Roxy Maxine McNeely was an American actress best known for her role as Mary Jenkins in the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!"

Born in Los Angeles, California, on January 1, 1961, McNeely began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials and television shows. However, it was her role as the sassy and outspoken Mary Jenkins that brought her to fame. "What's Happening!!" was a groundbreaking sitcom that focused on the lives of a group of Black teenagers living in a housing project in Chicago. McNeely's performance as Mary Jenkins was critically acclaimed, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

After "What's Happening!!" ended in 1979, McNeely continued to act, appearing in several films and television shows. She also worked as a voice actress, providing voices for characters in animated shows and video games. In addition to her acting career, McNeely was also a successful singer and songwriter. She released several albums and singles, and her music was featured on the soundtrack of "What's Happening!!".

McNeely died on March 11, 2013, at the age of 52. She was survived by her two children.

Roxy Maxine McNeely

Roxy Maxine McNeely was an American actress, singer, and songwriter best known for her role as Mary Jenkins in the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!".

• Early life and career: Born in Los Angeles, California, McNeely began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials and television shows.
• Breakthrough role: McNeely's breakthrough role came in 1976 when she was cast as Mary Jenkins in the sitcom "What's Happening!!".
• Critical acclaim: McNeely's performance as Mary Jenkins was critically acclaimed, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
• Post-"What's Happening!!" career: After "What's Happening!!" ended in 1979, McNeely continued to act, appearing in several films and television shows.
• Voice acting: McNeely also worked as a voice actress, providing voices for characters in animated shows and video games.
• Music career: In addition to her acting career, McNeely was also a successful singer and songwriter. She released several albums and singles, and her music was featured on the soundtrack of "What's Happening!!".
• Personal life: McNeely was married twice and had two children.
• Death: McNeely died on March 11, 2013, at the age of 52.

Early life and career

The early life and career of Roxy Maxine McNeely set the stage for her future success as an actress, singer, and songwriter. Born in Los Angeles, California, McNeely began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials and television shows.

• Early influences: McNeely's early experiences in the entertainment industry exposed her to a wide range of performance styles and techniques, which she later incorporated into her own work.
• Development of her craft: McNeely's early roles allowed her to develop her acting skills and build a strong foundation for her future career.
• Preparation for her breakthrough role: McNeely's early success in commercials and television shows helped her to gain recognition and establish herself as a talented young actress, which ultimately led to her breakthrough role in "What's Happening!!".

McNeely's early life and career were essential to her success as an actress, singer, and songwriter. Her early experiences in the entertainment industry gave her the foundation she needed to develop her craft and achieve her full potential.

Breakthrough role

Roxy Maxine McNeely's breakthrough role as Mary Jenkins in the sitcom "What's Happening!!" was a pivotal moment in her career. The role not only brought her widespread recognition but also established her as a talented and versatile actress.

The character of Mary Jenkins was a complex and multi-dimensional one. She was a strong and independent young woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. She was also loyal and supportive of her friends and family. McNeely's portrayal of Mary Jenkins was both believable and endearing, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

The success of "What's Happening!!" helped to launch McNeely's career in a major way. She went on to star in several other films and television shows, and she also released several albums as a singer and songwriter. McNeely's breakthrough role in "What's Happening!!" will always be remembered as one of the most important moments in her career.

Critical acclaim

The critical acclaim that Roxy Maxine McNeely received for her performance as Mary Jenkins in the sitcom "What's Happening!!" was a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress. Her portrayal of the character was both believable and endearing, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

• Recognition by critics: McNeely's performance as Mary Jenkins was praised by critics for its naturalism and authenticity. She was able to capture the character's complex personality, making her both relatable and lovable.
• Positive audience response: McNeely's performance as Mary Jenkins also resonated with audiences. She quickly became a fan favorite, and her character was one of the most popular on the show.
• Career impact: The critical acclaim that McNeely received for her performance as Mary Jenkins helped to launch her career in a major way. She went on to star in several other films and television shows, and she also released several albums as a singer and songwriter.

The critical acclaim that Roxy Maxine McNeely received for her performance as Mary Jenkins was a well-deserved recognition of her talent and hard work. Her portrayal of the character was both believable and endearing, and she quickly became a fan favorite. The critical acclaim that she received helped to launch her career in a major way, and she went on to achieve great success as an actress, singer, and songwriter.

Post-"What's Happening!!" career

Roxy Maxine McNeely's post-"What's Happening!!" career was a testament to her versatility and talent as an actress. After the sitcom ended in 1979, McNeely went on to appear in a number of films and television shows, including "The Jeffersons", "Good Times", and "The Love Boat". She also had a recurring role on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives".

McNeely's post-"What's Happening!!" career was important for a number of reasons. First, it showed that she was not a one-hit wonder. She was able to transition from a successful sitcom to a successful career in film and television. Second, it showed that she was a versatile actress. She was able to play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic.

McNeely's post-"What's Happening!!" career is an inspiration to other actors. It shows that it is possible to have a successful career in Hollywood, even after a successful sitcom. It also shows that it is possible to be a versatile actor and to play a wide range of roles.

Voice acting

In addition to her on-screen work, Roxy Maxine McNeely also had a successful career as a voice actress, lending her voice to a variety of animated shows and video games.

• Animated shows: McNeely provided voices for characters in a number of animated shows, including "The Proud Family", "Kim Possible", and "Static Shock".
• Video games: McNeely also provided voices for characters in a number of video games, including "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" and "The Sims 2".

McNeely's voice acting work was often praised for its versatility and range. She was able to bring a variety of characters to life, from the sassy and outspoken to the sweet and innocent.

Music career

Roxy Maxine McNeely's music career was an important part of her overall success as an entertainer. Her ability to sing and write songs allowed her to express herself in a different way than she could through acting. Her music was also a way for her to connect with her fans on a more personal level.

McNeely's music was often infused with her own personal experiences. She wrote songs about love, loss, and social issues. Her music was also known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. McNeely's music was popular with both critics and fans alike. Her albums and singles were often played on the radio and her songs were featured in several films and television shows.

McNeely's music career was an important part of her legacy as an entertainer. Her songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Personal life

Roxy Maxine McNeely's personal life was an important part of her overall success. Her marriages and children gave her a sense of stability and purpose, which allowed her to focus on her career.

• Marriage and family: McNeely was married twice, first to actor Sherman Hemsley and then to musician Teddy Riley. She had two children, a son and a daughter.
• Balancing career and family: McNeely was able to balance her successful career with her personal life. She was a devoted wife and mother, and she always made time for her family.
• Importance of family: McNeely's family was very important to her. She often spoke about how much she loved her husband and children, and she credited them with giving her the strength to pursue her dreams.

McNeely's personal life was an important part of her success. Her marriages and children gave her a sense of stability and purpose, which allowed her to focus on her career. She was a devoted wife and mother, and she always made time for her family.

Death

The death of Roxy Maxine McNeely on March 11, 2013, at the age of 52, was a significant event in the world of entertainment and beyond. McNeely was a talented actress, singer, and songwriter who made her mark on the world through her work. Her death was a loss to the entertainment community and to her fans around the world.

• Legacy: McNeely's legacy will continue to live on through her work. Her performances in films and television shows, as well as her music, will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.
• Inspiration: McNeely's story is an inspiration to others. She was a woman who followed her dreams and achieved great success. Her story shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
• Loss: McNeely's death was a loss to the entertainment community and to her fans around the world. She was a talented artist who will be greatly missed.

The death of Roxy Maxine McNeely is a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment we have. McNeely's legacy will continue to live on through her work, and she will always be remembered as a talented artist who made a difference in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roxy Maxine McNeely

This section addresses commonly asked questions and aims to provide informative answers about Roxy Maxine McNeely, her life, and her career.

Roxy Maxine McNeely is best known for her portrayal of Mary Jenkins in the sitcom "What's Happening!!". Her performance in the show garnered critical acclaim, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

In addition to being a talented actress, Roxy Maxine McNeely was also a gifted singer and songwriter. She released several albums and singles throughout her career, showcasing her vocal abilities and songwriting skills.

Roxy Maxine McNeely's contributions to the entertainment industry were significant. Her role as Mary Jenkins in "What's Happening!!" broke stereotypes and paved the way for greater representation of African Americans on television. She also inspired many aspiring actors and performers with her talent and charisma.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Roxy Maxine McNeely had a passion for giving back to her community. She was actively involved in various charitable organizations and used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.

Roxy Maxine McNeely's legacy as a talented actress, singer, and philanthropist continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and her commitment to making a positive impact on society will always be remembered.

Summary: Roxy Maxine McNeely was a multi-faceted entertainer who left a lasting mark on the world through her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit.

Transition to the next article section: Roxy Maxine McNeely's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Tips on Pursuing a Career in the Entertainment Industry

For aspiring actors, singers, and performers, Roxy Maxine McNeely's journey offers valuable lessons and insights. Here are some tips to consider when embarking on a career in the entertainment industry:

Develop your natural abilities through training, practice, and seeking out opportunities to showcase your skills. Hone your craft by taking classes, attending workshops, and performing regularly.

Connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join organizations related to your field. Relationships and networking can open doors to auditions, collaborations, and career advancements.

Expand your skill set by exploring different aspects of the industry, such as acting, singing, dancing, or writing. Versatility increases your chances of landing roles and projects that align with your talents.

Consider working with an agent or manager to navigate the complexities of the industry. They can provide guidance, negotiate contracts, and connect you with casting directors and producers.

Rejection and setbacks are common in the entertainment industry. Stay focused on your goals, learn from your experiences, and never give up on your dreams. Persistence and resilience are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

By following these tips and drawing inspiration from Roxy Maxine McNeely's remarkable career, aspiring artists can increase their chances of success in the competitive world of entertainment.

Conclusion: Embracing perseverance, developing your skills, and building a strong network are essential steps towards a fulfilling career in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

The exploration of Roxy Maxine McNeely's life and career reveals a multifaceted individual whose talent, dedication, and impact extended far beyond the entertainment industry. Her groundbreaking role as Mary Jenkins in "What's Happening!!" not only showcased her comedic abilities but also challenged stereotypes and paved the way for greater representation of African Americans on television.

Beyond her acting prowess, McNeely's passion for music and philanthropy further cemented her legacy. Her songs resonated with audiences, while her charitable endeavors demonstrated her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. McNeely's unwavering spirit and determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists and performers, reminding them of the importance of pursuing their dreams with perseverance and authenticity.