'What's Happening!!' Star Ernest Thomas On Show's Impact On Race

“Hey, hey, hey!” “No Roger, no Rerun, no rent!” “Which Doobie you be?”

Those are among the many memorable lines from “What’s Happening!!,” the 1970s sitcom about three Black teenagers in South Central Los Angeles lasting a mere 65 episodes over three seasons that, decades later, has maintained a level of popularity and influence that belies its tenure on the small screen.

The ABC show, which celebrates the 45th anniversary of its premiere this year, became a pioneer in the Black experience depicted on television.

“It was definitely a positive,” Ernest Thomas, who played lead character Roger Thomas, told TODAY. “I think a supernatural, positive effect because of the absence of Blacks on television. Even though ‘Good Times’ was out there and ‘Jeffersons’ and ‘Sanford and Son’ (were on), it wasn't the youth. ‘What’s Happening!!’ was these three teenagers, which I think had an impact on all cultures, so that everybody can identify with friends, teenage friends.”

The comedy had strong, memorable characters. In addition to Roger, there was his shy friend Dwayne (Haywood Nelson) and Rerun (Fred Berry), their dimwitted but lovable — and overweight — pal. Roger’s sister, Dee, played by Danielle Spencer, was a bratty kid who constantly extorted her brother for quarters, while their hardworking single mother (Mabel King) provided the moral center.

Roger and his buddies hung out at the soda shop, where wisecracking waitress Shirley (Shirley Hemphill) often exchanged barbs with her customers. The fat jokes flung hard and fast, and you have to wonder if they would make the cut today.

Inspired by the 1975 film “Cooley High,” “What’s Happening!!” has enjoyed a reach that transcends color. Thomas, who said people of all backgrounds have approached him over the years, thinks the sitcom did more than just provide laughs.

“It also helped with race relations,” he said. “I've talked to white folks over the years that hated Black folks. I mean, goodness, they hated them, and their folks were that way. But as a child, when the folks were gone, they'd be channel-surfing, right? And stumble over ‘What's Happening!!’ and find themselves staying there and, next thing you know, they’re laughing, but they go, ‘Wait a minute. I’m not supposed to laugh.’”