Career and Life

​

Karen Malina White 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 (1990–1992) and its spin-off A Different World (1992–1993); Nicolette Vandross on Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) and the voice of Dijonay Jones on the Disney Channel animated comedy The Proud Family (2001–2005).

​

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." 

​

​

Source.

​