Janet Hubert American film and television actress Date of Birth: 13.01.1956 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Broadway Debut and Musical Theater
3. Television Career
4. Film and Theater Roles
5. Personal Life

Kariamu Welsh (née Hubert) - Hollywood Actress and Queen of Television

Early Life and Education

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Kariamu Welsh spent her formative years in the South Side and later moved to rural Illinois at age nine. She earned a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York but did not complete her studies.

Broadway Debut and Musical Theater

Welsh made her Broadway debut in 1981 in "The First," a musical about Jackie Robinson. She went on to originate the role of Tantomile in the original Broadway production of "Cats," also covering Grizabella and Demeter. In 1983, she joined the national tour of "Sophisticated Ladies."

Television Career

Welsh's breakthrough role came in 1990-1993 as the original Vivian "Aunt Viv" Banks in the beloved sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." However, her departure from the show made headlines, with allegations of a falling out with co-star Will Smith.

Despite this setback, Welsh continued to appear in numerous television shows, including "Friends," "One Life to Live," "Gilmore Girls," "All My Children," and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." In 2018, she joined "General Hospital" as Yvonne, and in 2020, she reunited with the "Fresh Prince" cast for a reunion special.

Film and Theater Roles

In addition to her television work, Welsh made her film debut in 1985's "The Brother from Another Planet." She also appeared in the television film "The Women of Brewster Place" and directed several plays, including "The Colored Museum."

Personal Life

Welsh was married to James Whitten from 1990 to 1994 and has a son named Elijah Isaac Whitten. She has been married to Larry Craft since 2005. She is an advocate for osteoporosis awareness, serving as an ambassador for the National Osteoporosis Foundation.