Ellia English (born March 26, in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American stage, film and television actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Helen on The Jamie Foxx Show. English was featured in a central role in the show, and was paired onscreen with Garrett Morris, who plays her husband Junior King.
After an early graduation from high school, English attended Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in her native Atlanta, in hopes of becoming a lawyer. However, when the head of the drama department overhead her singing and offered her one of the leading roles in their musical production, Ellia's life took a different turn. She later transferred to Georgia State University where she studied speech and drama, and soon became an ensemble player at the Alliance Theater. Thoroughly dedicated to a life of acting, the next step was to travel to New York. There, English starred in such productions as Ain't Misbehavin', Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Colored Museum, Dreamgirls, Romeo and Juliet, Spunk, Showboat, Barnum, Nunsense and One Mo' Time, to name a few. She also sang with the (New York)|Community Choir]] as one of their solo recording artists. Los Angeles was calling and English made the move. She was a series regular (as Helen King) on The Jamie Foxx Show. Other television credits include Martin, Sinbad, Empty Nest, The Five Mrs. Buchanans, Love & War, Get Smart, and Thea. She was featured in the made for television movies The Innocent, The Barefoot Executive, and Based on an Untrue Story. On the silver screen, English was featured in Wildcats, Sidewalk Stories, Rain Without Thunder, Block Beauty and Girlfriends. She maintains a home in both Atlanta, Georgia and Los Angeles, California. She currently devotes her time to Big Sisters of Los Angeles and several other children's organizations. Also, in her spare time, she enjoys playing the flute, the piano, reading, walking, biking and many other outdoor activities.
English is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Always and Forever (2001 TV Episode) .... Aunt Helen King
Bachelor Party (2000 TV Episode) .... Aunt Helen King
Cupid (2000 TV Episode) .... Aunt Helen King
If the Shoe Fits... (2000 TV Episode) .... Aunt Helen King Shakin' and Fakin' (2000 TV Episode) .... Aunt Helen King 92 more
Kicked to the Curb (1996 TV Episode) .... Mrs. Booker
Go Tell It on the Martin (1994 TV Episode) .... Mrs. Booker
The Closer I Get to You (1994 TV Episode) .... Mrs. Booker
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Buchanans .... Social Worker
(Adoption) (1994 TV Episode) .... Reception
(Showboat) (TV Episode, 1989) .... Queenie
(Metamorphosis) (1982) (TV Episode) ... Sheila
