Vernee Watson-Johnson, born Vernee Christell Watson on September 28, 1949, in New York City, is an accomplished American actress, author, and acting coach.

She began her professional career at the young age of 17 with the Al Fann Theatrical Ensemble in Manhattan, touring with the group for five years. Watson-Johnson is best known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on "Welcome Back, Kotter" (1975-1979), Viola "Vy" Smith on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990-1996), and head nurse Gloria Tyler on "Bob Hearts Abishola" (2019-2024).

Since 2017, she has also played Stella Henry on "General Hospital".

Her career spans several decades, with notable appearances in TV shows such as "The Love Boat," "Hill Street Blues," "Married... with Children," "L.A. Law," "Suddenly Susan," "ER," "Days of Our Lives," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Desperate Housewives," "Ghost Whisperer," "Benson," "The Big Bang Theory," "Good Times," "Dexter," "Two and a Half Men," "Southland," "Criminal Minds," "A.N.T. Farm," "What's Happening!!," "Young Sheldon," "Jessie," "Mike and Molly," and many more.

She has also appeared in several TV commercials for national brands like McDonald's, Polaroid, Kellogg's, Pillsbury, Lysol, Taco Bell, IBM, Procter & Gamble, and Walmart.

Vernee Watson-Johnson has also been involved in voice acting, contributing to shows such as "Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels," "Laff-A-Lympics," "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo," "Animaniacs," "Batman: The Animated Series," "Superman: The Animated Series," and "Batman Beyond," as well as the feature film "The Ant Bully" and several video games.

Her film credits include roles in "Trick Baby" (1972), "Christmas with the Kranks" (2004), and "The Kid" (2000).

She has been married twice, first to Joe Duckett in 1976, and later to Van Johnson in 1979, with whom she has two children, Sunde Jinia Johnson and Josh. She graduated from Cathedral High School and New York University with a major in drama.