General Hospital Star Vernee Watson Celebrates A Big Milestone

Vernee Watson has been thrilling General Hospital audiences with her wonderful portrayal of Stella Henry — who not only puts Jordan in her place but shows a tender heart to Sonny’s father Mike — and now the actress has plenty to celebrate!

That’s because she was born on January 14, 1954, in North Trenton, New Jersey, which means she’s turning 65 years old today!

The veteran actress shot to stardom as one of the female Sweathogs, alongside John Travolta, on Welcome Back, Kotter back in the mid-1970s. She’s also known for playing Will Smith’s mom on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air — a show that also starred current GH co-star, Janet Hubert (Yvonne).

She has appeared in countless other primetime shows like Young Sheldon, Superstore, Grace & Frankie, and NCIS, an. She’s also voiced several characters on animated programs as well.

Watson has also appeared in television movies like How Not to Propose, Applause for Miss E, Good Behavior, and more.

GH isn’t Watson’s first soap role. She’s also appeared as Birdie on The Young and the Restless in 1999 as well as Dr. Ella Kraft on Days of Our Lives in 2007 before joining GH in 2013, first as a nurse, and then as Stella in 2017.

On the personal front, she has a daughter, Sunde Jinia Johnson, who was born in 1983, with her ex-husband Van Johnson.

Soap Hub wishes Vernee Johnson the happiest of birthdays.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.