Mabel King Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Mabel King was a celebrated American actress and singer, best known for her iconic portrayal of “Mama” Thomas on What’s Happening!! and as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West in the original Broadway and film versions of The Wiz.

Introduction

Mabel King (born Mabel Elizabeth Washington; December 25, 1932) earned affection and acclaim through her commanding stage presence, powerful voice, and memorable roles in television, film, and theater. Though her career wrapped decades ago, her legacy remains significant — and her modest estimated net worth stood at approximately $250,000 at the time of her death.  Her personal life included a long-term marriage to Melvin King and the birth of a child, painting a portrait of both public success and private complexity.

Quick Facts

From Gospel Roots to Center Stage

Mabel King’s journey began in Charleston, South Carolina, where she was born to Rosalie and Joseph Washington. As a child, her family relocated to Harlem, New York — a move that opened the door to a vibrant cultural and musical environment. She initially found her footing as a gospel singer, performing in church and honing a voice that would later command Broadway stages and film sets.

Her transition to acting came in her mid-thirties. In 1966 she made her first professional appearance as Maria in a national touring production of Porgy and Bess. From that early role, she steadily climbed — embracing theater, musicals, and eventually television and film. Her upbringing, shaped by gospel’s emotional depth and Harlem’s energy, laid the groundwork for a performer with range, grit, and heart.

Defining moments in Mabel King’s journey include:

• Her first professional acting role in Porgy and Bess (1966). 

• Her Broadway debut and early musical work in productions like Hello, Dolly! and Don’t Play Us Cheap. 

• Originating the role of Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the all-Black Broadway musical The Wiz (1975).

• Breaking into television fame with her role as Mabel “Mama” Thomas in What’s Happening!! (1976–1978), where her character’s spirited matriarch presence resonated. 

The Core Pillars of Mabel King’s Wealth

Mabel King’s earnings and financial legacy rested on several pillars: her work in theater, her roles in television and film, and her music roots.

• Stage and Theater Work: Her performances in Broadway productions, especially The Wiz, which not only showcased her talent but also elevated her visibility in entertainment. 

• Television Success: Her role on What’s Happening!! brought household recognition and steady work during the show’s run. 

• Film Appearances: Supporting roles in films such as the movie adaptation of The Wiz, The Jerk, and Scrooged added to her long-term earnings.

Given the era in which she worked — decades before modern streaming residuals or massive celebrity endorsements — her modest net worth reflects both the limited compensation for many Black actors at the time and the lack of long-term investment or estate-building that many modern stars enjoy.

Mabel King Relationships & Personal Life

Mabel King’s personal life was, by public records, fairly private — but what is known paints a picture of love, loss, and resilience.

• She was married to Melvin King from June 1967 until their divorce in September 1989. 

• She had one son, Larry Jr., from a prior relationship. Sadly, Larry Jr. predeceased her, dying in 1996.

Beyond Career: Health, Challenges & Final Years

Beyond the spotlight, Mabel King’s later life was marked by health struggles. She suffered from diabetes — a condition that ultimately led to severe complications. In 1986 she had a toe amputated; later, after a stroke in 1990, she entered a long-term care facility for entertainment professionals.  Over the years, diabetes forced the amputation of both her legs and one of her arms. 

Despite these profound hardships, surviving family and friends recalled her strength and gratitude. When asked about the trials she endured, she was quoted as saying, “Sure enough, I’ve been through a lot, but so what? I thank God for my life.”

On November 9, 1999 — just shy of what would have been another birthday — Mabel King passed away at a care facility in Woodland Hills, California. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Because reliable records of royalties, residuals, or other assets are not publicly available, most of her wealth appears tied to her earnings as an actress and singer. The modest net worth underscores systemic issues — especially limited pay and long-term financial planning for Black performers in mid-20th-century America.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Mabel King’s legacy lies less in vast wealth than in the lasting cultural and artistic impact she made. Through her roles:

• She helped shape portrayals of strong Black women — matriarchs who were both nurturing and assertive. Her “Mama Thomas” resonated with many viewers who saw their own mothers, grandmothers, and community elders in her.

• Her performance as Evillene in The Wiz, both on Broadway and screen, remains one of the most memorable portrayals of a Black Wicked Witch — blending theatrical bravado, soul-inflected vocals, and unapologetic presence.

• Her early life — from gospel singing in Harlem to Broadway stages — exemplifies a path of resilience, talent, and breaking barriers.

In broader terms, Mabel King’s career helped open doors for future generations of Black actresses and performers. Her willingness to take on varied roles — from musical theater to sitcom to film — demonstrated range and defied narrow casting.

Conclusion

Mabel King’s story is one of talent, persistence, and heart. Born December 25, 1932, she transformed a humble upbringing and gospel-schooled voice into a beacon on Broadway, television, and film. Though her estimated net worth was modest — about US$ 250,000 — that figure belies the real wealth of her impact: a legacy of memorable performances, cultural influence, and representation at a time when opportunities for Black performers were limited. Her birthday, December 25, remains a reminder of a woman whose gifts brought light and strength to stages and screens alike. Her life and work continue to inspire — proof that influence and legacy often outlive bank accounts.