| J. Karen Thomas | |
| Birth Date: | 1965 |
| Birth Place: | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Death Date: | March 26, 2015 (aged 50) |
| Death Place: | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Yearsactive: | 1983–2015 |
| Occupation: | Actress / Singer / Songwriter / Voice Artist |
| Spouse: | Colette Divine |
J. Karen Thomas (1965 – March 26, 2015) was an American actress, singer, and voice artist. Her numerous television credits included her role as Audrey Carlisle on the dramatic television series, Nashville.[1] Other television roles included recurring roles and guest appearances on Drop Dead Diva, The Ellen Show and Criminal Minds.[1] Thomas' cinematic credits included The Identical (2014), Captive (2015), and a co-starring role in the 2014 film, Boulevard, which was shot in her native Nashville, opposite Robin Williams.[1]
Thomas was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and graduated from Memphis State University, now known as the University of Memphis.[1] During the mid to late 80's, she was the midday DJ at popular Nashville radio station WYHY, Y107 (now WRVW, 107.5 The River). She was a valuable member of the Nashville theater community. In 2013, Thomas won the Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Shug Avery in The Color Purple.[1] She also released two albums during her career.[1]
Thomas’s partner for 18 years was Colette Divine. Thomas was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2015 and died from the disease on March 26, 2015, at the age of 50.[1]