If you grew up in the late 1970s, you probably remember Roger "Raj" Thomas. He was the lovable, aspiring writer with the thick glasses who always seemed to get into trouble with his buddies Rerun and Dwayne. It’s wild to think about how much time has passed since What’s Happening!! first aired on ABC. Because of that nostalgia, one of the most common questions fans ask today is about ernest lee thomas age and how the actor is doing all these years later.
Honestly, the numbers might surprise you. Born on March 26, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, Ernest Lee Thomas is currently 76 years old. He'll be turning 77 in March of 2026.
It’s a bit of a trip.
Seeing him today, he still has that infectious energy and that distinct laugh that made him a household name. But his journey from the streets of Gary to Broadway and then to the peak of sitcom stardom wasn't exactly a straight line. There’s a lot more to the man than just the "Raj" persona we all saw on Tuesday nights.
The Reality of Ernest Lee Thomas Age and His Early Career
People often assume Ernest was a teenager when he started playing Raj. In reality, he was already in his mid-20s. By the time the show premiered in 1976, he had already put in the work. He didn't just stumble into Hollywood; he was a trained stage actor.
He actually started on Broadway.
Can you imagine? He appeared in Love for Love and The Member of the Wedding alongside none other than Glenn Close. That’s some serious acting pedigree right there. When he eventually moved to Los Angeles, he landed a small role on The Jeffersons, which was the "it" show at the time. That one appearance helped him get the audition for what would become What’s Happening!!.
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Why the "Teenage" Raj was a Hollywood Illusion
The show was based on the movie Cooley High, and Ernest was actually the only actor kept from the original pilot version that didn't test well. Because he looked so young, audiences totally bought him as a high schooler. This is a classic Hollywood trick, but Ernest pulled it off with a sincerity that made Raj feel like your actual best friend.
By the time the sequel, What’s Happening Now!!, rolled around in the mid-80s, Ernest was in his late 30s. He was playing an adult version of the character, running a diner and dealing with "grown-up" problems. It’s funny how we freeze these actors in time. To some, he's always 17; to others, he’s the guy from the 80s sequel. But the man behind the glasses was navigating a very different reality behind the scenes.
Facing the Rumors: Is Ernest Lee Thomas Still Active?
Every few months, a weird rumor starts circulating on social media. You’ve probably seen them—those "Whatever happened to..." posts that sometimes hint at tragedy. Let’s set the record straight: Ernest Lee Thomas is very much alive and active.
In fact, he’s been remarkably open about his life lately.
He hasn't had it easy. He’s spoken candidly about a 20-year struggle with addiction that almost cost him everything. We’re talking rock bottom in South Central LA. It’s a heavy story, but it’s one he tells with a lot of grace now because he’s been sober for over 35 years. That kind of resilience is rare. When people search for ernest lee thomas age, they’re often looking for a status update on his health. The good news is that he appears to be thriving.
He’s a regular at fan conventions like the Chiller Theatre Expo. Just recently, in 2025, he was seen reuniting with his co-star Haywood Nelson (Dwayne) to celebrate the show’s legacy. They still have that chemistry. It’s like no time has passed, even though they’re both well into their "golden years" now.
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The Mr. Omar Era
If you’re a younger fan, you might not even know him as Raj. You probably know him as Mr. Omar from Everybody Hates Chris.
"Tragic! Simply tragic!"
That catchphrase became legendary. Playing the eccentric funeral director gave Ernest a whole new lease on his career in the mid-2000s. He was in his late 50s then, proving that his comedic timing hadn't lost a step. It also introduced him to a generation of viewers who had never even heard of What’s Happening!!.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
There’s a common misconception that Ernest disappeared after his 70s peak. That’s just not true. He’s been a working actor for over 50 years. He had a role in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X. He was in The Lords of Salem. He even popped up in Workaholics.
The guy works.
He also nearly played the lead in Roots. He was a finalist for the role of Kunta Kinte, which eventually went to LeVar Burton. Ernest still got a part in the miniseries as Kailuba, but it’s interesting to wonder how different his career—and his public image—would have been if he had landed that lead. He might have been seen as a serious dramatic powerhouse from day one rather than a sitcom lead.
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The Legacy of a 76-Year-Old Icon
As of 2026, Ernest Lee Thomas stands as one of the few remaining links to the golden age of Black sitcoms. He’s seen the industry change from the ground up. He’s talked about the racism he faced in the early days and the lack of support for actors of color when their shows ended.
But he doesn’t sound bitter.
If you follow him on social media or catch his interviews, he’s mostly full of gratitude. He spends a lot of time mentoring younger actors and speaking about his faith and his journey through recovery. He’s basically become an elder statesman of Hollywood.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Current Age: 76 (Born March 26, 1949).
- Birthplace: Gary, Indiana.
- Years Active: 1974–Present (Over 5 decades!).
- Most Iconic Roles: Raj (What's Happening!!), Mr. Omar (Everybody Hates Chris), and his role in Malcolm X.
- Sobriety: Over 35 years clean, which he considers his greatest achievement.
Moving Forward with the Raj Legacy
If you’re looking to reconnect with his work, there are plenty of ways to do it. You don't have to just wonder about ernest lee thomas age; you can actually see him in action.
First, go back and watch What’s Happening!!. It’s more than just a 70s relic. It was a show that focused on Black joy and friendship at a time when that was rarely seen on TV. Then, check out his more recent interviews on YouTube, specifically his appearances on "That's Classic!" or his talks about his book. He shares a lot of "hard-won wisdom" that’s actually pretty useful for anyone going through a tough time.
He’s a reminder that age really is just a number, but the stories you collect along the way? Those are what actually matter. Ernest Lee Thomas isn't just a guy from an old TV show. He’s a survivor, a craftsman, and honestly, a bit of a legend.
Check out the reruns on streaming platforms or catch him at a local pop-culture convention. He’s usually more than happy to sign an autograph or share a quick story about the "old days" in Hollywood. Support these legacy actors while they’re still here to tell their own stories—it’s the best way to keep the history of the industry alive.