Mabel King was a vocal powerhouse, a multi-talented actress, and a woman who rose above life’s challenges.

From her early days in Charleston, South Carolina, to her unforgettable performances on stage and screen, King’s journey was marked by both triumph and tragedy.

Born on Christmas Day in 1932, Mabel Elizabeth Washington came into the world as the daughter of Rosal Lee and Joseph Washington.

The family eventually moved to New York, where Mabel was raised on the vibrant streets of Harlem.

As she grew older, she discovered her passion for music, initially finding her calling as a gospel singer.

Yes, you heard that right—Mabel was a singer before she became an actress, and her vocal talents were nothing short of remarkable.

In fact, she made her mark in the entertainment industry long before most actors even begin their careers.

Mabel didn’t step into acting until her mid-30s, a time when many in the industry are already established.

However, she had already made a name for herself as a singer, proving that talent knows no age limits.

In 1966, she secured her first role as Maria in the national touring production of *Porgy and Bess*.

Her stunning performances quickly garnered attention, leading to more opportunities in theater and film.

Mabel lit up the stage in the Broadway musical *Hello Dolly*, showcasing her incredible talent.

In 1972, she starred in the musical film *Don’t Play Us Cheap* and the horror classic *Ganja & Hess*.

However, the crown jewel of Mabel’s acting career was her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene, in the Broadway musical *The Wiz*.

This production featured none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who played the Scarecrow.

While one might expect Jackson to steal the spotlight, Mabel claimed her own, earning a Drama Desk nomination for her performance.

Her role in *The Wiz* undeniably put her on the map and solidified her status as a star.

In 1976, Mabel transitioned to television, taking on the role of Mabel Thomas in the sitcom *What’s Happening!!*.

She portrayed a hardworking maid caring for her children, a character that resonated with many viewers.

However, her time on the show was cut short after only two seasons, and it wasn’t due to a lack of popularity.

Mabel had serious disagreements with the show’s directors and co-star Ernest Lee Thomas, who played her son Raj.

In a candid interview, Thomas revealed the tensions that led to Mabel’s departure, highlighting her desire for a more substantial role that represented a strong Black family on television.

Mabel wanted to showcase positive Black role models, but the directors were not on board with her vision.

Frustrated with the creative differences, she ultimately decided to walk away from the show in 1978.

Despite knowing that the show was gaining popularity, Mabel prioritized her integrity over financial gain.

Following her exit from *What’s Happening!!*, she reprised her role as Evillene in the 1978 film adaptation of *The Wiz*.

In 1979, she starred alongside Steve Martin in the comedy film *The Jerk*, further expanding her filmography.

Mabel continued to make guest appearances in various television series, including *Tales from the Dark Side*, *Amazing Stories*, and *The Jeffersons*.

In 1984, she returned to the screen in *The Jerk 2*, showcasing her resilience and determination.

However, her health began to decline due to complications from type 2 diabetes, which would ultimately cut her career short.

In 1968, Mabel had her toe amputated due to diabetes-related complications, marking the beginning of a long battle with the disease.

By 1989, she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed and speechless for nearly a year.

Despite medical interventions, Mabel’s condition worsened, leading to the amputation of both her legs and one arm.

This dark chapter in her life was marked by immense physical and emotional challenges.

Fortunately, Mabel had a few good friends in her corner, including the legendary Michael Jackson, who provided support during her difficult times.

He helped her secure a place at the Motion Picture and Television Hospital, a sanctuary for many in the industry.

Tragically, whispers circulated about an incident during her transport that left her severely injured.

Despite these hardships, Mabel’s spirit remained unbroken, and she continued to fight for her life.

Sadly, life dealt her another devastating blow when she lost her only son, Larry King, to liver cirrhosis.

Larry had struggled with drug addiction, and his passing left Mabel heartbroken.

In a cruel twist of fate, one of her last memories of him was being conned out of $50.

Mabel’s husband, Melvin King, had long exited the picture, having divorced her in 1989.

She later welcomed her son Larry Jr. into the world in 1966, but his death proved to be the final straw for Mabel.

Some believe that losing her only son caused her to lose the will to live.

Despite her struggles, Mabel remained resilient, declaring, “Don’t no one commit suicide to get to where I’m at.”

Her friends organized a benefit to raise funds for a new wheelchair, showing that love and support can shine through even the darkest times.

Unfortunately, her health continued to decline, and she faced numerous medical challenges, including a near-fatal hip replacement surgery.

Mabel ultimately succumbed to her illnesses, passing away at the young age of 66 on November 9, 1999.

Her funeral was attended by family and friends, including her mother and Michael Jackson, a testament to the impact she had on those around her.

At the time of her death, Mabel’s worth was estimated between $250,000 and $1.5 million, a modest sum compared to her immense talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Mabel King’s life is not solely defined by her losses; it is also a story of triumph, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who overcame incredible odds.

As we remember her legacy, let us celebrate her contributions to both acting and music.

So, wipe your tears and perhaps revisit *The Wiz* to honor the remarkable life of Mabel King.