Telma Hopkins

Telma Louise Hopkins (born October 28, 1948) is an American singer and television actress. A member of the 1970s pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn, she later starred in several television sitcoms, including Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, Family Matters, Getting By, and Half & Half. As of 2011, she appears on a recurring basis as Marilyn Persons on the TBS sitcom Are We There Yet? She started her career as a background singer in Detroit, Michigan, singing on many of the Golden World/Motown hits and working with legendary acts like The Four Tops and Marvin Gaye. She played Darren Roanoke's mother in the The Love Guru. She starred in the play JD Lawrence's The Clean Up Woman in October 2008. Also in 2008, Hopkins officially announced her creative partnership, A New Dawn Entertainment with writer-producer Joseph Burton. Hopkins often volunteers her time for charitable causes. She has worked with Caring For Babies with AIDS, Act on Arthritis, and the PTA. She also mentors children. Hopkins remains a huge supporter of inspirational radio and granted permission for The Jazz Joy and Roy radio show to use her supportive remarks on the program's promos. Hopkins revealed to Jazz Joy and Roy, "I