Stanis has been featured in several promotions for the TV One network. She appeared in a "Thelma" promotion that aired on September 19, 2009 alongside actress Anna Maria Horsford in the "Battle of the Thelmas" that specifically aired their weddings from their prospective TV series (Horsford portrayed "Thelma Frye" in the TV series Amen). During the "Way Black Then" promotions in February 2010 (in honor of Black History Month), both she and Walker appeared on a 30 minute program titled "Color TV" to share their memories and thoughts on "Good Times."

In April 2010, Stanis starred in Marlon Campbell's Momma and Me situation comedy, which is now being shopped to cable and broadcast television networks.

One of Stanis' most recent television appearances was on the UPN sitcom Girlfriends. There she appeared as the cousin of quick-witted Maya Wilkes, played by Golden Brooks. In the episode, William Dent (Reggie Hayes) expresses a strong desire to meet Thelma from Good Times. Maya reveals that Stanis is her cousin and agrees to arrange a date. The date is held in the show's popular hangout, Skia.

William repeatedly refers to Bern Nadette Stanis as Thelma and talks about her Good Times family as if it were real. It initially upsets her, but after she sets Will straight, they agree to go on with a normal date. After a moment of silence, both Hayes and Stanis realize that there was not much to talk about, so she starts a new conversation as Thelma.

Stanis was born in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from the Juilliard School.

Stanis has two daughters, Dior Ravel and younger sister Brittany Rose Cole. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with husband Kevin Fontana, whom she married in 1981.

She is the author of two books, Situations 101: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and a collection of her poetry entitled, For Men Only.