Fred Berry’s Wife Reveals Shocking Secrets Behind the Iconic ‘Rerun’

Born on March 19, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, Fred Berry grew up in the challenging environment of inner-city housing projects.

This upbringing shaped his worldview and fueled his determination to succeed.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1965, Berry dropped out of high school, frustrated by the educational system’s low expectations for him.

Instead, he pursued his passion for dance, performing as a street dancer and later joining the Los Angeles-based dance troupe, The Lockers.

His natural rhythm and charisma caught attention, leading to early TV appearances including a spot on Soul Train and even the third episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975.

Berry’s big break came in 1976 when he landed the role of Freddy “Rerun” Stubbs on ABC’s What’s Happening!!.

Originally, the producers wanted a skinny white actor for the role, but Berry’s persistence and talent won them over.

The show was groundbreaking as one of the first African-American teen sitcoms to hit the top 30 in Nielsen ratings.

Berry’s portrayal of Rerun—a lovable, somewhat dimwitted teen known for retaking classes and his smooth dance moves—captured audiences nationwide.

Despite the show’s success and Berry becoming a millionaire by age 29, the fame came with a heavy price.

Behind the scenes, Berry struggled with depression and addiction, reportedly spending over a million dollars on drugs, cars, homes, and even a private plane.

His battle with marijuana and other substances took a toll on his health and finances.

More troubling was the typecasting he faced; Berry found it difficult to land roles beyond the character of Rerun, limiting his career growth.

Berry was also known for being outspoken and bold.

He frequently demanded better pay and improved working conditions for himself and fellow cast members.

During the show’s second season, Berry and co-star Ernest Thomas staged a walkout over pay disputes, which temporarily halted production.

While the studio eventually settled, tensions simmered beneath the surface.

Berry believed he was the main reason viewers tuned in, and his insistence on better compensation sometimes created friction with producers and castmates alike.

The conflict escalated during the show’s third season.

Berry again threatened to strike and even missed an episode, leading to heated meetings with producers.

He accused the studio of racism, a bold claim that shocked many at the time.

Ultimately, the producers chose to cancel What’s Happening!! in 1979, a decision that blindsided the cast and fans alike.

Berry’s wife Essie later revealed that Fred was considered a “problem” by the studio due to his outspoken nature and refusal to back down.

Berry returned in 1985 for the sequel series What’s Happening Now!!, reprising his role as the grown-up Rerun.

However, old issues resurfaced when Berry once again pushed for a salary beyond the show’s budget.

This time, the studio had no patience and fired him before the first season ended, continuing the series without him.

Essie believes Fred was simply fighting for fair pay in an industry that often undervalued Black actors.

Fred Berry’s personal life was as tumultuous as his career.

Married six times to four different women—two of whom he married twice—his relationships were complex and sometimes troubled.

Essie, his last wife, shared heartbreaking stories of abuse.

She recounted a terrifying incident when she tried to leave him, only for Berry to break the windows of her car with a hammer to prevent her departure.

This violent episode revealed a darker side of a man many only knew as the charming Rerun.

Berry also battled multiple addictions, including drugs, alcohol, food, and sex.

He attempted suicide three times, struggling with depression throughout much of his life.

Despite these hardships, he sought help through substance abuse treatment programs and eventually turned his life around.

Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1990 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Berry lost over 100 pounds following medical advice, showing a determination to improve his health.

After stepping away from acting, Berry found solace in religion.

He became a motivational speaker and Baptist minister in Madison, Alabama, dedicating himself to helping others and sharing his story of redemption.

His faith marked a new chapter, one of peace and purpose after decades of turmoil.

Tragically, Fred Berry’s health declined in his later years.

In October 2003, he suffered a stroke and passed away at his Los Angeles home at the age of 52.

He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, leaving behind a complicated legacy—a man who brought joy to millions but fought fierce personal battles behind closed doors.

Fred Berry’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost behind fame and the challenges many Black actors faced in Hollywood’s past.

His wife’s revelations paint a fuller picture of a man who was not just a comedic icon but a flawed, vulnerable individual striving for respect and dignity.

From the heights of stardom to the depths of despair, Berry’s life is a testament to resilience, struggle, and ultimately, redemption.

As fans continue to celebrate the legacy of Rerun, it’s important to remember the man behind the beret—the man who dared to speak out, fight for fairness, and who, despite his demons, left an indelible mark on television history.