“The Checks Dried Up”: Camille Winbush Gets Real About Life After The Bernie Mac Show and Her Bold Move to OnlyFans

For many fans who grew up watching The Bernie Mac Show, Camille Winbush will always be Vanessa Thomkins — the sharp, strong-willed niece who challenged Bernie at every turn with her teenage attitude and intellect. But behind the iconic childhood role lies the complex, grown-up reality of a woman navigating the unpredictable world of entertainment, long after the camera stopped rolling.

Now 34, Winbush is speaking candidly about the struggles she’s faced since her early Hollywood days — and why she ultimately chose to join OnlyFans, a platform often misunderstood by the public but one that has allowed her to reclaim financial freedom, security, and control over her image.

“Residual Checks Don’t Pay the Bills Forever”

In a recent interview with Jon Aba on Comedy Hype News, Winbush addressed what she calls one of the biggest misconceptions fans have about actors from hit TV shows: the idea that success during syndication years means an endless stream of money.

“People assume I’m still cashing in big checks from The Bernie Mac Show,” Winbush said. “But that job was 20 years ago. I was 12. Do you really think I’m living off that now?”

She added with a hint of dry humor, “If I had been on Friends making a million dollars an episode, maybe those checks would be something. But I wasn’t. And those residuals get smaller every year.”

According to Winbush, the romanticized view of residuals — once thought of as a golden ticket — doesn’t match up with the financial reality of former child stars who weren’t the leads of multi-million dollar franchises. For her, the show offered a strong start, but it didn’t guarantee lifelong income.

“Hollywood Is Fickle”: The Harsh Reality After the Fame

After The Bernie Mac Show ended in 2006, Winbush found herself facing a harsh truth many former child actors encounter: staying in Hollywood is a grind, and doors don’t always open — especially without the right representation.

She admits she didn’t have a strong team to help her transition from child star to adult actress. “I didn’t have the people who were aggressively fighting to get me into new rooms,” she revealed. “The industry moved on, and I had to figure things out for myself.”

And so she did. Over the years, Winbush has taken on a variety of jobs, many far removed from the glitz of television. She bought and ran her own ice cream shop as a teen, taught gymnastics for just over minimum wage, and worked traditional 9-to-5 jobs to make ends meet.

Turning to OnlyFans: “Why Wouldn’t I?”

When OnlyFans came into the picture three years ago, Winbush saw an opportunity — not for fame or attention, but for independence.

“If I can find a way to make enough to buy a home from the comfort and safety of my own living room, why wouldn’t I do that?” she said.

For Winbush, it wasn’t about chasing headlines or scandal. It was about securing a future — something the entertainment industry had failed to offer her despite years of dedication.

She emphasized that the platform gave her control over her content, her earnings, and most importantly, her peace of mind. “It’s private, secure, and I’m the one making the decisions. That’s not something you can always say in Hollywood.”

Responding to Critics: “People Who’ve Never Acted Shouldn’t Judge”

As expected, her decision was met with mixed reactions. Some social media users criticized her for turning to adult content, accusing her of “making excuses” or claiming she “should’ve done more” with her fame. Others questioned why she didn’t pursue college or another trade.

Winbush didn’t shy away from addressing the backlash. “People who are outside of the acting world have no place to speak on it,” she said firmly. “They don’t know what it’s like to live off a job you had when you were 12.”

She also challenged the double standards surrounding actors and sexuality. “In acting, you’re expected to play all kinds of roles — drug dealers, addicts, strippers, murderers. You’re insinuating sex on camera all the time. So how is it any different when I choose to take control of that narrative myself?”

“I’m Not Struggling Anymore”

Despite the noise from critics, Winbush says her life has improved dramatically since joining the platform.

“No more minimum-wage jobs. No more worrying about making rent. I have stability now,” she said, with quiet confidence.

And while some fans still can’t reconcile the beloved child star with the woman she’s become, Winbush makes it clear: she owes no one an explanation.

“Unless you’re paying my bills, you don’t get to tell me what to do,” she said, echoing the support of fans who’ve rushed to defend her on social media. “I’m living my life on my terms now. And I’m proud of that.”

A New Chapter

Camille Winbush is no longer just the girl from The Bernie Mac Show. She’s a businesswoman, a content creator, and someone who has faced the harsh realities of fame and emerged on the other side with clarity, courage, and hustle.

In a world that often chews up and spits out child actors, she’s found a way to survive — and thrive.

“I’m not the same little girl you saw on TV,” she said. “I’m a grown woman now. And I’m making choices that work for me.”

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