She’s best known as an actress and talented impressionist, with her standout roles including Nadine Hudson-Thomas on What’s Happening Now!! and Althea Tibbs in the acclaimed series In the Heat of the Night. Over the years, Ann-Marie Johnson has made a lasting mark in television, becoming a familiar face to audiences everywhere. She was a regular cast member on the wildly popular sketch comedy show In Living Color, where her comedic timing and versatility truly shined. In addition to that, she appeared in recurring roles on well-known series like Melrose Place and JAG, further showcasing her range as a performer.
Before all the spotlight and success, she laid the foundation for her career by earning a degree in acting and theater from UCLA—a move that clearly paid off. Her first appearance on television actually came in 1979, when she made her debut on the game show Card Sharks. That early break opened doors, leading to appearances on other game shows such as Child’s Play and Body Language, which helped build her presence in the entertainment world.
On a personal note, she married her husband, Martin Grey, back in 1996, and the two have shared a life together ever since. Through each role and performance, she’s remained a dedicated artist, bringing authenticity and charm to every character she portrays. And even after decades in the industry, she continues to be celebrated—not just for her work, but for the legacy she’s built along the way.
Back in 2008, Ann-Marie Johnson made history by becoming the first national vice president of the Screen Actors Guild—a major milestone in her career. It was a significant achievement that highlighted her growing influence in the industry, and it was clear that she was making a name for herself. Her leadership role brought attention not only to her talent but also to her dedication behind the scenes. She truly stood out during that time, and many people began to recognize her impact. Being elected as the first national vice president was no small feat, and it set the stage for even greater accomplishments down the line.