Biography
Ernest Lee Thomas is an American actor. He is best known for playing Roger "Raj" Thomas on the sitcom What's Happening!! (1976–1979) and its sequel series What's Happening Now!! (1985–1988), and for his recurring role as Mr. Omar on Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009).
Thomas began his career in theatre, appearing in Broadway revivals of Love for Love (1974) and The Member of the Wedding (1975). He trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He appeared in guest roles on series including The Jeffersons (1975) and in the miniseries Roots (1977) as Kailuba.
His film credits include a supporting role as Sidney in Malcolm X (1992), as well as parts in A Piece of the Action (1977), Funny People (2009) and The Lords of Salem (2013).
