EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Bern Nadette Stanis, an actress best known for her role as Thelma Evans on the 1970s situation comedy “Good Times,” visited Eglin’s base exchange Dec. 2-9. She offered memorabilia from the series, signed autographs and took photos with patrons.
Stanis shared her thoughts about her special connection to the military.
“My dad served as an enlisted man the Army,” she said. “I’m always happy to be out in a military environment to meet my fans, who I would otherwise probably never meet. Good Times resonates in many of their childhood memories. When they see me, I see the little girl or little boy in them. It’s so cute. I love interacting with them.”
Good Times ran from 1974 to 1979 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Stanis’ portrayal of Thelma broke stereotypes while presenting a young black woman with intelligence, dignity and grace, which many BX patrons remembered. Since the series ended, she appeared in various television shows and in films. She authored four books and is an activist for several causes.
In addition, Stanis is active in raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, inspired by her mother’s battle with the condition. In her second book, she chronicles her journey as her mother’s caregiver, contributing to the discourse on Alzheimer’s and caregiving.