Betty Thomas

Betty Thomas is an American actress, director of television, and motion pictures. She is known for her Emmyaward winning role as Lucy Bates on the television series Hill Street Blues.

Thomas was born Betty Lucille Nienhauser in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1948 to Nancy and William H. Nienhauser, Sr. She graduated from South High School, Willoughby, Ohio, in 1965. After high school Thomas attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Upon graduating Thomas worked as an artist and taught high school before becoming a part of The Second City Chicago premiere source for improvisational theater. She took her professional surname from her marriage to Douglas Thomas.

Source: Wikipedia