TV, Movie And Stage Actress Mabel King, 66, Dies In L.A

Jet, Nov 29, 1999

Mabel King, who starred as Mama in the hit sitcom "What's Happenin'" and was Evillene in the Broadway hit The Wiz, recently died in Los Angeles following a long battle with diabetes. She was 66.

Born in South Carolina and raised in New York's Harlem, King performed as a youngster on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Her movie credits included The Babysitter, The Jerk and Dead Men Don't Die. She also appeared in the film version of The Wiz.

But, it was her performance in the ensemble cast of "What's Happenin" that made her a national celebrity.

The diabetes forced the amputation of both her legs several years ago. King is survived by her mother Rosalee Washington, a sister Rose Washington and rive nieces. Her son Larry died in 1996 at age 42. Officials at the funeral home told JET that her body was cremated. Memorial services were being planned at JET press time.