Thea Vidale (born November 26, 1956, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA) is an American stand-up comedian and actress. She began her career doing stand-up comedy in comic clubs in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles. As an actress, she has also numerous guest appearances on sitcoms, including Ellen, The Wayans Bros., The Drew Carey Show, and My Wife and Kids. She is best known for her portrayal of "Thea" on the short-lived sitcom Thea.
World Wrestling Entertainment Career
Thea Vidale made her return to television on World Wrestling Entertainment's January 2, 2006 edition of WWE RAW as Shelton Benjamin's virago mother (aka "Momma"). Her character – that of a stereotypical, doting mother from the South – was at first unseen, as the unidentified person with whom the slumping Benjamin was having a telephone conversation with. Vidale is known to be a close friend of Benjamin.
During the next several weeks, Momma helped Benjamin obtain victories over such RAW Superstars as Viscera, Val Venis and Goldust, whom were wrestlers that has added some sexuality to the WWF/WWE. She had also been startled by a number of WWE wrestlers, including Eugene and Goldust, in skits that aired on RAW.
On the February 6, 2006 edition of RAW, she attempted to interfere in Benjamin's match vs. The Big Show. However, a furious Big Show turned her way and screamed at her, warning her never to interfere in his matches again. As Big Show turned to continue the match (which he won), Momma (in kayfabe) fainted, apparently because she had been scared so badly, and was wheeled out by EMTs. WWE's website, WWE.com, announced later that she was resting at home, having suffered from a heart arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), which caused her to pass out.
Vidale playing the role of Shelton Benjamin's "Momma."
Momma continued claiming to be suffering from health problems on subsequent broadcasts of RAW. This proved instrumental when Benjamin defeated Ric Flair on the February 20, 2006 edition of RAW to win the Intercontinental Title. Momma began clutching her chest to imply she was suffering chest pains, and when the referee went to tend to her, Benjamin took her oxygen tank and struck Flair twice with it. Once Benjamin scored the pinfall victory, it became obvious that Momma was faking her health emergency. However, Thea Vidale actually has been suffering health complications in real-life, and has been taken off WWE television.
Back on TV
Her most recent appearance has been a quick spot playing the hairdresser Choli in an episode of Ugly Betty, entitled "Queens for a Day". In it, she comically gives Betty a very unsuccessful makeover and sends her on her way.
