A10Martin Payne - a young disc jockey who in later seasons becomes a television talk-show host, and his comic misadventures with his closest friends.Sheneneh Jenkins - a stereotypically flashy "Detroit ghetto girl," she was owner/operator of Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon, whom Lawrence played in drag.Edna (Mama) Payne - Martin's shrill, extremely frenetic, and easily excited mother, who was overprotective of Martin, and who disliked Gina immensely.Old Otis the Security Guard - an abrasive, strict, potbellied old man, who was always seen while on his job as a security guard.Jerome - a loudmouthed, flashy Detroit pimp.Roscoe - a 10-year-old kid with a constantly runny nose and a smart mouth.Dragonfly Jones - a martial arts "expert" who was beaten up in nearly every appearance.Bob - a white man who worked in the marketing department of Gina's company who is best described as a stereotypical surfer-dude-cum-redneck.Elroy Preston - the fictional "Godfather of Black Surf Music" who is now completely forgotten and washed up.King Beef - this was Cole's favorite '70s blaxploitation movie actor in a huge bodysuit.