The Vampire Diaries fans know Jasmine Guy as the actress who portrayed Bonnies grandmother, a powerful Bennett witch who helped save the town of Mystic Falls from certain doom. Others may recognize the actress as the Greys Anatomy character, Gemma, who is an old friend of Richard Webber and a thorn in Catherine Foxs side.

But before either of these roles, Guy became an accomplished comedic and dramatic actress with roles on the big screen and on television. Her latest project is a BET original production. Heres a breakdown of where Guy began and what the actress is up to now.

Guy is a remarkably talented triple-threat entertainer whois skilled in acting, dancing, and music. She launched her career with guest-starringroles on television, including a multi-episode part on Fame, beforelanding the role that made her a household name. In 1987, Guy was tapped toco-star in NBCsA Different World.

The sitcom was a spin-off of The Cosby Show, andcentered around a group of co-eds matriculating at a fictional Virginia collegecalled Hillman. A Different World shined a light on life at historicallyBlack colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and inspired a generation of youngpeople to shoot for the stars.

Guy quickly became a fan favorite as viewers shipped hercharacter Whitley Gilbert and Kadeem Hardisons alter ego, Dwayne Wayne. ADifferent World delivered laughs, tears, and a dose of authenticity thanksin part to the Seasons 2-6 showrunner, Debbie Allen. Whats more, Guy and hercastmates gave TV buffs some of the most memorable scenes in media history.

While on break from shooting A Different World, theaccomplished entertainer took roles in television movies, music videos, andfilms. Most notably, she appeared with her A Different World scenepartner, Hardison, in School Daze, and played the part of a mob moll in HarlemNights with Eddie Murphy. Guy even found the time to release a self-titled soloalbum in 1990.

After A Different World ended, Guy continued working consistentlyin television and film, including a long-term gig on Dead Like Me. Shealso reunited with Hardison in a recurring role on K.C. Undercover, inwhich he starred as Zendayas TV dad. Plus, Guy made TV magic in a 15-episode stintas SheilaGrams Bennett on The Vampire Diaries,followed by a stretch on The Quad, between working on other shows.

Readmore: From Dwayne Wayne to Zendayas TV Dad: Where is A Different WorldStar Kadeem Hardison Now?

Most recently, Guy reconnected on screen with Allen on GreysAnatomy. Allen helmed A Different World and occasionally guest-starredon the show as the therapist of Guys character. On the show, the ladies struckcomedy gold and popularized the therapeutic catch phrase, Relax. Relate. Release.

Aside from her acting work, Guy has used her influence to bring awareness to important social issues. She has shared post-vote photos to her Instagram account in an effort to encourage others to vote, and she has performed service projects for topics such as sex trafficking in the United States.

With over 75 creditsunder her belt, Guy continues to entertain. Her latest acting project is theBET original film, Open. In the drama, Essence Atkins and Keith Robinsonstar as a married couple exploring the concept of open marriage. Guy and MattCedeno appear in supporting roles. Open premiereson BET and BET HER Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

Readmore: Nina Dobrevs Role in Run This Town is Surprisingly Different ThanHer Role in The Vampire Diaries

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'Grey's Anatomy' actress Jasmine Guy is Tackling a New Role in BET's 'Open' - Showbiz Cheat Sheet