Vernee Watson-Johnson

Vernee Watson-Johnson
Born
Vernee Christell Watson

(1949-09-28) September 28, 1949
Alma materNew York University (Bachelor of Arts)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • author
  • acting coach
Years active1970–present
Known for
Spouses
Joe Duckett
(m. 1976; div. 1977)
    Van Johnson
    (m. 1979; div. 1991)
    Children2

    Vernee Christell Johnson (née Watson; born September 28, 1949) is an American actress, author, and acting coach. Watson-Johnson is known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979), as Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996), playing the mother of Will Smith's character and head nurse Gloria Tyler on Bob Hearts Abishola (2019–2024). She is often featured in guest or recurring roles as a nurse. Since 2017 she has played Stella Henry on General Hospital.