Telma Louise Hopkins was born on October 28, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, and was raised by her grandmother in Highland Park, Michigan. She initially pursued a career in singing, providing background vocals for Motown artists like Marvin Gaye and The Four Tops.

Telma Hopkins gained prominence as a member of the 1970s pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn, which produced several number-one hits. The group also had a successful CBS variety show from 1974 to 1976.

Transitioning to acting in the late 1970s, she made her television debut in the miniseries "Roots: The Next Generations" in 1979. She quickly secured roles in sitcoms such as "Bosom Buddies" alongside Tom Hanks and "Gimme a Break!".

Telma Hopkins is perhaps best known for her role as Rachel Crawford on the long-running sitcom "Family Matters" from 1989 to 1997. Her other notable television roles include "Getting By," "Half & Half," and "Are We There Yet?".

She appeared in several films, including the science fiction series "Trancers" and the comedy "The Love Guru." She also lent her voice to animated series like "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" and "The Loud House."

Telma Hopkins was married to Donald B. Allen from 1970 to 1977, and they have one child together.