Vernee Watson



Vernee Watson-Johnson (known professionally as Vernee Watson and born Vernee Christell Watson; September 28, 1949) is an American actress, author, voice artist, and acting coach. Watson-Johnson is best known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–79) and as Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–96), playing the mother of Will Smith's character. She also voiced Dee Dee on Hanna-Barbera's animated series Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels. She also appeared in an NCIS episode (Season 14, Episode 2: "Being Bad"). She currently portrayed as Gloria Taylor in Bob Hearts Abishola.

She plays Frannie in the CBS comedy series The Odd Couple.