Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs, a Chicago native, was working as an airline reservations clerk when her job transferred her and her three children from Detroit to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, Ms. Gibbs began performing in famed play productions including Medea, Amen Corner and The Gingerbread Lady. After some television exposure, she landed the role of the quick-witted, feisty and outspoken character Florence in The Jeffersons. Later, Marla’s daughter, Angela, produced Christine Houston’s award-winning play 227 in which Ms. Gibbs was cast in the lead role.

The play was so successful that Ms. Gibbs purchased the television rights and assisted as Creative Consultant in its production for NBC, where it became a five year hit series.

Hal Williams

Before his 227 acclaim, Hal Williams debuted in 1975 on a television show called On the Rocks and then later starred in Private Benjamin in 1981.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Hal later played guest starring roles in such hits as "Moesha," "L.A. Law," "Dukes of Hazard," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times."

On 227, Hal plays Lester, a strong but warm African-American male character who had to cope with an apartment building full of busy women.

Regina King

Well-known these days for her many acclaimed movie star roles (including Ray, Jerry McGuire, Enemy of the State and Legally Blonde 2), Regina King started her fame as teenaged Brenda on 227.

Regina King is a native of Los Angeles. She studied acting under coach / actress Betty A. Bridges who is the mother of actor Todd Bridges. Betty was Regina's acting coach for ten years before and during her first good role on the TV series "227".

On 227, Brenda plays Marla and Lester’s 14-year-old studious daughter who copes with the problems related to coming of age.

Alaina Reed Hall

Born in Springfield, Ohio, Alaina Reed Hall is best known for playing Olivia on "Sesame Street" from 1969 until 1988.

For more than 35 years, Alaina has appeared on numerous television shows including "A Different World," "Ally McBeal," "NYPD Blue," and "Friends."

Jackée Harry

Jackée, who grew up in New York City, started with a career as a high school English teacher. She was first recognized as a television diva with her 1983-1986 role on the soap opera, Another World.

In 1988, she won an Emmy for her role as Sandra on 227. Sandra is Mary’s wise-cracking, scatter-brained neighbor. Sandra's whining voice and wiggling, tight-dressed body became staple features of 227.

Helen Martin

Helen Martin appeared regularly in more than half a dozen television series about black families over the past three decades. She often portrayed a grandmother or dedicated church worker.

Martin became one of the original members of Harlem's American Negro Theater and one of the earliest black actresses to make her mark on the Broadway stage.

On 227, Helen played Pearl the little old lady next door who liked to lean out of her window and gossip with her neighbors.

Curtis Baldwin

Curtis Baldwin’s television career began and ended with his successful run on the show 227.