomas on the ABC sitcom What’s Happening!! The show ran until 1979 and followed three African American teenagers navigating life in Los Angeles. His performance earned him recognition and led to the continuation What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988), where he reprised his role. Beyond these series, he has made guest appearances on other television shows and continued working in theater and voice work. His career exemplifies longevity in an industry where roles for Black actors were once limited.
Notable Works
- What’s Happening!! (1976–1979) — Lead role as Roger "Raj" Thomas
- What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988) — Return as Roger "Raj" Thomas
- Guest appearances on series such as The Love Boat and Family Matters
- Stage productions and voice-over work
Age and Career Timeline
Understanding Ernest Lee Thomas’s age in relation to his career milestones shows how he emerged during a pivotal time for Black representation on television. He was in his late 20s when What’s Happening!! premiered and has remained active in the industry for more than four decades. His enduring presence reflects both talent and adaptability across evolving media landscapes.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Premiere of What’s Happening!! | Launched his career as a lead actor on network television |
| 1979 | End of original What’s Happening!! series | Established him as a recognizable face in sitcoms |
| 1985–1988 | What’s Happening Now!! | Extended his reach and relevance in television |
| 2025 | Age 75 | Demonstrates long-term career sustainability |
Public Perception and Cultural Impact
Ernest Lee Thomas is remembered for bringing charm, comedic timing, and relatability to his role as Raj. The show’s focus on everyday teenage struggles resonated with audiences, and his portrayal contributed to positive representations of Black youth on television. Although he has largely remained out of the spotlight in recent years, his work continues to be celebrated through retrospectives and streaming availability. Fans often revisit the series, keeping interest in his career alive.
Current Status and Relevance
As of 2025, Ernest Lee Thomas is 75 years old and maintains a low public profile. He has not announced any major new projects, but his earlier work remains influential. The longevity of What’s Happening!! in syndication and streaming platforms ensures that new generations can discover his contributions. His career serves as a reference point for discussions about diversity in classic television and the lasting impact of pioneering performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Ernest Lee Thomas? He is 75 years old as of 2025, based on his birth date of January 14, 1949.
- When was he born? January 14, 1949.
- What is he best known for? His role as Roger "Raj" Thomas on What’s Happening!! and its sequel What’s Happening Now!!.
- Is he still acting? He has not been publicly active in recent years, but there is no confirmation of retirement; available records show limited current professional credits.
- Where was he born? Kankakee, Illinois, United States.
Summary
Ernest Lee Thomas, born January 14, 1949, is an actor whose legacy is closely tied to the groundbreaking sitcom What’s Happening!! At 75 years old, he remains a notable figure in television history. This verified profile provides accurate biographical data, career context, and cultural relevance to ensure a clear, factual understanding of his age and impact.