Crystal Lynn Bernard[1] (born September 30, 1961[2][1]) is a retired American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her roles as Helen Chappel-Hackett on the sitcom Wings (1990–1997), Amy on It's a Living (1985–1989), and K.C. Cunningham on Happy Days (1983–1984).
Early life
Born in Garland, Texas to televangelist Jerry Wayne Bernard and teacher Gaylon Fussell,[1][3][4][5] Bernard became an entertainer at a young age, singing gospel songs with her older sister, Robyn (1959–2024), also an actress. One recording of the two that has survived from those years is a song called "The Monkey Song" on Feudin' Fussin' and Frettin' , recorded when Crystal was eight years old.[6] The recording is from a 1972 Thomas Road Baptist Church service led by Jerry Falwell. In addition to Robyn, she also has two younger sisters: Scarlett and Angelique Bernard.[citation needed]
Bernard got her start in prime time television on the sitcom Happy Days, playing K.C. Cunningham during season 10 (1982–83). Then, after various guest appearances on other series, she joined the cast of the resurrected, syndicated version of the sitcom It's a Living,[8] playing waitress Amy Tompkins. In 1989, she starred in a television pilot, Chameleons, created by Glen A. Larson. She played Shelley, a self-proclaimed crazed heiress who discovers that her eccentric millionaire uncle Jason Carr has been murdered. She sets out on a quest to find the truth behind his murder.
She played strong-willed airport lunch counter operator and cellist Helen Chappel Hackett on the sitcom Wings for the series entire eight season duration (1990–97). In 1999, she starred in the television movie To Love, Honor and Betray opposite David Cubitt and James Brolin.
2005: West Coast premiere of Barbra's Wedding, starring opposite Daniel Stern (who also wrote the play) at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, California[10]
Music
In addition to acting, Bernard has a music career as a singer-songwriter. Albums include The Girl Next Door (1996) and Don't Touch Me There (1999). The latter includes a gospel track she recorded with her father and one sung with country artist Billy Dean. The single "Don't Touch Me There" peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
She co-wrote the song "If I Were Your Girl" with Rhett Lawrence, which appeared on Paula Abdul's album Head over Heels (1995). She also co-wrote the song "Come To Me" on the debut self titled album of Angie & Debbie Winans (1993).
Bernard sang a duet with Peter Cetera called "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight", released on Cetera's album One Clear Voice (1995). The single peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and No. 86 on the Hot 100.
She sang a duet with Jim Messina called "Watching the River Run".[11]
^"Almanac: Today's Birthdays". Dubuque Telegraph-Herald. September 30, 2023. p. A3. ProQuest2871477246. Singer Patrice Rushen is 69. Actor and union president Fran Drescher is 66. Country singer Marty Stuart is 65. Actor Debrah Farentino is 64. Actor Crystal Bernard is 62. Actor Eric Stoltz is 62. Rapper-producer Marley Marl is 61. Country singer Eddie Montgomery is 60. Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 59. Actor Monica Bellucci is 59. See also:
"Today in History: Today's Birthdays". Owensboro Messenger Inquirer. September 30, 2013. p. C4. ProQuest1437709659. Actress Fran Drescher is 56. Country singer Marty Stuart is 55. Actress Debrah Farentino is 54. Rock musician Bill Rieflin (R.E.M.) is 53. Former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., is 53. Actress Crystal Bernard is 52. Actor Eric Stoltz is 52. Rapper-producer Marley Marl is 51. Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 50. Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 49. Actress Monica Bellucci is 49.
