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The Iconic Cast Of The 227 Sitcom

Mar 10, 2026 • minute read

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Who played in the 227 sitcom?

The cast of the American sitcom "227" includes:

Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins
Hal Williams as Lester Jenkins
Jacke Harry as Sandra Clark
Alaina Reed as Rose Holloway
Kia Goodwin as Pearl Shay
Regina King as Brenda Jenkins
Helen Martin as Pearl Shay (season 1 only)

The show follows the lives of the Jenkins family and their friends and neighbors in the 227 building in Washington, D.C.

The show was a critical and commercial success, running for five seasons from 1985 to 1990.

227 sitcom cast

The cast of the American sitcom "227" played a vital role in the show's success. The show, which aired from 1985 to 1990, featured an ensemble cast of talented actors who brought the characters to life.

Marla Gibbs
Hal Williams
Jacke Harry
Alaina Reed
Kia Goodwin
Regina King
Helen Martin
Ensemble cast

The cast members each brought their own unique talents and experiences to the show. Marla Gibbs, who played the role of Mary Jenkins, was a veteran actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows. Hal Williams, who played the role of Lester Jenkins, was a Tony Award-winning actor who had also appeared in a number of films and television shows. Jacke Harry, who played the role of Sandra Clark, was a comedian and actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows. Alaina Reed, who played the role of Rose Holloway, was a singer and actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows. Kia Goodwin, who played the role of Pearl Shay, was a newcomer to the acting world, but she quickly became a fan favorite. Regina King, who played the role of Brenda Jenkins, was a child actress who went on to become a successful adult actress. Helen Martin, who played the role of Pearl Shay in the first season, was a veteran actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows.

The ensemble cast of "227" worked together seamlessly to create a show that was both funny and heartwarming. The show's success is a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast members.

1. Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She is best known for her role as Florence Johnston on "The Jeffersons" and as Mary Jenkins on "227".

Early life and career
Marla Gibbs was born on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. She began her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1950s. In the 1960s, she began appearing on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson".
The Jeffersons
In 1975, Gibbs was cast as Florence Johnston on "The Jeffersons". Florence was the sassy and outspoken maid to George and Louise Jefferson. Gibbs played the role for 11 seasons.
227
In 1985, Gibbs starred in her own sitcom, "227". Gibbs played Mary Jenkins, a single mother raising three children in a housing project in Washington, D.C. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for five seasons.
Later career
Since "227" ended, Gibbs has continued to appear in television shows and movies. She has also written and produced several television shows and movies.

Marla Gibbs is a talented and versatile actress who has made a significant contribution to American television. Her work on "The Jeffersons" and "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

2. Hal Williams

Hal Williams is an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his role as Lester Jenkins on the American sitcom "227".

Williams was born in Columbus, Ohio, on December 7, 1930. He began his career as a stage actor in the 1950s. In the 1960s, he began appearing on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson".

In 1985, Williams was cast as Lester Jenkins on "227". Lester was the husband of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs) and the father of Brenda Jenkins (played by Regina King). Williams played the role for five seasons.

Williams' performance on "227" was critically acclaimed. He was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards for his work on the show.

Since "227" ended, Williams has continued to appear in television shows and movies. He has also directed and produced several television shows and movies.

Hal Williams is a talented and versatile actor who has made a significant contribution to American television. His work on "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

3. Jacke Harry

Jacke Harry is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She is best known for her role as Sandra Clark on the American sitcom "227".

Early life and career
Jacke Harry was born on August 14, 1956, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She began her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s. In the 1980s, she began appearing on television shows such as "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "Saturday Night Live".
227
In 1985, Harry was cast as Sandra Clark on "227". Sandra was a single mother and waitress who lived in the 227 building in Washington, D.C. Harry played the role for five seasons.
Later career
Since "227" ended, Harry has continued to appear in television shows and movies. She has also written and produced several television shows and movies.
Awards and recognition
Harry has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards for her work on television. In 2019, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Jacke Harry is a talented and versatile actress who has made a significant contribution to American television. Her work on "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

4. Alaina Reed

Alaina Reed was an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Rose Holloway on the American sitcom "227".

Reed was born on June 21, 1921, in New York City. She began her career as a singer in the 1940s. In the 1950s, she began appearing on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson".

In 1985, Reed was cast as Rose Holloway on "227". Rose was a wise-cracking and outspoken neighbor of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs) and Lester Jenkins (played by Hal Williams). Reed played the role for five seasons.

Reed's performance on "227" was critically acclaimed. She was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards for her work on the show.

Reed died on June 10, 2009, at the age of 87. She is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation.

Alaina Reed was a vital member of the "227" sitcom cast. Her character, Rose Holloway, was a fan favorite. Reed's comedic timing and delivery were impeccable. She brought a sense of warmth and humor to the show.

Reed's work on "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

5. Kia Goodwin

Kia Goodwin is an American actress, best known for her role as Pearl Shay on the American sitcom "227".

Early life and career
Kia Goodwin was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 12, 1966. She began her career as a model in the 1980s. In 1985, she was cast as Pearl Shay on "227".
227
Pearl Shay was a sassy and outspoken neighbor of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs) and Lester Jenkins (played by Hal Williams). Goodwin played the role for five seasons.
Later career
Since "227" ended, Goodwin has continued to appear in television shows and movies. She has also worked as a voice actress.
Legacy
Kia Goodwin is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation. Her work on "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

Kia Goodwin was a vital member of the "227" sitcom cast. Her character, Pearl Shay, was a fan favorite. Goodwin's comedic timing and delivery were impeccable. She brought a sense of warmth and humor to the show.

Goodwin's work on "227" is a testament to her talent and dedication. She is an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses of all ages.

6. Regina King

Regina King is an American actress, director, and producer. She is best known for her roles as Brenda Jenkins on the American sitcom "227" and as Angela Abar / Sister Night on the HBO superhero drama series "Watchmen".

Early life and career
Regina King was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 1971. She began her career as a child actress in the 1980s. In 1985, she was cast as Brenda Jenkins on "227".
227
Brenda Jenkins was the teenage daughter of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs) and Lester Jenkins (played by Hal Williams). King played the role for five seasons.
Later career
Since "227" ended, King has continued to appear in television shows and movies. She has also directed and produced several television shows and movies.
Awards and recognition
King has won two Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Critics' Choice Television Award. In 2019, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Regina King is a talented and versatile actress who has made a significant contribution to American television and film. Her work on "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

7. Helen Martin

Helen Martin was an American actress who played the role of Pearl Shay in the first season of the American sitcom "227". She was born on August 28, 1909, in Brenham, Texas. Martin began her career as a stage actress in the 1930s. She made her Broadway debut in 1935 in the play "Porgy and Bess".

Early career
Martin appeared in a number of Broadway plays and films in the 1940s and 1950s. She also appeared in several television shows, including "The Philco Television Playhouse" and "The Kraft Television Theatre".
227
In 1985, Martin was cast as Pearl Shay in the first season of "227". Pearl was a wise-cracking and outspoken neighbor of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs) and Lester Jenkins (played by Hal Williams). Martin played the role for one season.
Later career
After leaving "227", Martin continued to appear in television shows and movies. She also worked as a voice actress.

Helen Martin was a talented actress who made a significant contribution to American television and film. Her work on "227" helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses.

8. Ensemble cast

An ensemble cast is a group of actors who work together to create a cohesive and believable performance. In a sitcom, the ensemble cast is responsible for bringing the characters to life and creating the show's unique atmosphere. The 227 sitcom cast is a prime example of an ensemble cast that worked together seamlessly to create a memorable and beloved show.

The 227 sitcom cast was made up of a diverse group of actors who brought their own unique talents and experiences to the show. Marla Gibbs, who played the role of Mary Jenkins, was a veteran actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows. Hal Williams, who played the role of Lester Jenkins, was a Tony Award-winning actor who had also appeared in a number of films and television shows. Jacke Harry, who played the role of Sandra Clark, was a comedian and actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows. Alaina Reed, who played the role of Rose Holloway, was a singer and actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows. Kia Goodwin, who played the role of Pearl Shay, was a newcomer to the acting world, but she quickly became a fan favorite. Regina King, who played the role of Brenda Jenkins, was a child actress who went on to become a successful adult actress. Helen Martin, who played the role of Pearl Shay in the first season, was a veteran actress who had starred in a number of films and television shows.

The 227 sitcom cast worked together seamlessly to create a show that was both funny and heartwarming. The show's success is a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast members.

FAQs about "227 sitcom cast"

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the cast of the American sitcom "227".

Question 1: Who were the main cast members of "227"?

The main cast members of "227" were Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Jacke Harry, Alaina Reed, Kia Goodwin, Regina King, and Helen Martin.

Question 2: What were the names of the characters played by the main cast members?

Marla Gibbs played Mary Jenkins, Hal Williams played Lester Jenkins, Jacke Harry played Sandra Clark, Alaina Reed played Rose Holloway, Kia Goodwin played Pearl Shay, Regina King played Brenda Jenkins, and Helen Martin played Pearl Shay (in the first season only).

Question 3: How many seasons did "227" run for?

"227" ran for five seasons, from 1985 to 1990.

Question 4: What was the setting of "227"?

"227" was set in a housing project in Washington, D.C.

Question 5: What was the main theme of "227"?

The main theme of "227" was the importance of family and community.

Summary: The cast of "227" was a talented and diverse group of actors who brought the characters to life and created the show's unique atmosphere. The show's success is a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast members.

Transition to the next article section: The next section of this article will discuss the impact of "227" on American television.

Conclusion

The cast of the American sitcom "227" was a talented and diverse group of actors who brought the characters to life and created the show's unique atmosphere. The show's success is a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast members.

"227" was a groundbreaking show that helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for other African American actors and actresses. The show's positive portrayal of a black family was also groundbreaking. "227" is a reminder of the power of television to reflect and shape society.