Dabnis Brickey was a character on the popular NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, played by actor William Thomas Jr. He was the fiancé of Vanessa Huxtable, the second eldest daughter of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. He appeared in several episodes during the eighth and final season of the show, which aired from 1991 to 1992.
But who was William Thomas Jr., the actor behind Dabnis Brickey? And how did he die? Here is what we know about his life and death.
Early Life and Career
William Thomas Jr. was born on November 8, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, to William Thomas Sr. and Thelma (Hunt) Thomas. He had two sisters, Janice and Gene. He grew up in a Christian family and attended Woodland Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
He developed a passion for music at an early age and learned to play the piano by ear. He also had a beautiful tenor singing voice and participated in various musical groups and productions in his school and church. He graduated from Linden McKinley High School in 1965 and enrolled at The Ohio State University, where he majored in sociology and graduated in 1970.
After college, he worked with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, teaching low-income individuals how to maintain their homes. He also continued his musical endeavors and traveled throughout the city and the region with the exclusive singing group, the Michael Frazier Chorale.
In the mid-1970s, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater. He appeared on Broadway in shows such as Godspell, Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God, and La Cage aux Folles. He also performed in regional theaters across the country.
Hollywood Breakthrough
In the late 1980s, he moved to Los Angeles to try his luck in television and film. He landed his first major role as Cool Charles on the CBS comedy-drama Frank’s Place, which starred Tim Reid and his wife Daphne Maxwell Reid. The show was critically acclaimed but short-lived, lasting only one season from 1987 to 1988.
He then appeared on another Steven Bochco creation, Cop Rock, a musical-drama that featured police officers singing and dancing. The show was widely panned and canceled after 11 episodes in 1990.
His most memorable role came in 1991 when he joined the cast of The Cosby Show as Dabnis Brickey, a former sailor who proposed to Vanessa Huxtable after dating her for six months. He was initially met with skepticism and hostility by her parents and siblings, who thought he was too old and unsuitable for her. However, he eventually won them over with his charm and sincerity.
He appeared in seven episodes of the show’s final season, including the series finale, where he married Vanessa in a lavish ceremony at the Huxtable home.
Later Years and Death
After The Cosby Show ended, Thomas continued to act in various television shows and movies. He appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful in 2005 as an INS agent. He also had roles in films such as Mambo Kings, Bruce Almighty, and Christmas with the Kranks.
He also became an ordained minister and served as a pastor at several churches in Los Angeles. He was known for his uplifting sermons and his musical talents.
He died peacefully on November 14, 2020, at the age of 73. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed. He was survived by his sister Gene, his nieces and nephews, and his extended family and friends.
According to Legacy.com, his obituary read: “Bill endeared himself to his classmates, his teachers, his customers, his neighbors, and his friends with his winning personality and his clear work ethic.”
He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. His grave marker reads: “Rev Dr William Thomas Jr – Actor – Minister – Musician – Friend.”
He will always be remembered as Dabnis Brickey by millions of fans who grew up watching The Cosby Show. His legacy lives on through his work and his faith.
