Arnold's best-known television role was Pamela James on Martin Lawrence's sitcom "Martin" (1992–1997). She also played the recurring role of Nicole Barnes on the sitcom "One on One". In 2000, she was reunited with Martin Lawrence in "Big Momma's House". In 2007, she again reunited with Lawrence (this time as his character's wife) in the big screen road comedy/buddy film "Wild Hogs". In 2003, she appeared in "Civil Brand". Arnold played the role of the matriarch, Rochelle, on the sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris" which premiered in September 2005 and ended in May 2009. In a departure from her known comedic roles, she played the title role in "The Lena Baker Story" (2008), which was about the first and only woman to be executed by the electric chair in Georgia.