Today we celebrate the actress Ta-Tanisha, who turns 72 today!

Born Shirley Cummings in the Bronx, Ta-Tanisha was seen in three episodes on Good Times, each time playing a different character.

The first was in Season One, Episode 13, “My Son, the Lover,” where she was Marcy. In this episode, she was the subject of one of J.J.’s paintings (and his ardor), but it turns out that she has a boyfriend (her “main man!”).

Next up, she was Mary Ann Thomas (“Sweet little Mary Ann Thomas,” according to Thelma) in “J.J. in Trouble,” which was Episode 21 in Season Three. Here, J.J. believes he’s contract a venereal disease from Mary Ann. And, finally, she played a small part in “J.J. and T.C.,” the 18th episode of Season Six, where she was the “Zodiac Girl” who J.J. tries to pick up in a bar.

More on Ta-Tanisha’s life and career can be found in my overview of her Season One appearance here. Meanwhile, I hope you’ll join me in wishing her a very happy birthday, and many more!