What singer once played Willis' girlfriend on the U.S. TV show "Diff'rent Strokes"?

In a recurring role on "Diff'rent Strokes" (1978-1986), Janet Jackson played the character of Charlene Duprey. On seasons three to six, Janet portrayed the girlfriend of Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges). Willis along with his brother Arnold (Gary Coleman) were two boys from Harlem, New York that were taken in by a rich compassionate Park Avenue businessman. The young boys lived with the widower named Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) and his daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato). The deceased mother of Willis and Arnold had previously worked in the household of Mr. Drummond and Kimberly. She had been more than a mere employee; she had been a very close confidant according to Mr. Drummond.

"Diff'rent Strokes" was a television sitcom series that ran on the United States NBC network until 1985. It appeared for one more year on the United States ABC network from 1985 until 1986.