Michelle Thomas, the talented actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like The Young & The Restless, The Cosby Show, and Family Matters, tragically passed away from cancer at the age of 29 on December 22, 1998, in Manhattan.
She was widely loved for her portrayal of Justine Phillips, the girlfriend of Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, and later as Myra Monkhouse, Steve Urkel’s girlfriend, on Family Matters.
She also appeared as Callie Rogers on The Young & The Restless. Michelle’s death was a great loss to the entertainment industry, and she was remembered for her vibrant personality and talent.
In addition to her well-known roles, Michelle Thomas made guest appearances in several other television shows, including Roseanne.
She also expanded her career beyond TV, performing in Los Angeles theater productions and appearing in music videos.
Her film work included a role in the movie Hangin’ with the Homeboys (1991), a comedy-drama about four friends navigating life and relationships.
Michelle’s versatility as an actress was evident through her diverse work across different mediums, and her contributions to both television and film left a lasting impact.
“We are terribly shocked and deeply saddened by Michelle’s death, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” said William J. Bell, co-creator and senior executive producer of The Young & The Restless.
“Michelle was a great talent with a bright future ahead of her. She will be missed by all of us,” Bell said.
Michelle Thomas was born in Boston and raised in New York City, where she nurtured her passion for the arts.
She attended the Montclair School of Arts and the Broadway Dance Center, honing her skills in acting and dance.
She came from a creative and talented family—her mother, Phynjuar Thomas, was a stage actress, and her father, Dennis Thomas, was a member of the popular 1970s funk band Kool & the Gang.
Michelle’s legacy in the entertainment world continues to be remembered, and she is survived by her loving family, including her parents in Weehawken, New Jersey.
