
"I'm not going to change for nobody. This is what got me where I am. People who want me to change ain't paying my bills, I'm the reason why the bills are being paid. Only thing I know how to change is my underwear."
-- Runaway reality TV star and mother of R&B star Keyshia Cole, Frankie Lons on her newfound fame. (Vibe)
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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The Black Families On TV
CBS , Getty Images
The Cosby Show
Seasons: Eight
Notable Cast Members: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet, Raven-Symoné
Storyline: Popular comedy television series based on a happily married couple raising their children in Brooklyn, New York.
Sidenote: Throughout the course of eight seasons The Huxtable family helped set the stage for black families on prime time television. Bill Cosby's character, Cliff Huxtable was such a role model that he topped TV Guide's 2004 list of "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."
Everett Collection
'Family Matters'
Seasons: Nine
Notable Cast Members: Reginald Vel Johnson, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams, JoMarie Payton, Jaleel White, Telma Hopkins
Storyline: Based on middle-class suburban Chicago black family, the Winslows.
Sidenote: Spinning off it's sister show 'Perfect Strangers,' the hit sitcom spawned off one of the most popular characters in sitcom history, Steve Urkel. America's favorite nerd was so popular that he established a merchandising empire, which included a talking doll, trading cards, posters, books, lunchboxes and a limited edition cereal.
Warner Bros.
'Lincoln Heights'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Russell Hornsby, Nicki Micheaux, Erica Hubbard, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Mishon Ratliff, Michael Reilly Burke, Robert Adamson, William Stanford Davis
Storyline: A drama revolving around the life of LAPD officer Eddie Sutton, who is in pursuit of a better life for his family. Ironically, Sutton moves his family into his old neighborhood which is known for its violence.
Sidenote: In 2008 the series was nominated for four NAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, Outstanding Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.
ABC Family
'My Wife & Kids'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II
Storyline: Damon Wayans portrays Michael Kyle, a loving husband who maintains his household by teaching his family some valuable wisdom and knowledge, and learning some himself.
Sidenote: The show's co-creator, Damon Wayans, may have regretted the original storyline of Claire Kyle following the loss of cast member Jazz Raycole. Raycole's mother disapproved of the actress' storyline for season two, which led to her being pulled from the show.
2000 ABC, INC.
The Jeffersons
Seasons: 11
Notable Cast Members: Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict
Storyline: Entrepreneur George Jefferson hits the ticket with his successful dry-cleaning business, which leads him to move into a ritzy New York City high-rise.
Sidenote: America can thank fellow 'Good Times' actress Ja'Net DuBois for helping George Jefferson's family move up to the east side. The Emmy Award-winner co-wrote and sang the show's opening and closing theme song 'Movin' On Up.'
CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
'What's Happening!!'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Ernest Lee Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Fred Berry, Danielle Spencer, Mabel King, Shirley Hemphill, David Hollander, John Welsh, Earl Billings, Leland Smith
Storyline: Loosely based on the motion picture 'Cooley High' a trio of friends go through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood.
Sidenote: Fred Berry's character Rerun almost didn't turn out as we may remember him today. Originally the role was reportedly written to fit the description of a skinny white kid.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
'227'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Marla Gibbs, Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Helen Martin, Hal Williams, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Kia Goodwin, Reynaldo Rey, Countess Vaughn
Storyline: Taking place in a Washington D.C. apartment building, numbered 227, the show's characters would be found sitting outside on a large set of stone stairs (aka the stoop), in which a discussion would lead into the weekly plot line.
Sidenote: Former 'Moesha' and 'Celebrity Fit Club' star Countess Vaughn received her big break in Hollywood by simply asking. Vaughn mentioned her dream of appearing on '227' following her 1988 appearance on the talent show series 'Star Search.'
Embassy Pictures / Fotos International / Getty Images
'Julia'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Diahann Carroll, Lloyd Nolan, Paul Winfield, Fred Williamson
Storyline: Centering on a young widow working as a nurse, trying to make ends meet while raising her son as a single parent.
Sidenote: The 1960 NBC comedy is known for being one of the first weekly shows to depict African-American woman in the non stereotypical role of playing servants. The drama eventually lead to the show's star Diahann Carroll asking for a release from her contract due to the controversy surrounding the show from its inception.
NBC / Getty Images
'The Wayans Bros'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Jermaine Hopkins, Ja'Net DuBois, Phill Lewis
Storyline: The show follows lives of two brothers, Shawn and Marlon Williams, who run their own newspaper stand from out of their father's diner.
Sidenote: Following their family's tradition of producing sitcoms, Shawn and Marlon Wayans debut 'The Wayans Bros' in 1995. Adding to the sitcom's hip-hop feel, the brothers used A Tribe Called Quest's hit single 'Electric Relaxation' as the show's opening theme for the first two seasons.
Warner Bros.


Comments: (80)
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By: BREBRE on 3/03/2009 1:48PM
I really like the show because people can relate to the everyday issues. Ms. Cole do love her family but she also likes to control her family. With out calling names and this is only my opinion, I think some of Ms. Cole family are sincere when it comes to trying to fix the family's growing issues and some family members are the for the worth of themselves. I just pray that this family will truly overcome their disfunctions because we the people see and they have a very long way to go. Purity of the heart, closeness with your family and God loving spirit is more powerful than any dollar amount. That's what people loss focus on.
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By: All Winners LOVE Winners on 3/03/2009 6:01PM
Go Keisha! - Frankie however, WE'RE Gonna Get U if you continue to Misbehave.
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By: Sloane on 3/04/2009 1:55AM
Some folks need a hug!
First of all...How bold of Keyshia, to allow this dysfunctional side to be viewed uncensored! I think it speaks to her genuine desire to share with her audience, who can relate to, currently share, or has been in a similar situation! The world isn't pretty, there isn't a yellow brick road, and she put the fact that it isn't all glory; on front street! So if anything, I have gained respect for her genuine heart and her clear desires to achieve what is best not only for herself, but her family as well! Mind you...Keyshia, has every reason in the book to walk away and to just do Keyshia...instead, her overwhelmingly loving character, allows her to openly forgive and love without conditions...the past is the past...behavior does not change overnight, however...when God is in the midst...a change is gonna come! Believe that! I am really proud of Ms. Keyshia, I see the inspiration and the determination, written all over this girl! Follow your heart, and not what everyone else has planned for you! At the end of the day...You inspire so many without hope, so many that can't fathom a positive future, for them it is nowhere in sight...they only see and feel the pain that is plagued with negativity and uncertainty! That's what sets you apart and makes you shine brighter than most! Never lose it! Stay Beautiful!
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By: rasfanta on 3/08/2009 3:38PM
We don't need to see a dysfunctional family on tv every week. show us more positive role models, please. thank-you
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By: Jrsygrl on 3/10/2009 8:06AM
Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why Frankie's wigs always look so obvious? As a matter of fact, Keyshia's sisters have some jacked up looking weaves altogether. No harm in the hair "assistance" but c'mon, can't we do a lil' better than that? I still think the show is entertaining at best.
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By: mzkneec005 on 3/10/2009 9:48PM
i agree some families have issues and some can over power their addiction, some can't when her mom gets ready to overpower it she will., untile then don't criticize, that is still her mom and she loves her dearly. I am glad she found her and is sticking by her mom. Keep up the positiveness Keisha it will happen one day, continue praying for your mom.
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By: Leslie on 3/16/2009 10:46AM
I watched Keyshia Cole reality show twice and was turn off by it.I know that we are human and we do have family issues,but it's not needed for the world to see.As far as Keyshia's comment about no one is paying her bills, there's some truth to the matter,but lets not forget the fans is the one buying your records to put you on the map.
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By: honeydipz on 3/19/2009 11:51PM
f u debra u jus hatin and if u think ur family perfect then u dnt kno urself or ur family. if they such a discrace y d f dey on tv and you not. BYE HATER!!!
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By: FlorenceBowden on 5/02/2009 2:36PM
I love u Frankie Lon and your baby Keisha Cole.
You r a strong black woman that made a few mistakes
so didn't the rest of us.
Walk Tall!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the show.
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By: MS. SAVANNAH GA. on 12/19/2009 5:48AM
WHAT THE HELL WRONG WITH KEYSHIA CRAZY ASS FAMILY
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