J. Karen Thomas (1965 – March 26, 2015) was an American actress, singer, and voice artist.
[1] Thomas' cinematic credits included The Identical (2014), Captive (2015), and a co-starring role in the 2014 film, Boulevard, which was shot in her native Nashville, opposite Robin Williams.
[1] During the mid to late 80's, she was the midday DJ at popular Nashville radio station WYHY, Y107 (now WRVW, 107.5 The River).
In 2013, Thomas won the Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Shug Avery in The Color Purple.
[1] Thomas was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2015 and died from the disease on March 26, 2015, at the age of 50.