Karen Malina White (born July 7, 1965) is an American film and
television actress. White is best known for her roles as Kaneesha
Carter, in the 1989 drama film Lean on Me, as Charmaine Brown during
the two final seasons on The Cosby Show (1990â€"1992) and its spin-off
A Different World (1992â€"1993); Nicolette Vandross on Malcolm & Eddie
(1996â€"2000) and the voice of Dijonay Jones on the Disney Channel
animated comedy The Proud Family (2001â€"2005).White was born and
raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. White studied at the
Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. After
graduating high school, White continued her studies at Howard
University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts
Degree. During her senior year, White won the title of "Miss Howard
University" and landed her first role as an actress.In 1989, White
starred in Lean on Me alongside actor Morgan Freeman. She was
nominated for the 1990 Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress
Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for her performance in the film.
During the 1990s, White made many guest appearances in various
television shows. White portrayed Charmaine Brown during Seasons 7 and
8 of The Cosby Show (1990-1992), and Season 6 of A Different World
(1992-1993). White also guest starred as Jewel, Jazz's wife in two
episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. From 2001 to 2005, she
performed the voice of Dijonay Jones on the animated Disney Channel
series The Proud Family.White has never married and has no children.
From 2000 until 2007, White dated actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Contrary
to rumors, White was never married nor engaged to Warner. Warner
states, "I'm not married. People probably started saying that because
we were in a relationship for seven and a half years."
television actress. White is best known for her roles as Kaneesha
Carter, in the 1989 drama film Lean on Me, as Charmaine Brown during
the two final seasons on The Cosby Show (1990â€"1992) and its spin-off
A Different World (1992â€"1993); Nicolette Vandross on Malcolm & Eddie
(1996â€"2000) and the voice of Dijonay Jones on the Disney Channel
animated comedy The Proud Family (2001â€"2005).White was born and
raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. White studied at the
Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. After
graduating high school, White continued her studies at Howard
University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts
Degree. During her senior year, White won the title of "Miss Howard
University" and landed her first role as an actress.In 1989, White
starred in Lean on Me alongside actor Morgan Freeman. She was
nominated for the 1990 Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress
Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for her performance in the film.
During the 1990s, White made many guest appearances in various
television shows. White portrayed Charmaine Brown during Seasons 7 and
8 of The Cosby Show (1990-1992), and Season 6 of A Different World
(1992-1993). White also guest starred as Jewel, Jazz's wife in two
episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. From 2001 to 2005, she
performed the voice of Dijonay Jones on the animated Disney Channel
series The Proud Family.White has never married and has no children.
From 2000 until 2007, White dated actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Contrary
to rumors, White was never married nor engaged to Warner. Warner
states, "I'm not married. People probably started saying that because
we were in a relationship for seven and a half years."
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