Telma Hopkins Biography: Age, Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Height, Parents, Son, Husband

Telma Louise Hopkins, known professionally as Telma Hopkins, is an American actress and singer celebrated for her versatile performances in television sitcoms and her earlier career as a vocalist with the iconic Motown group Tony Orlando and Dawn.

She gained prominence for her roles as Rachel Crawford in Family Matters and Addy Wilson in Gimme a Break!, showcasing her comedic talent and warmth.

Profile

• Full Name: Telma Louise Hopkins
• Stage Name: Telma Hopkins
• Born: 28, October 1948
• Age: 76 years old
• Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Singer
• Height: 1.68m
• Parents: Louise Kinkaid and Mr. Hopkins
• Siblings: Teresa Hopkins
• Spouse: Donald B. Allen (m. 1970–1977)
• Children: J.D. Allen
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Telma Louise Hopkins was born on October 28, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Louise Kinkaid and a father whose name is not publicly disclosed. After her parents’ separation, she was raised by her grandmother in Highland Park, Michigan, alongside at least one sister, Teresa Hopkins.

Details about her formal education are limited, but she developed a passion for singing in her youth, performing in church choirs and local talent shows. Her ethnicity is African-American, and while she was raised in a Christian environment, her personal religious beliefs are not widely publicized.

Career

Telma Hopkins began her career in the 1960s as a background vocalist in Detroit, working with Motown artists like Marvin Gaye and The Four Tops. In 1971, she joined Tony Orlando and Dawn (originally Dawn), achieving global success with hits like “Knock Three Times” (1970) and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” (1973).

The group’s popularity led to a CBS variety show, Tony Orlando and Dawn (1974–1976), where Hopkins showcased her vocal and comedic talents, setting the stage for her acting career.

Transitioning to acting, Hopkins landed her first major role as Addy Wilson in Gimme a Break! (1983–1987), earning praise for her chemistry with Nell Carter. She became a household name as Rachel Crawford in Family Matters (1989–1997), portraying a supportive aunt with sharp wit.

Her film roles included The Love Guru (2008) and Trapped in Paradise (1994), while guest appearances on shows like ER and Psych highlighted her versatility. In the 2000s, she starred in Half & Half (2002–2006) and recurred in Are We There Yet? (2010–2012), maintaining a steady presence in sitcoms.

Hopkins’ legacy in entertainment spans music and television, with recent roles in The Young and the Restless (2016–2020) and Dead to Me (2020–2022), reflecting her enduring appeal. Her contributions to Tony Orlando and Dawn remain celebrated, with their music still featured in pop culture.

As a trailblazer for African-American women in comedy, Hopkins inspires new generations through her performances and advocacy for diversity in media, balancing her career with occasional music performances.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @TelmaHopkins

Personal Life

Telma Louise Hopkins married Donald B. Allen in 1970, and they had one son, J.D. Allen, before divorcing in 1977. She is currently single, with no publicly known romantic partners.

Based in Los Angeles, Hopkins maintains a private personal life, focusing on her family and career. She is close to her son and sister, Teresa, and enjoys a lifestyle that includes travel and philanthropy, supporting causes like youth education and arts programs.

Hopkins has spoken about her gratitude for her career and her commitment to staying grounded.

Filmography

• Gimme a Break! (1983–1987)
• Family Matters (1989–1997)
• Trapped in Paradise (1994)
• Half & Half (2002–2006)
• The Love Guru (2008)
• Are We There Yet? (2010–2012)
• Dead to Me (2020–2022)

Discography

• Candida (1970)
• Knock Three Times (1970)
• Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree (1973)
• Dawn’s New Ragtime Follies (1973)

Net Worth

Telma Louise Hopkins has an estimated net worth of $3 million, primarily earned through her acting roles in television series like Family Matters, Gimme a Break!, and Half & Half, as well as her film appearances.

Her music career with Tony Orlando and Dawn, including royalties from hits like “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” contributes significantly to her wealth.