What happened to "Mama" (Mabel King) during the last season...?

[Dr. Thong]

During the last season, the action shifted to Raj and Rerun's apartment as they began college. Mabel King was no longer part of the cast as "Mama."

My question is: Was she fired from the cast because they decided to change from Raj and Dee's house to Raj's apartment or did she leave because of a salary dispute, etc?

It was never really specified why she left, so I'm curious. Hopefully, someone here knows why?

[W.J. Griffin]

Actually, Mabel King was in New York City at the time of "What's Happening""s last season filming "The Wiz" with Diana Ross and Micheal Jackson (She played the Wicked Witch of the West.) I think the filming conflicted with her scheduel on WH, so she let that one go. I'm not 100% on this, though.

[ThomasE]

Originally posted by W.J. Griffin
Actually, Mabel King was in New York City at the time of "What's Happening""s last season filming "The Wiz" with Diana Ross and Micheal Jackson (She played the Wicked Witch of the West.) I think the filming conflicted with her scheduel on WH, so she let that one go. I'm not 100% on this, though.

I'm not to sure about that. I mean the WIZ was released in 78' but taping for the third season did start in the summer of 78. She was only in one big scene. I think she could have made it back for tapings later. Then again, I'm not too sure myself.