Today we are looking back on the life of Fred Berry, a beloved actor and comedian who is best remembered for his role as Rerun on the hit sitcom “What’s Happening!!”.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1951, Fred Berry was a multi-talented star who was involved in many aspects of the entertainment industry. He started out as an acrobat and dancer and eventually made his way to television. After appearing on various shows such as “The Jeffersons”, “Fame” and “227”, he landed the role of Rerun on “What’s Happening!!”, a role that he would play for three seasons from 1976 to 1979.
During his time on the show he gained immense popularity for his character’s signature dance move known as The Shimmy Shake. Outside of acting, Berry also enjoyed a successful music career releasing severl singles that charted on Billboard including “Dancing Disco Party” and “Don’t Call Me No Dog”.
In 2003 after suffering from a stroke, Fred passed away at home in Los Angeles at the age of 52. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with his four wives in attendance: Franchesska Berry (twice), Carol Ann Ross, Darlene Bitten and Essie Berry.
Fred Berry will be remembered for his willingness to make people laugh through his many comedic performances and roles. He is an icon within the African American community and will continue to be celebrated by generations to come.
What Became of Fred Berry?
Fred Berry was an American actor best known for his role as Rerun on the television show What’s Happening!!. On October 21, 2003, Berry was found dead at his Los Angeles home, where he was recovering from a stroke. The cause of death was listed as natural causes and he was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, originally in an unmarked grave. His legacy continues to live on through his iconic role as Rerun in What’s Happening!! and his many other contributions to the entertainment industry.
Fred Berry’s Wife
Fred Berry was married to his first wife, Franchesska Berry, twice. The first marriage was in 1976 and lasted only a few months before ending in divorce. His second marriage to Franchesska was in 1978 and lasted until 1980. After their divorce, Fred married Carol Ann Ross in 1984 and they remained together until 1991. He then married Darlene Bitten in 1994 and their marriage ended in 1999. Fred’s last wife was Essie Berry whom he married in 1999, but the marriage ended in 2003.
Source: rottentomatoes.com
Conclusion
Fred Berry was a beloved actor and comedian who was best known for his role as Rerun on the television sitcom What’s Happening!!. He enjoyed a successful career in television and film, appearing in numerous shows and movies over the years. Sadly, Berry passed away at his Los Angeles home on October 21, 2003 due to natural causes. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. Throughout his life, Berry was married four times, showing his commitment to finding lasting love despite it not aways working out for him in the end. He will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and appreciated the art he left behind.
