Who was Michelle Thomas? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Michelle Doris Thomas

Died At Age: 30

Family:

father: Dennis D.T. Thomas

mother: Phynjuar Thomas

Actresses American Women

Height: 5'0" (152 cm), 5'0" Females

Died on: December 22, 1998

place of death: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York

City: Boston

Cause of Death: Cancer

U.S. State: Massachusetts

Recommended For You

1

What are Michelle Thomas' most notable acting roles?

Some of Michelle Thomas' most notable acting roles include Justine Phillips on "The Cosby Show" and Myra Monkhouse on "Family Matters."
2

Did Michelle Thomas have any music career?

Yes, Michelle Thomas was also a talented singer and released a single titled "Come On" in 1990.
3

How did Michelle Thomas inspire others?

Michelle Thomas inspired many with her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and passion for both acting and music.
4

What were Michelle Thomas' contributions to the entertainment industry?

Michelle Thomas made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through her memorable performances on popular TV shows and her dedication to her craft.
5

How is Michelle Thomas remembered by fans and colleagues?

Michelle Thomas is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues for her talent, kindness, and infectious energy that she brought to all her projects.

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Childhood & Early Life

Born on September 23, 1968, in Brookline, Massachusetts, Michelle Thomas was one of the two children of Dennis “D.T.” Thomas and Phynjuar Thomas. She had a brother named David. Her father is an active member of the Jersey City band Kool & the Gang while her mother has been a stage actress. Thomas was raised in Montclair, New Jersey and attended West Essex High School, from where she graduated in 1987.

Since childhood, Thomas had enjoyed her time in the spotlight. She won the Miss Talented Teen New Jersey in Hal Jackson's Talented Teen pageant. When she was 15 years old, in July 1984, she was crowned the International Queen in the International Competition in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

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Career

At the age of 19, in 1988, Michelle Thomas debuted as an actress in the series ‘The Cosby Show’. She portrayed the recurring character Justine Phillips, who is the long-time girlfriend of Theodore "Theo" Huxtable (Malcolm-Jamal Warner). She made her first appearance in the season four episode ‘The Prom’ and went on to be featured in seven more episodes. In 1989, she guest-starred as Ruthie Carver in a season one episode of ABC’s short-lived action drama ‘A Man Called Hawk’. That year, she also appeared in her first and only telefilm, Anson Williams’ directorial venture, ‘Dream Date’. Also starring Tempestt Bledsoe, Clifton Davis, and Kadeem Hardison, the film tells the story of the relationship between a father and daughter as the latter begins dating.

In 1991, she made her big screen debut in the coming-of-age comedy-drama ‘Hangin' with the Homeboys’. Directed by Joseph B. Vasquez, the movie revolves around two African-Americans and two Puerto-Ricans, who must learn to get along with each other. In the film, she shared screen space with the likes of Doug E. Doug, Mario Joyner, John Leguizamo. In 1999, her second and final film, the historical drama ‘Unbowed’, was released, about 11 months after her death. She played the role of Anna and got the chance to work with Tembi Locke, Jay Tavare, and Chuma Gault in the film.

In 1993, Thomas landed the role of Myra Monkhouse in the series ‘Family Matters.’ First introduced in the fourth season episode ‘A Thought in the Dark’, Monkhouse was a possible love interest for Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) since the beginning. She was developed as a romantic rival to Laura Winslow (Kellie Shanygne Williams). In time, Steve and Myra begin dating but that relationship does not last long. She eventually becomes obsessed with him and pines for him even in the series finale. While Thomas was initially supposed to star as a guest in the show, her acting impressed the creators and she became a member of the main cast. In total, Thomas appeared in 55 episodes.

In 1998, she joined the cast of CBS’ soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’, playing the role of Callie Rogers. Callie is an aspiring singer and is engaged to be married to Malcolm Winters (Shemar Moore) at one point. Thomas appeared in 38 episodes before she had to take a medical leave due to her cancer.

Illness & Death

Michelle Thomas was still playing Myra Monkhouse in ‘Family Matters’ when she was diagnosed with the intra-abdominal desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor, in August 1997. She had a lemon-sized tumor removed from her stomach. In October 1998, she had to undergo another surgery as a cancerous growth in her stomach burst. When she was let go from the hospital, she travelled back to New Jersey to be with her family during Thanksgiving. Thomas passed away on December 22 or 23, in 1998, at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family and friends.

Facts About Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was an accomplished actress, singer, and comedian known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh.

She was a talented writer and playwright, with a knack for crafting witty and engaging stories.

Michelle was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and often used her platform to destigmatize discussions around mental well-being.

In addition to her entertainment career, she was also a skilled painter and enjoyed expressing herself through various forms of art.

Michelle had a great sense of humor and was known for her quick wit and ability to make people laugh in any situation.

Michelle Thomas Biography

You wanted to know

What are Michelle Thomas' most notable acting roles?

Did Michelle Thomas have any music career?

How did Michelle Thomas inspire others?

What were Michelle Thomas' contributions to the entertainment industry?

How is Michelle Thomas remembered by fans and colleagues?