A sassy small-screen player who started out on stage, Arnold was still a teen when she began landing roles in TV-movies, daytime soaps and a handful of features, including the 1986 musical
Little Shop of Horrors, which allowed her to show off her mighty vocal chops. An award-winning, five-year supporting stint on the sitcom
Martin — as the wisecracking best buddy of the eponymous character's wife — led to roles in a number of black-oriented films (
Big Momma's House) and television shows (
One on One). During slow periods, Arnold reverted to stage work and also launched a line of accessories. Then in 2005 she landed a breakout part as Chris Rock's tough-talking but bighearted mama on the sitcom
Everybody Hates Chris.
Tichina Arnold Fast Facts:
- She and her Martin costar Tisha Campbell played two of a trio of singing narrators in the 1986 film version of the musical Little Shop of Horrors.
- Received a 1988 Daytime Emmy nomination (Outstanding Younger Actress) for her role on Ryan's Hope.
- Won a 1996 NAACP Image Award for Martin.
- Has performed the National Anthem at various sporting events.
- Launched China Moon Rags, a line of upscale, jewel-encrusted bandannas.
- Toured in the lead role of the musical hit If These Hips Could Talk in 2004.
- Tichina Arnold Relationships:
- Alijah Kai Haggins - Daughter
- Lamon Brewster - Ex-husband
