TV's hottest moms

Jet, July 12, 2004

Talented actresses are putting a new spin on motherhood. They are showing that the mothers of this millennium can be sassy and hip, career-minded and aggressive, bold and free-spirited, but always loving. They also show viewers that they can take care of home with a sense of humor. JET introduces you to a few of these hot mommas who are lighting up TV.

TISHA CAMPBELL-MARTIN

Tisha Campbell-Martin is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Gina Waters, the strong-willed wife of Martin Lawrence's character on the long-running sitcom "Martin," now shown in syndication. But these days, Campbell-Martin is Janet Marie "Jay" Kyle, the mother of three children on the ABC sitcom "My Wife and Kids," starring Damon Wayans. She skillfully balances her role as mother with her career as a stock market trailblazer on the hilarious show. A stage-trained actress, singer and dancer, she got her big break as one of the back-up singers in the off Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors in 1986. She returned to the role in the film version. She showcased her singing and acting skills in Spike Lee's School Daze in 1988. Campbell-Martin has appeared in Eddie Murphy's Another 48 Hours and was the girlfriend of Kid (Christopher Reid) in the movie comedy House Party in 1990. She also was featured in the House Party sequels. She is married to actor Duane Martin, the star of "All Of Us." She undoubtedly gets inspiration for her role as a mother from their son, Xen Martin, who turns 3 this summer.

LISARAYE

LisaRaye is noted for her role as the extremely feisty Neesee James, the mother of young Bobby Jr. (Khamani Griffin), on the TV comedy "All of Us." As the ex-wife of Duane Martin's character, Robert James, she keeps the lines of communication open between her son and his father in spite of her challenges in dealing with her ex's wife-to-be, Tia Jewel (Elise Neal). The show is a comedy about blended families and is based loosely on the lives of famed actors Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith, the show's producers. LisaRaye's big screen break came in 1998 in the movie The Players Club. A former model, the Chicago native also appeared in the movie The Wood, Love the Way, Rhapsody, All About You, Go For Broke, Civil Brand and Guns and Roses.

ELISE NEAL

Elise Neal plays Tia Jewel, the kindergarten teacher fiancee of Robert James, on "All of Us." Tia has her hands full as the soon-to-be step-mom of Bobby Jr. Her character works overtime to get along with her Bobby's self-centered morn, Neesee (Lisa-Raye). This isn't Neal's first time playing mom. Fans may recognize Neal from the TV show "The Hughleys." Her fine performance as matriarch Yvonne Hughley earned her two NAACP award nominations. The Memphis, TN, native made her movie debut in John Singleton's Rosewood in 1997. She also appeared in the movies Money Talks, Scream 2, How To Be A Player, Mission To Mars and Restaurant Her work has also included the TV movies Brian's Song, Chance of a Lifetime and Daddy's Girl. Neal, who attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, returned to her musical theater roots a little while ago by producing a cabaret show Godiva: Assorted Flavors.

TELMA HOPKINS

Telma Hopkins plays Phyllis, the sassy, hip and free-spirited mom who raised her daughter, Mona (Rachel True), as a single parent on the UPN's "Half & Half." The show chronicles the adventures of two adult half sisters with the same father who grew up in different homes and are trying to bond for the first time in their lives. No newcomer to TV, Hopkins co-starred opposite Nell Carter on "Gimme A Break" and was a series regular on "Bosom Buddies" with Tom Hanks, "Family Matters" with Jaleel White and "Getting By" with comedy veteran Cindy Williams. She first came into prominence as a founding member of the hit '70s music group Tony Orlando and Dawn. A string of hits, including the classic Tie A Yellow Ribbon, led to a TV variety show for the group and from there, her acting career was born.

VALARIE PETTIFORD

Valarie Pettiford portrays another kind of mother on "Half & Half." She is Dee Dee, the overbearing, pretentious, rich and showy mom. Her character has become the woman who TV fans love to hate. A seasoned actress, Pettiford has enjoyed a remarkable career on the stage performing on Broadway, off Broadway and in regional theater as well as in film and television. Her performance in Broadway's Fosse earned her Tony and Grammy nominations. Her other Broad way and national tour credits include playing Velma in Chicago in London's West End opposite Chita Rivera. She also starred in the first national tour of Showboat as the tragic heroine, Julie. This performance earned her an NAACP Image Award. On TV she created the role of Sheila Price on the daytime soap "One Life To Live" and has guest-starred on several shows, including "The West Wing" and "Frasier." Pettiford's film credits include Glitter with Mariah Carey, Cotton Club with Gregory Hines and Like Mike with Bow Wow.

KELLITA SMITH

Kellita Smith portrays Wanda McCollough, a successful corporate executive and the aunt of three who has stepped into the mother role shoes with her two nieces and one nephew on the TV comedy "The Bernie Mac Show." No stranger to television, Smith had recurring roles on "Nash Bridges," "Malcolm & Eddie," "Martin," "The Jamie Foxx Show," and "Sister, Sister." Movie roles have included Kingdom Come with Whoopi Goldberg, The Crossing Guard with Jack Nicholson and House Party III. She will appear in the upcoming independent feature Beauty Shop ... The Movie. Her theatrical credits include Feelings, which won her an NAACP Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress, No Place To Be Somebody, and The Thirteenth Thorn. Smith also toured in the production Tell It Like It Tiz.