Vernee Watson-Johnson

Who is Vernee Watson-Johnson?

Vernee Watson-Johnson is an American actress, author, and acting coach. She is best known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter and as Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing the mother of Will Smith's character.

Watson-Johnson played Blue's love interest in the 1972 film Trick Baby written by IceBerg Slim. She was also a regular cast member of the 1985-1986 situation comedy Foley Square as Denise Willums, the secretary for Alex Harrigan, played by the show's star, Margaret Colin. She played a small role on Sister, Sister as Lisa's best friend Patrice, and as the mayor's secretary, Lucille Banks, on Carter Country. She also had a recurring role as "Birdie" on The Young and the Restless. In 2005, she appeared in the film Christmas with the Kranks starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.

In addition, Watson-Johnson has made appearances in episodes of television shows as The Love Boat, Hill Street Blues, Married... with Children, L.A.