Telma Hopkins is an American singer and actress who rose to prominence as a member of the 1970s pop music group ‘Tony Orlando and Dawn’. She is best known as an actress for her roles in films such as ‘Trancers’ and ‘The Love Guru’. She made her acting debut in the miniseries ‘Roots: The Next Generations’ in a supporting role. It was based on a fictionalized account of American writer Alex Haley’s family. She then appeared in the comedy series ‘A New Kind of Family,’ where she played a pivotal role. The show was nominated for an Emmy. She made her feature film debut in the sci-fi film ‘Trancers’. ‘The Wood’ and ‘The Love Guru’ are two other films in which she has appeared. The former was a commercial success, while the latter was a flop. Hopkins is also well-known for her work on ‘Tony Orlando and Dawn,’ a variety show. Her most recent work includes a guest appearance on the television series ‘Partners.’ Additionally, she appeared as a guest star on the television series ‘Two Broke Girls.’
Childhood & Adolescence
Telma Louise Hopkins was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 28th, 1948. Hopkins grew up in the care of her grandmother. There is no information available about her childhood or parents.
Career in Singing
Telma Hopkins’ career began as a background singer. She became well-known for her collaborations with Marvin Gaye and the quartet The Four Tops. She also worked as a backup vocalist for Isaac Hayes, a popular singer.
Later that year, Tony Orlando recruited her to form a new music group. In the 1970s, the band ‘Tony Orlando and Dawn’ had several hit singles, including ‘Candida’, ‘Knock Three Times’, and ‘Summer Sand’. Before announcing their retirement in 1977, the band achieved considerable success. Additionally, the group created and performed in a self-titled variety show.
Career in Acting
Telma Hopkins made her acting debut in the American television miniseries ‘Roots: The Next Generations.’ Her breakthrough role came in the American television series ‘A New Kind of Family’. It aired for a single season.
Her popularity skyrocketed following her appearance in the 1984 science fiction film ‘Trancers’. Charles Band directed and produced the film, which followed a police detective who travels back in time to exact revenge on his former adversaries.
She continued to entertain her fans by appearing in a variety of television shows, including ‘The New Odd Couple,’ ‘The Love Boat,’ and ‘Gimme a Break!’ She made her film debut in 1988 with a cameo appearance in ‘Pulse Pounders’, followed by a minor role in 1990’s ‘Vital Signs’.
She returned to the sci-fi film ‘Trancers II’ in 1991. She made her film debut the following year in ‘Trancers III,’ the third and final installment of the Trancers series.
She continued to work on television after that, though she has not appeared in many films since. She starred in the American television series ‘Half & Half’. It aired between 2002 and 2006. Her most recent notable role was in the television series ‘Partners.’ It aired for ten episodes in 2014.
Significant Works of Telma
Telma Hopkins’ appearance in the ‘Trancers’ film series is one of her most notable works. Hopkins appeared in three Trancers films: ‘Trancers’, ‘Trancers II’, and ‘Trancers III’. Charles Band directed all three. The series followed a group of warriors as they battled various criminals armed with cutting-edge technology in order to save the world.
Another of her most notable roles is in the American comedy series ‘Bosom Buddies.’ The series ran for two seasons from 1980 to 1982. The series followed two single men who are struggling in their careers and are forced to pose as women in order to rent an apartment. The show quickly gained widespread popularity and eventually developed a cult following.
Hopkins appeared in the American film ‘The Wood’ in 1999. Rick Famuyiwa directed it. Additionally, Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones, and Sean Nelson starred in the film. The film was a box office smash, grossing more than $25 million on a $6 million budget. Additionally, the film was nominated for several awards, winning one.
Hopkins rose to prominence as a result of her role in the comedy series ‘Half & Half’. The show, created by Jeffrey Klarik, ran from 2002 to 2006. Rachel True, Essence Arkins, Chico Benymon, Telma Hopkins, Valarie Pettiford, and Alec Mapa were among the cast members. The story followed two half-sisters who, after a long period of estrangement, gradually attempted to rebuild their relationship.
Hopkins starred in the American comedy television series ‘Are We There Yet?’ The series was based on the same-named 2005 film. Terry Crews, Essence Atkins, Coy Stewart, Telma Hopkins, and Teala Dunn starred in it. It ran for three seasons from 2010 to 2013.
Awards and Accomplishments
In 2005, Telma Hopkins won the ‘BET Comedy Award’ for her performance in ‘Half & Half. Additionally, she received several additional nominations for her performance on the show.
Private Life of Telma
In 1970, Telma Hopkins married Donald B Allen. The couple had one child together before divorcing in 1977.
She is well-known for her charitable efforts and has worked with a variety of organizations, including ‘Caring For Babies with AIDS’ and ‘The Parent Teacher Association.
Estimated Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.