Her mother was a theater actress and her dad was a member of the famed R&B group, "Kool & the Gang." She started her journey to becoming an actress in 1988 with a debut on "The Cosby" show, where she portrayed Justine Philips, the girlfriend of Theo Huxtable. She was aged 30. Born on September 23, 1968, in Brookline, Massachusetts, Michelle Thomas was one of the two children of Dennis "D.T." Thomas and Phynjuar Thomas. It is the fifth most common cancer in women, and although it is rare in women under the age of 50, it is the leading cause of death from cancer in women aged 55-74. Anyone can read what you share. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. ", "Michelle Thomas was GORGEOUS!! A woman who knew she was loved and who had accomplished all she could in the short time she was given, wrote one person. is for general information purposes only. A picture of Malcolm-Jamal Warner singing on Instagram | Photo: Instagram/malcolmjamalwar. But as with most love stories, Michelle and Warner had their fair share of troubles. Every time he would do the courtroom scene, he would get a standing ovation And he would do it in one take. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Last year, she revealed how she came into her most well-known role. Marlo Thomas Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of His 5 Kids & a Lousy Lover Afterward, The Olsen Twins Sister Didnt Want to Be Associated With Them & Wanted to Change Her Name, Joan Rivers Spoke With Her Husband the Day Before He Was Found Lifeless With Tapes for Wife & Daughter, Liam Neeson's Sons, Who Became Semi-Orphaned on Mother's Passing, Experienced 'Double Pressure' Growing Up, Ryan Michelle Bathe Who Is a Doting Mom-Of-2 Felt 'Defective' after Welcoming Her 1st Son, Dick Van Dyke's 1st Wife & Mistress Died from Cancer a Year Apart Years after He Confessed His Infidelity, Roseanne Barr Is a Doting Mom & Grandma to Her 5 Look-Alike Kids & 6 Grandchildren, Who Is Lexi Underwood? Did Michelle Thomas die during Family Matters? [1][12], On December 23, at age 30, Thomas died in New York City at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She is survived by her mother, Phynjuar Thomas (a stage actress and acting coach); her brother, David Thomas; her grandfather, Cecil G. Saunders, Sr.; her aunt, Eleanor Johnson; her uncle, Paul T . However, her character continued to appear on the show until the end. During a February 2020 interview with FOX News, Stafford opened about her role as Michelle Thomas. Miss Thomas had been playing Callie, an aspiring vocalist, in the CBS soap opera ''The Young and the Restless'' since August and began a medical leave late in October. I was already a series regular on another show called Sidekicks a real sweet family show that aired every Friday night, I just loved it. She made guest appearances on a number of other TV shows and also performed in tons of music videos, in Los Angeles theater productions, and in several movies, including Hangin' with the Homeboys (1991). The actress said she learned about crafting a character from Griffith during her years on the show. He was so great to work with. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Rest in peace, Michelle Thomas, wrote another. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. On stage, the young actress starred in . There are no volunteers for this cemetery. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. You're talking about Michelle Thomas. You can always change this later in your Account settings. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. She flew home to spend Thanksgiving with family, but unfortunately, that was her last holiday . [15] Her publicist was Kahdijah Bell, daughter of Ronald Bell of Kool & the Gang. She had guest appearances in a number of other TV shows, including Roseanne, and also performed in music videos, Los Angeles theater productions and several movies, including Hangin' with the Homeboys. All content, including text, and images contained on. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Get To Know the Rising Star Who Plays Malia Obama in 'The First Lady'. She is survived by her mother, Phynjuar Thomas (a stage actress and acting coach); her brother, David Thomas; her grandfather, Cecil G. Saunders, Sr.; her aunt, Eleanor Johnson; her uncle, Paul T. Goodnight; and numerous other family members. In the spring of 1998, she underwent surgery to have the lemon-sized tumor removed shortly before she landed a role on The Young and The Restless. Late actress Michelle Thomas on September 16, 1996 | Photo: Getty Images. "We are terribly shocked and deeply saddened by Michelle's death, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family," said William J. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Try again later. She married The Cosby Show co-star Malcolm-Jamal Warner. [18] She appeared posthumously in the role of Anne in the film Unbowed in 1999. Shortly after leaving "The Cosby Show," Michelle joined the cast of "Family Matters" after she was cast as Myra Monkhouse, the love interest of Jaleel White's character Steve Urkel. But a year later, producers offered her the full-time role as Michelle Thomas. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Learn more about managing a memorial . This is a question that has been asked by many fans of the show over the years. On October 14, 2018, several news outlets reported that Warner had passed away. After being released from the hospital, Thomas flew home to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Picture of Malcolm-Jamal Warner on Instagram | Photo: Instagram/malcolmjamalwar. With the chemistry between the duo, it came as no surprise that they took their relationship off the screen. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Actress Michelle Thomas, who had television roles in The Young & The Restless, The Cosby Show and Family Matters, has died of cancer at age 29. 561 Actress Michelle Thomas Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 561 Actress Michelle Thomas Premium High Res Photos Browse 561 actress michelle thomas photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. From 1988 to 1990, Thomas portrayed Justine Phillips, the girlfriend of Theo Huxtable, on The Cosby Show. Television actress Michelle Thomas, 30, a co-star on the sitcom "Family Matters," died Dec. 22 after a struggle with stomach cancer. Actress Nancy Stafford was an integral character alongside Andy Griffith on Matlock for five seasons. Actress Michelle Thomas before her death on December 23 1998 | Phoyo: YouTube/ E! The actress, a former child model, remained a fixture on TV . Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Michelle Yeoh Has Been Engaged for Almost 20 Years & Soon Plans to Marry - Who Is Her Partner Jean Todt? Warner, who had been informed of Michelle's worsening health situation, flew from New York to Los Angeles to be by her bedside. The pair would jam out between takes. She also appeared on the CBS soap opera, The Young and the Restless (1973) as "Callie Rogers"; on The Cosby Show (1984) as "Justine Phillips", the girlfriend of "Theo" (played by Malcolm-Jamal Warner); and on Family Matters (1989) as "Myra Monkhouse", the girlfriend of "Steve Urkel" (played by Jaleel White). On December 26, 1998, a Muslim funeral service was held, as she had requested. What kind of cancer did Michelle Thomas have? Picture of Malcolm-Jamal Warner and his daughter on Instagram | Photo: Instagram/malcolmjamalwar. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. As a young actor in the early 1980s, she guest-starred on multiple hit shows. Rob Reiner Is Happy with Wife of 32 Years Even Though Ex Penny Marshall Thought They Would Reunite, Dick Van Dyke's 1st Wife & Mistress Died from Cancer a Year Apart Years after He Confessed His Infidelity, Cole Hauser's Wife Sacrificed an Egg to Help Twin Sister Have Her Niece Meet the 'Sweet Valley High' Stars. Thomas had a role in Dream Date in 1989 and had a small role in Hangin' with the Homeboys in 1991. Whatever the reason, the decision to remove Judy from the show was met with criticism from fans. This article is about the actress. She was buried in Rosedale Cemetery, City of Orange, New Jersey, where she grew up. Search above to list available cemeteries. On December 23, 1998, Michelle passed away while surrounded by family, childhood friends, and loved ones. [1][12][20][21] Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Thomas' longtime friend and former boyfriend, was among those at her bedside. #inline-recirc-item--id-9d05878c-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9d05878c-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Shop by category. Kellie Williams - Carl Winslow's smart-aleck daughter and object of Steve Urkel's affections was portrayed by Kellie Williams. The actress grew up in New Jersey and graduated from West Essex high school in 1987. This is embarrassing, I don't even recognize you," Henry, 21, admits. Failed to delete memorial. She was born in Boston, Mass., grew up in Montclair, N.J., and graduated from West Essex High School in North Caldwell, N.J. She received her basic training in acting from her mother, Phynjuar Thomas, a stage actress who remained her personal coach for the rest of her career. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Jason Momoa & Lisa Bonet Are Trying to Fix Their 17-Year Relationship after Split, Report Says, James MacArthur Called Wife of 25 Years Hard Boiled Yet Their Marriage Was Better than Anything', Lisa Whelchel Was Married for 24 Years to Pastor & 'Never Thought' Divorce Would Happen to Her. She rose to fame for her notable roles as Myra Monkhouse on the 1990s sitcom Family Matters and as Justine Phillips on NBCs The Cosby Show. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in New York, to parents who were in the entertainment field. Merry ChristmasEaster BunnySweet DreamsCHU-CHU, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. She was my old co-star from Family Matters and she died of stomach cancer quickly. The "Family Matters" actress died on Wednesday, December 23, 1998, at the young age of thirty in a private room at a Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center surrounded by her family and close friends. Her birthday is September 23, 1968. As a young actor in the early 1980s, she guest-starred on multiple hit shows. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Kellie Shanygne Williams, Jo Marie Payton, Darius McCrary, Reginald Vel Johnson, and Telma Hopkins. KOOL & The Gang's co-founder and saxophonist Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas has died at the age of 70. In June 2017, Warner became a first-time dad, and interestingly, it was Michelle's mother, Phynjuar, who confirmed the news to a media publication. And then my agent called and said, Hey, youve been offered a guest-starring role on a show called Matlock thats been on a year. It coincided with my time off so I took it. On December 22, 1998, she passed away, surrounded by friends and family in New York City, including her then long-time boyfriend/ Cosby Show actor, Malcolm Jamal Warner ("Theo"). Add to your scrapbook. She will be missed by all of us," Bell said. Elsewhere. Costar Jaleel White appeared on the "Hollywood Medium" show with Tyler Henry only to break down in tears on remembering Michelle. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Image of Malcolm-Jamal Warner baking a cake | Photo: Instagram/ malcolmjamalwar. In this film, Michelle plays the role of Anna. GREAT NEWS! Verify and try again. After her death, Thomas friends and family established the Michelle Thomas Fund, which provides financial assistance to young people with cancer. She is survived by her parents, Phynjuar Thomas, a stage actress, and Dennis Thomas, who was a member of the 1970s funk band Kool & the Gang, of Weekhawken, New Jersey. The photo was taken just Michelle Thomas, who was known for her role as Myra on the Cosby Show, died on December 21, 1998, after a long battle with cancer. Michelle's health deteriorated in the following weeks, and she was soon moved to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Stafford said she stayed in touch with Griffith even after her time on the show came to an end. The tv actress Michelle Thomas died at the age of 30. Till today, Michelle is still remembered by many of her former costars and all who loved her. Michelle Thomas: Battle with cancer and death In August 1997, Michelle was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Skip to main content. In October 1998, Thomas took a medical leave from the series due to her ill health. But in October 1998, Michelle had to undergo emergency surgery after doctors discovered that a second cancerous growth had ruptured. She was 30 and lived in Los Angeles, though she had been staying with her family in Weehawken, N.J., since November. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. display: none; You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Acting Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Despite having just had surgery, Michelle got on a plane and went home to spend Thanksgiving with her family and loved ones. Please enter valid email address to continue. There, they acted as the on-screen couple, Theodore Huxtable and Justine Phillips. Updated: November 4, 2011. However, the show was abruptly cancelled in 1997, and fans have been wondering why ever since. In October 1998, she underwent surgery after a second cancerous growth ruptured. Up until she became ill, she played the role of an aspiring singer, 'Callie,' on the soap opera "The Young and The Restless." ", "Mom of Late Actress Michelle Thomas on Grieving the Loss of a Child", "Boston-born actress Michelle Thomas, dead at 29", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michelle_Thomas&oldid=1144325997, Burials at Rosedale Cemetery (Orange, New Jersey), Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 March 2023, at 03:10. Even after Michelle left the show in 1990, her romance with Warner remained. White shed tears as he remembered actress Michelle Thomas, who played Myra, the girlfriend of his nerdy character, Steve Urkel, on his hit '90s sitcom. Thomas was born in Chicago on Dec. 22, 1968. However, Stafford is best known for her work on Matlock, where she starred as Ben Matlocks legal partner from 1987 to 1992. A system error has occurred. Photo: @coopercastille, @IWFfanBx (Modified by author) Source: Twitter What was Michelle Thomas' networth? However, by the shows eighth season, she had been reduced to a minor character. There is no known cure for ovarian cancer, but there are treatments available that can prolong a patients life. She had a lot of friends in the music industry, an emotional White said. Miss Thomas also appeared on other television shows, onstage, in commercials, on videos and in movies, including ''Hangin' With the Homeboys'' (1991). Michelle Thomas was born in Boston but raised in New York and New Jersey. Since becoming a dad, it is not unusual for the actor to give fans a glimpse into bonding moments with his daughter. Late actress Michelle Thomas and Jaleel White on the set of "Family Matters" | Photo: Getty Images. Anyone can read what you share. All Rights Reserved. $10.00 "Don't worry about that part. 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