Karen Malina White

Karen Malina White
Born (1965-07-07) July 7, 1965
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Nationality American
Education Howard University
Occupation Actress
Years active 1980–present
Known for Kaneesha Carter – Lean on Me
Charmaine Brown – The Cosby Show, A Different World

Karen Malina White (born July 7, 1965) is an American film and television actress. White is best known for her roles as Kaneesha Carter, in the 1989 drama film Lean on Me, as Charmaine Brown during the two final seasons on The Cosby Show (1990–92) and the final season of A Different World (1992–93); Nicolette Vandross on Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) and the voice of Dijonay Jones on the Disney Channel animated comedy The Proud Family (2001–05).

Early life

Karen Malina White was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She studied at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. When she graduated high school, White continued her studies at Howard University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. In her senior year White won the title "Miss Howard University" and landed her first role as an actress.

Personal life

Contrary to rumors, White is not married to actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Warner states, "I'm not married. People probably started saying that because we were in a relationship for seven and a half years." [1]

Career

In 1989, White starred in Lean on Me alongside actor Morgan Freeman. She was nominated for the 1990 Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for her performance in the film. During the 90's she made many guest appearances in various television shows. She portrayed Charmaine Brown during Seasons 7 and 8 of The Cosby Show (1990-1992), and Season 6 of A Different World (1992-1993). White also guest starred as Jewel, Jazz's wife in two episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. From 2001-2005, she performed the voice of Dijonay Jones on the animated Disney Channel series The Proud Family. White has also appeared in various stage productions.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1980 In Our Lives Jasmine
1989 Lean On Me Kaneesha Carter Young Artist Award (nominated)
1989 A Man Called Hawk Lisa Episode: "Beautiful Are the Stars"
1990–1992 The Cosby Show Charmaine Brown Seasons 7-8
1992–1993 A Different World Charmaine Brown Season 6
1993 Herman's Head Rene Episode: "There's a Fly Girl In My Soup"
1993–1994 Getting By Yolanda
1993–1994 Roc Michelle Episodes: "The Poker Hand That Rocks the Cradle", "God Bless the Child", & "Citizen Roc"
1993, 1996–1997 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Florence Episodes: "Father Fairest", "Seoul Shake", "Episode: Will She or Won't She?", "Security", & "The Spa"
1994 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Jewel Robertson Episodes: "The Ol' Ball and Chain" & "Episode: Mother's Day"
1994, 1995 My So-Called Life Abyssinia Churchill Episodes: "Self-Esteem" & "Betrayal"
1995 Me and the Boys Janet Episodes: "The B Word" & "When Stanley Met Shirley"
1995 Chicago Hope Jennifer Koosman Episode: "Hello Goodbye"
1995 The Parent 'Hood Nina Episode: "Track Dreams"
1995 Too Something Episode: "Meter Feeders"
1995 Statistically Speaking Short film
1995 Once Upon a Time...When We Were Colored Mary
1996 The Home Court Leslie Episode: "Laborer of Love"
1996 Living Single Shayla Episode: "Woman to Woman"
1996 Dave's World Natalie Episode: "Do You Want To Know A Secret?"
1996–2000 Malcolm & Eddie Nicolette Vandross Series Regular; 89 episodes
2000 Seven Days Tracy Donovan Episode: "Mr Donovan's Neighborhood"
2001–2005 The Proud Family Dijonay Jones (voice) Series Regular; 54 episodes
2002 Jeremiah Rickie Episode: "City of Roses"
2003 The Shield Episode: "Barnstormers"
2004 Boston Public Sonia Williamson Episode: "Chapter Seventy-Eight"
2004 Fronterz
2005 The Proud Family Movie Dijonay Jones Disney Channel TV-Movie
2006 The Ties That Bind Madison Short
2012 Who's Watching the Kids Susan 2014 How to Get Away with Murder Carla Episode: "Let's Go Scooping"
2015 I Didn't Do It Betty LeBow Recurring role (Season 2)

References

  1. ↑ http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/flashback_fridays_malcolm_jamal_warner/ Archived April 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
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