The CW Source

One of our favorite TV moms turns 37 today -- Tichina Arnold, who plays the no-nonsense, not-to-be-messed-with Rochelle on Everybody Hates Chris. Happy birthday, Tichina!

Tichina was born in Jamaica, Queens -- not too far Rochelle's TV home in Bed-Stuy - and got into acting at a young age. She hit the big screen in 1986 as Crystal, one of the girl-group narrators in Little Shop of Horrors. Not bad for a 16-year-old! After that, she landed a role-and an Emmy nomination - on the soap Ryan's Hope. Her next big gig was a recurring role on the sitcom Martin. And through it all, she kept up a stage career, too. We're amazed she even had time to take on Everybody Hates Chris, but we're glad she did -- we can't imagine anyone else brining that combination of heart and spice to the role of Rochelle. Critics agree -- she's made a bunch of best lists, and has won an NAACP Image Award for the role.

That's not all - Tichina has starred in movies (many critics say she was the only redeeming feature in 2007 flick Wild Hogs); started up a line of custom-designed, crystal-studded bandanas and clothing; and sung the national Anthem at celebrity sporting events. Whew!

We hope Tichina has a great time on her birthday -- and that no one gives her a cheap knock-off perfume that makes her break out in hives, like Chris gave to Rochelle on Mother's Day!

Leave your birthday wishes for Tichina in the comments!