Actress michelle thomas biography of martin luther

1. Biography of Michelle Thomas
2. Early Life and Education
3. Early Career
4. Career Breakthrough
5. Personal Life and Tragic Death

Biography of Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was an American actress best known for her role as Justine Phillips, the girlfriend of Malcolm-Jamal Warner's character, in the NBC sitcom 'The Cosby Show'. Another notable role for Thomas was as Myra Monkhouse, the girlfriend of Steven Quincy Urkel in the sitcom 'Family Matters'.

Early Life and Education

Michelle Thomas was born on September 23, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. She was the daughter of theater actress Phynjuar Thomas and Dennis Thomas, a member of the music group 'Kool & the Gang'. Thomas completed her education at West Essex High School.

Early Career

In 1984, Thomas won the title of 'Miss Talented New Jersey' in the Hal Jackson talent competition for exceptionally gifted teenagers. The following year, she participated in an international competition and was crowned 'International Queen'.

Thomas made her screen debut in 1988, portraying the character of Justine Phillips, who was in love with Theo Huxtable, in the series 'The Cosby Show'. She later appeared in various television projects in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the role of Ruthie Carver in the series 'A Man Called Hawk' and a guest appearance in the ABC sitcom 'Thea' with actress Thea Vidale.

Career Breakthrough

In 1991, Michelle Thomas had a small role as a telemarketing operator in Joseph B. Vasquez's dramedy 'Hangin' with the Homeboys' alongside Doug E. Doug and Mario Joyner. She also appeared in music videos for the rhythm and blues group 'Mint Condition', the group 'Dru Hill', and New York rapper Chubb Rock.

Thomas's breakthrough came in 1993 when she landed the role of Myra Monkhouse in the long-running sitcom 'Family Matters'. After the series ended in 1998, she portrayed aspiring singer Callie Rogers Stark in the soap opera 'The Young and the Restless', leaving the show in October 1998.

Personal Life and Tragic Death

In August 1997, Michelle Thomas was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. Fibrous tissues were developing inside her abdominal cavity around the tumor. She underwent surgery to remove a lemon-sized tumor shortly before she received her role in 'The Young and the Restless'.

In October 1998, she went under the knife again due to the rupture of a second cancerous tumor. After being discharged from the hospital, Michelle flew home to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her family. On December 22, 1998, she passed away surrounded by her loved ones at the MSKCC oncology center in Manhattan.

Michelle Thomas's funeral, held on December 26, followed Muslim traditions, as per her wishes. She was buried near her home in Montclair, New Jersey.