Ajai Sanders
Ajai Sanders (born Angela Marie Wilson; October 1, 1967)[3][5], is an American actress and stand-up comedian, best known for her supporting role as Gina Deveaux in the sitcom A Different World from 1991 until the series original ending in 1993. Sanders is sometimes credited as Ajai Richards.
Ajai Sanders | |
---|---|
Born | Angela Marie Wilson October 1, 1967[1][2][3][4] |
Nationality | American |
Other names | Ajai Richards |
Education | Hillcrest High School |
Occupation |
|
Years active | 1990–present |
Known for | Gina Deveaux – A Different World |
Spouse(s) | Michael Brownlee
(m. 2002; div. 2016) |
Biography
Born Angela Marie Wilson in North Trenton, Sanders grew up in Dallas, Texas. She attended Hillcrest High School, graduating in 1985.[6] Sanders moved to Los Angeles and began working as a stand-up comic; eventually this work led to what initially was to be a one-time role on A Different World. The guest role was expanded after director Debbie Allen proved impressed by the qualities Sanders brought to the character, whose appearances were expanded to five that season and 18 the following season, after which she was added to the show's opening credits.[7]
Sanders has made guest appearances on the sitcoms Martin, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Parent 'Hood, The Wayans Brothers, The Jamie Foxx Show, and Moesha. She also guest-starred in a 2001 episode of the Lifetime show, The Division. Sanders had a major role in the independent urban comedy, High Freakquency, in which she was credited as Ajai Richards. She had a smaller role in the Michael Keaton Christmas comedy, Jack Frost, and also appeared in the 2000 urban independent drama, The Playaz Court.
Personal
Sanders has been married once and has no children. In May 2002, Sanders married Micheal Brownlee in Denton, Texas. They later divorced in August 2016.
Filmography
- 2011: Are We There Yet? as Tamera "Tam" Hensley (1 episode, 2011)
- 2001: The Division as Adeen (1 episode, 2001)
- 2001: Moesha as Lisa (1 episode, 2001)
- 2000: The Playaz Court as Yolanda
- 1998: Jack Frost as Renee Thompson
- 1998: High Freakquency as LaShanda
- 1997: The Jamie Foxx Show as Irene (1 episode, 1997)
- 1997: The Wayans Bros. as Amber (1 episode, 1997)
- 1995: The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as Candance (2 episodes) as Jana (1 episode) (3 episodes, 1995)
- 1995: Hangin' With Mr. Cooper as Denise (3 episodes, 1995)
- 1993: Martin as Thomasina (1 episode, 1993)
- 1991–93: A Different World as Gina Devereaux (38 episodes)
Notes
- TVOne: Ajai Sanders
- Sanders, Ajai (October 1, 2017). "All teary-eyed...#50 #bestday". Instagram.com. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
- Sanders, Ajai (October 1, 2017). "Birthday breakfast with Mom #50runsaroundthesun #thebestday". Instagram.com. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
- Black Comedians on Black Comedy: How African-Americans Taught Us to Laugh - By Darryl Littleton
- Sanders, Ajai (October 1, 2017). "Pretty much sums it up!!!..." Instagram.com. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
- Hillcrest High School (Dallas, Texas) 1985 yearbook
- Ken Parish Perkins. "Ajai Sanders stands up to any naysayers," The Dallas Morning News, May 19, 1992.
External links
- Ajai Sanders at IMDb