Crystal Bernard is a well-known American songwriter, singer, and actor, best known for her role as ‘Helen Chappell’ in the sitcom ‘Wings.’ She started her career as a young girl singing gospel songs in the church choir and gained popularity with her song ‘The Monkey Song,’ recorded with her sister at the age of eight. Crystal has also appeared in popular TV shows like ‘Happy Days,’ ‘The Love Boat,’ and ‘Meet the Santas,’ as well as movies such as ‘Young Doctors in Love’ and ‘Welcome to Paradise.’ In addition to her acting career, Crystal is a talented songwriter and has released two studio albums. She has also written songs for other artists, including Tracie Spencer and Lisa Stansfield. While there have been rumors of her secret marriage to Peter Cetera, there is no evidence to support this claim. Currently, Crystal is enjoying a quiet life away from the media.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Crystal Lynn Bernard
- Age: 62 Years, 62 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Father: Jerry Wayne Bernard
- Mother: Gaylon Fussell
- Siblings: Angelique Bernard, Robyn Bernard, Scarlett Bernard
- Occupation: Actress, Musician
- Height: 5’3″ (160 cm)
- U.S. State: Texas
Childhood & Early Life
Crystal Lynn Bernard was born on September 30, 1961, in Garland, Texas, US, to Dr. Jerry Wayne Bernard and Gaylon Fussell. Her father was a Southern Baptist televangelist, and she grew up with four sisters. Crystal and her sisters started singing gospel songs in the church choir at a young age and even accompanied their father on some of his televangelist trips. Her passion for music and acting developed during her time at Bammel Middle School and Spring High School in Houston, Texas. She later studied international relations and acting at Baylor University and also trained at the Alley Theatre in Houston.
Career
Crystal Bernard made her TV debut in 1982 as ‘Kelly’ in the NBC sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’ She also appeared in the primetime TV serial ‘Happy Days’ as ‘KC Cunningham’ from 1982 to 1983. She went on to have roles in various TV shows such as ‘Fantasy Island,’ ‘High School USA,’ and ‘The Love Boat.’ Her major role was as ‘Amy Tompkins’ in the TV series ‘It’s a Living’ from 1985 to 1989. However, she is best known for her role as ‘Helen Chappell’ in the NBC sitcom ‘Wings,’ which ran from 1990 to 1997.
In addition to her TV career, Crystal Bernard also had a successful film career. Her first film, ‘Young Doctors in Love,’ was released in 1982. She appeared in other movies such as ‘Slumber Party Massacre II,’ ‘Gideon,’ and ‘Jackpot.’ She also showcased her talent in theater productions, including ‘Crimes of the Heart’ and ‘Annie Get Your Gun.’
Crystal Bernard is also a singer and songwriter. She released two albums, ‘Girl Next Door’ and ‘Don’t Touch Me There,’ in 1996 and 1999, respectively. She co-wrote the song ‘If I Were Your Girl’ for Paula Abdul’s album ‘Head over Heels’ and has written songs for other artists as well.
Major Works
Some of Crystal Bernard’s notable movies include ‘Young Doctors in Love,’ ‘Slumber Party Massacre II,’ ‘Gideon,’ ‘Jackpot,’ and ‘Welcome to Paradise.’ She has also appeared in TV shows such as ‘Gimme a Break!,’ ‘Happy Days,’ ‘Fantasy Island,’ ‘The Love Boat,’ ‘It’s a Living,’ ‘Wings,’ ‘According to Jim,’ and ‘Grave Misconduct.’ Her music career includes two studio albums and several hit singles.
Personal Life & Legacy
Despite her Southern Baptist background, Crystal Bernard has chosen not to get married and has had several relationships. She was previously in a long-term relationship with producer Tony Thomas but never married. She has also been linked to radio personality Rush Limbaugh and her co-star Billy Dean. Crystal Bernard retired from show business in 2008 and has since kept a low profile. There have been rumors of her secret marriage to singer Peter Cetera, but it has not been confirmed.
Trivia
Crystal Bernard is known for her Southern belle accent and is the brand ambassador of ‘O Premium Waters,’ a bottled-water company in Phoenix, Arizona.