Walker is best known for playing James Evans Jr. (called "J.J.") on the CBS sitcom "Good Times" from 1974 to 1979. I like food. He also said that he was against gay marriage on moral grounds, but believed its legalization should be passed, stating it was not worth fighting against. Jimmie went on to reprise the role of JJ in all of the CBS shows 6 seasons and 133 episodes, which earned him an estimated $100,000 at the time, or about $500,000 adjusted for inflation. He has a keen interest in education and loves to write kids friendly content. Norman Lear didn't want to do it -- the "Dyn-o-mite!" Good Times is still a CLASSIC though. [9], This article is about the American actor and stand-up comedian. Because she laid out her side of whatever so much, that the writer said Weve got to do something to get her off our backs.. "There's like $2000 on this. So, it comes as no surprise that the show made millions of dollars. Jimmie 'JJ' Walker. Amos left the show prematurely, and Walker feels that he never appreciated the value of Good Times. You keep your illicit mind off of that, and you never, ever bring that up again.'". Thats just sad and wrong on SO many levels. The show gave people what they wanted. In the 1980s, Walker appeared in a number of films, including Airplane!, The Jerk, and For the Boys. All was not what it seemed on the set of Good Times. Walkers salary increased significantly over the course of the shows run, as did his popularity. The festival's regular admission tickets are $30 per day for adults and free for children under the age of ten. For six seasons, actor and comedian Jimmie Walker won hearts on the '70s CBS series, "Good Times," featuring as the comedy center, JJ Evans. While he worked as a vendor at the 'Yankee Stadium' at one point, he later began working at the WRVR Radio. Years ago, you could go on Johnny Carson, you could be a star and celebrity. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The father, James Evans, was a widower who worked as a janitor to support his family. Walker portrayed James Evans Jr. ("J.J."), the older son of Florida and James Evans Sr., on the CBS television series Good Times, which ran from 1974 to 1979, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1975 and 1976 for his role. After nearly a decade of focusing on radio and stand up comedy, Walker made his return to acting in the 2019 television specials Live in Front of a Studio Audience. "When people remember something that you did," said Walker, "that's a good thing.". He was recently interviewed by the Television Academy, and his insights about Good Times and his castmates are eye-opening. While we all know good things dont always last forever, it appears Jimmie Walker believes Good Times actually could have lasted a bit longer than it did. He wanted to make a career in radio and pursued radio engineering. "People think . Jimmie Walker is known for being one of the funniest stand-up comedians to emerge from the 1970s. Currently, he still draws big crowds for his stand-up comedy shows and continues to entertain audiences all these years later. Good Timeswas intended to be a comedy but was also based on real-life struggles with a serious side. Jimmie Walker Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements And I think it was just this show, this situation, that was against anything and everything he believed in. Good Times, while it was rarely out of the top 20 and spent a lot of time in the top 10, became an agony to produce, Lear wrote. Dissatisfaction led Amos (before Rolle), to leave the show, making Walker the star of the show. Jimmie went on to discuss the downward spiral of the hit sitcom. As wisecracking J.J. Evans on the hit 1970s sitcom Good Times, Jimmie Walker swept the nation with his catchphrase "Dyn-o-mite!" But in his mind, he never became a superstar. In creator Norman Lear's pioneering show, Walker played J.J. Evans, the . When Leno took over, there were no comics. Comedian Jimmie Walker didn't initially take his dyn-o-mite role as James "J.J." Evans in "Good Times" seriously. Jimmie Walker Net Worth - Wealthy Genius Jimmie J.J. Walker is probably best knwn as the the rubber-faced comedian who made famous the catchphrase dyn-o-mite! on the popular 1970s sitcom Good Times., {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type": "Question", "name": "Did Jimmie JJ Walker Pass Away? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We believe that family edutainment should be engaging, inspiring and always on trend so that every member of the family can benefit from it! The actor's command on stage and his charisma led to his casting in " Good Times " at the age of 26, but it also laid the foundation for comedic . I'm a populist. Walker told Lear he would bet him that it would work. Shes not a h-e. You keep your illicit mind off of that and never bring that up again They came down so hard on me.. So, how much did Jimmie Walker make per episode of Good Times? Sometimes, the people you work with feel like a family, and sometimes they really don't. 'Good Times' Jimmie Walker to Guest Star on The Bold and the Beautiful Showbiz, I will tell you, is like climbing a greasy pole. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jimmie Walkers net worth is $8 million. How many times can Morgan Freeman play the president? Photos Courtesy of Jimmie Walker. Norman Lear and John Amos came to me and said How dare you put our girl in a position like that? he recalled. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Florida's 2nd husband on Good Times, Carl Dixon, succumbed to lung cancer and is referenced briefly in Season 6. Were not doing it.'. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Walker was born in The Bronx, New York City, on June 25, 1947. James Carter Walker Jr. (born June 25, 1947) is an American actor and comedian. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Flo left Good Times beause she was unhappy with the direction the show was going in. He doesn't get tired of "dyn-o-mite!" Jimmie Walker, a well-known actor, was recently the subject of death rumors. Here's Where Jimmie Walker from the 'Good Times' Show Is Now 72-year-old Jimmie, who has never been married or had kids, has been rumored to be dating Ann Coulter, although the two have vehemently denied it. As Good Times progressed, more recurring actors were added to the cast. Jun 26, 2019 04:46 P.M. Best known as "Dynomite!". The one-worded line drove the Good Times studio audience wild with laughter, but the same could not be said for Walkers cast mates, particularly Esther Rolle and John Amos who played his parents Florida and James Evans. Jimmie Walker is an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as J.J. Evans on the CBS sitcom Good Times. After winning the settlement, Monte decided to invest his money in other projects. Walker can be seen discussing the process of transitioning from stand-up to sitcom in the latest episode of Pioneers Of Television, premiering this week on PBS. His breakthrough came in 1973, with his first national TV appearance, on ABC's Jack Paar Tonight. He not only mirrored the role of Norton, he added his own urban twist. He is played by Jimmie Walker and is now in his 70s. My time was very powerful, and I guess it left a dramatic influence." But, despite his obvious talent, unfortunately, he wasnt compensated properly. In fact, for the first time ever, Good Times star, Jimmie Walker a.k.a. All the shows go quietly, like a 'Mike and Molly.' The ethnic is always the smartest person on the show, the police chief, or the principal, or the president. He's also promoting his book, DYN-O-MITE! While in his element as the broadly strutting, gleamy-toothed J.J. Evans of the popular urban-styled sitcom Good Times (1974), Jimmie Walker lived the extremely good life. For the mayor of New York 19261932, see, "30 years after 'J.J.,' Walker still draws laughs", "Jimmie 'J.J.' They greenlit a number of shows that featured African American characters and stories, including Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Maude. The 1970s were the years of television comedies with memorable catchphrases. I said, Vito, when this cognac thing comes, warm me up, baby. We go up to eat, he said. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "According to Celebrity Net Worth, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) is worth $100 million. Following the series' demise, however, reality again checked in. Walker: "You Won't See Another Ethnic Cast", Walker said that there are no sitcoms involving an all-black cast on American television because "an ethnic cast creates too many problems.". target_type: 'mix' In 2010, Walker made a cameo appearance in the movie Big Money Rustlas. Jimmie Walker is an American actor and comedian best known for his role as James Evans Jr., or J.J., on the CBS television sitcom Good Times, which ran from 1974 to 1979. After the show ended, he struggled to find steady work and was even homeless for a time. As the character JJ Evans on Good Times, famous for dropping the catchphrase "Dyn-O-Mite!," actor and standup comedian Jimmie Walker became one of the best-loved sitcom stars in the mid-'70s. Are Comedian Jimmie Walker's Unexpected Death Rumors True? Dad is now the dumb guy - everyone ethnic has a great intellect. Good times -- and bad - Chicago Tribune He attended the Theodor Roosevelt High School in his hometown and began acting during his early years. These people, anytime you said anything, they get crazy, they get upset. He also appeared on the 1990 revival of Match Game and various game shows during that era. On camera, it was hard to tell they werent really a close-knit family, but behind closed doors, the actors dynamic was anything but typical. The rumors of Jimmie Walker's death started a few weeks ago in a video posted on the YouTube channel Celeb TV on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Shows like Good Timesgave white America a glimpse into the inner workings of the African American family. I asked about Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, and Whats Happening. They said, nothing.'. This is likely because of the difference in their characters on the show. Episode: "If Your Number's Up, Get It Down" (S3:E3), Episode: "The Beautiful Skeptic/The Lost Platoon" (S6:E6), Episode: Season 4 Episode 20 The Flip Side, Episodes: "My Bad" (S 1:Ep 6), and "My Blind Date" (S1:E12), Episode: Dubya, Dad, and Dating (Part 1) (S3: E1), Episodes: "Everybody Hates Funerals" (S1:E14), "Everybody Hates Gambling" (S2:E19), and "Everybody Hates the Port Authority" (S3:E11), This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 04:12. Hes even had cameos on popular shows like Magnum P.I. Thats right, Jimmie Walker has guest-starred on some of televisions most beloved programs. The Inspirational Legacy of Author Margarita Engle, Sphynx Kittens: Hairless Cats with a Distinctive Look, Elusive Margay: A Look into Its Habits and Characteristics, Exploring the Animals of the Mesozoic Era. It was too tough for him to make that transition -- he had to, because the gay community is such a loud constituency. In the past, Celeb TV has spread death rumours about celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Jamie Foxx, Shaquille O'Neal, and others. Aside from guest appearances, he starred in the short-lived television series At Ease in 1983 and Bustin' Loose[7] in 1987. It was interesting to note that at the time, many white families had no idea that family is family and that we all have the same struggles. Believe me when I tell you I am lucky to be able to get a laugh here and there in America, And that's a constant fight. The most obvious candidate is the shows creator and executive producer, Norman Lear. Without JaNet, I dont think Janet Jackson wouldve ever gotten on our show, said Walker. This is an entertainmentwebsite with estimated net worths and opinions about various people who we consider genius. As a young man, Walker was a vendor at Yankee Stadium, starting with the 1964 World Series. "The success of a comic is related to how successful he can deal with the audience," said Walker. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If you said at that time Call Esther and ask her about [something], I wouldnt even have her number, he added. I couldnt have called John. With his signature catchphrase "Dyn-o-mite," Jimmie Walker was the breakthrough star of the 1970s sitcom Good Times.. He used the funds to promote his playIf They Ever Come Back. However, things didnt go according to plan because the publics response was nothing like he expected. People are going back to college and getting other credentials. Lear is responsible for many of televisions most groundbreaking and popular shows, including All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and The Jeffersons. : Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times -- A Memoir. He reported that there was no camaraderie, personal friendships, or even casual relationships, off set. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqIUedSr0LI, The Midnight Special More 1975 - 24 - (Bonus) Stand Up Comedy - Jimmie Walker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqIUedSr0LI), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5rKZs6HnB4, Jimmie Walker as J. J. on GOOD TIMES (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5rKZs6HnB4), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUDXGnN5fTM, American Bandstand 1974- Interview Jimmie Walker (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUDXGnN5fTM). In recent years, Walker has made headlines for his financial troubles. I dont live for it. While we all know good things don't always last forever, it appears Jimmie Walker believes Good Times actually could have lasted a bit longer than it did. He believed in the Pan-African movement. During the show's run, Walker was one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning $350,000 per episode. He said that she was not his friend and that they had no relationship. I'm not going to go work at a car factory one day making pistons. I do accept it. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. No bitchin'. Presently, he continues to make sporadic appearances on television and tour the world with his stand up comedy troupe. He said: Walker shared the same screenshot with a new caption in which he stated that he was fine and had no idea where the news was coming from. Hes played himself on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and appeared on an episode of The Love Boat. The actor gave Lear kudos for admitting at the casts meal together after the show that he had been in the wrong and for validating Walker in front of the cast and crew. Both Rolle and Amos eventually left the program on less than friendly terms. and Miami Vice! That was our antithesis, a doctor, a wealthy family, clean living, and there was all of the same criticism. Jimmie Walker on Relationship between 'Good Times' Co - AmoMama Little choices become big fruitions. Advertisement. Advertisement. He never been a problem on any other show.. In one instance, Jimmie Walker who portrayed viewer favorite J.J. Evans had a gut feeling about a line in a show script that Lear vehemently was against. He started performing as a stand-up . popular urban-styled sitcom, - IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net, Was 26 years old when he started playing teenager J.J. Evans on, He revealed that he did not have a very good relationship with, As of 2017, he has never been married nor had any children. These include such luminaries as Jimmie Walker, John Amos, and Esther Rolle. Walker appeared on The Tonight Show and Match Game during the 1970s and early 1980s. According to one star, they were neer friends. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) is worth $100 million. Richard Karn, Debbe Dunning, Ryan Hurst, Mark Boone Jr., Michael Irby, Greg Evigan, Allan Kayser, Gregg Binkley, Duane "Dog" Chapman, and Ernie "Turtleman" Brown Jr. will all make appearances at the concert. All Rights Reserved. During a previous interview with Soul Train, Monte revealed he had to take legal action to be compensated for Good Times. In 1977, he filed a lawsuit due to contract discrepancies with the show. However, he eventually managed to get back on his feet and has since enjoyed a successful comedy career. Since that decade, he has been consistently working as a radio host and personality for the stations WHIO, WLS, WOAI, and KKAR. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'ecD-qY8tSqRi3RVF6pIzmA',sig:'WLX0uLA-wmqbJ_KkOcPVzOxT_bsVrYenT-5X11zN1pk=',w:'420px',h:'594px',items:'865192146',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); Back in the day, when Good Times dominated television, many fans probably thought the Evans family dynamic was pretty typical. Nothing that we say constitutes fact. From 1974 to 1979, he was condemned for anything from being "too black for television" to later being faulted for, he said, "cooning it up.". placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. See details below, With his contributions toGood Times,Whats Happening, The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son, The Cosby Show, and the classic movie, Cooley High,Montes talent definitely speaks for itself. What I live for is: undefined. Only on the set We never did anything together., Jimmie went on to discuss the downward spiral of the hit sitcom. "She didn't have a lot to do on the show," Walker recalls, "but everywhere I went, guys would go, 'Man, is that Thelma gorgeous." Well damn, didnt know it was like THAT! Walker is best known for portraying James Evans Jr., the oldest son of Florida and James Evans Sr. Exploring Tom and Jerrys Iconic Characters: From Tom to Toots! We want him here in Chicago, said Dunkin. J.J. Evans was a carefree, fun-loving teenager while Florida Evans was a hardworking, no-nonsense mother. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Jimmie Walker Once Got Candid about Impact of 'Good Times' on - AmoMama I grew up in the 70s looking at that show. After the show ended, Walker continued to work as a stand-up comedian and appeared in several films and television shows. "He was legitimate. VIP passes are $150, and there will be food available at the location. Florida's 2nd husband on Good Times, Carl Dixon, succumbed to lung cancer and is referenced briefly in Season 6. And I will give Jimmie Walker credit where I will never doubt his energy-of-the-moment philosophies again.. If you remember the show, it was about the Evanses, a tight-knit, African American family struggling to make ends meet and get by in this world. He soon caught the attention of producers Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, who cast him in Good Times. In 2012, he released his first book the autobiography Dynomite: Good, Bad, Our Times. While in his "Good Times" is now considered one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Walker recalls working with certain white TV actresses of the day -- Heather Thomas of. But it worked tonight. For some people, though, the Stephen Colbert niche doesn't work at all. Walker is most famous for playing James Evans Jr. ("J.J.") on the CBS sitcom "Good Times". He was recently interviewed by the Television Academy, and his insights about Good Times and his castmates are eye-opening. The rumors started after CelebTV posted a video on YouTube. The 71-year-old threw some serious shade at his former cast mates, John Amos, who played his father James Evans, Esther Rolle, who played his mother, Michael and Thelma played by Ralph Carter and Bern Nadette . slang. However, he is never mentioned again and Florida continues to use the surname Evans instead of Dixon. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The festival will feature appearances from the Dukes of Hazzard cast members alongside guest celebrities, concerts, comedy, wrestling, car show, and more. If they are not laughing, I know that it's not good -- the material. Is Jimmie Walker from Good Times alive? I dont live for it. Total kill monster line., Rob Reiner on His Infamous All in the Family Nickname I Could Win the Nobel Prize, Theyll Say, Meathead Wins Nobel. Yorkm River, 1994. Even before the shows conclusion in August 1979, he worked and performed for other projects such as Tony Orlando and Dawn, and Bob Hope television specials. Despite all of their challenges, the family always stuck together and looked out for each other. Tormund Giantsbane: The Wildling Who Cheated Death, Using Betadine to Keep Your Dogs Skin Healthy, The Dark Side of Wealth: Examining the Cruel Character of Tom Buchanan. James Carter Walker Jr. (born June 25, 1947) is an American actor and comedian. Home Entertainment 14 Facts About Jimmie Walker. From what Jimmie Walker said, it seems that he and Esther Rolle did not get along. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; The video comments section has been disabled. "They came to me and said 'How dare you put our girl in a position like that. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Who Said Dy No Mite? Walker credits producer/director John Rich for inventing "Dyn-o-mite!" He was the star of the show and made a lot of money from syndication. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "From what Jimmie Walker said, it seems that he and Esther Rolle did not get along. So be sure to check out his many appearances on your favorite TV shows! It was, Alright, my dear, Ill see you at the Kool and the Gang concert on Friday night, que sera sera, bon ami, and cognac. In addition to the failed project, it was widely reported by various media outlets, that Monte ended up suffering bouts with crack cocaine abuse back in the day and had no choice but to file bankruptcy due to the lack of earnings from his show creations. The public wanted him that way and the role just got bigger. Although Jimmie Walker may have been left with a bad taste in his mouth surrounding his days onGood Times, it certainly jump-started his career. Walker was one of the highest paid actors on television at the time. Walker was nominated for Golden Globe awards Best Supporting Actor In A Television Series in 1975 and 1976 for his role. The show ran for six seasons and made Walker a household name. Walker recalls working with certain white TV actresses of the day -- Heather Thomas of The Fall Guy, and Farrah Fawcett of Charlie's Angels -- who'd boosted their fame with pinup posters. His next book, "Sentiment and Sediment: 21 Poems," will be available in the summer 2017. In 2012, Walker's autobiography, Dyn-o-mite! -- and he doesn't view it as a pejorative, or as an insult, or anything off-putting. To Jimmie, it seemed as if Good Times wasnt good enough for the rising actor. He always has to be the smartest person, the owner of the corporation, or the best in school. While Jimmie and John Amos have a better relationship now, headmits things werent so great when the show was at its popularity peak. Despite his financial difficulties, Walker continues to perform stand-up comedy and makes occasional appearances on television. "I've been a comic for 45 plus years. That is how it was. Before, after, and during Good Times, John Amos was the most famous actor in the group. What Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled? That was our building.. While in his element as the broadly strutting, gleamy-toothed J.J. Evans of the popular urban-styled sitcom Good Times (1974), Jimmie Walker lived the extremely good life. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jimmie Walker from Good Times is worth $800 thousand. Frankly, they hated it.. At 66, Walker has not only chilled out, but he has conservatized. As much as the young actor was pulling in the ratings and audience for the comedy, his two co-stars simply could not bear him, and Lear stated that this friction made the set a difficult place to work. Wealthy Genius. Lear wrote in his memoir Even This I Get to Experience that if it wasnt one thing with some of the shows cast, it was another. We've all had good jobs and bad. In retrospect, he is humbled by his association with Lear and the director's approach of showcasing a black family facing deep-seeded problems in inner-city Chicago. Be the first one to comment on this story. In the 1990s, he reprised his role as J.J. Evans in a series of commercials for BET. The mother, Florida Evans, was a housewife who cared for their three children. Lear proved he was teachable and never again questioned Walkers energy of the moment hunches. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Theres like $2000 on this cognac line, Walker said. He said that she was not his friend and that they had no relationship. He is played by Jimmie Walker and is now in his 70s. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. "As soon as I was done filming, I'd go out to perform at a comedy club, do my show. Walker's big break came in 1974 when he was cast as J.J. Evans on the hit sitcom Good Times. Walker's catchphrase Dy-no-mite! became a nationally known slogan in the 1970s. So Im there and Im just sitting around, you know., Walker described the words J.J. used to pursue the young lady: You know, Eiffel Tower, beret, trying to do my French thing, trying to get in there., At the end of his romantic discourse, Walker said, I come up with a thing and I loved it. In addition to gaining mainstream recognition and a few Golden Globe nominations, he also created his popular catchphrase Dy no mite, which has been used on many television commercials and ads ever since. No. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Your login session has expired. But Jimmie Walker is, well, an unconventional sort of pioneer. During 1975 Walker was also a weekend personality on contemporary R&B music station KAGB 103.9 FM licensed to Inglewood in the Los Angeles market. Attempts to sell a self-published book drained the last of his savings. Walker, who was cast as "J.J." without an audition based on his comedy act, said that he has still never watched a full episode of the series. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin and currently resides in Anaheim, California, Emmanuel Lewis 13 Facts About His Career And Life, 12 Interesting Facts About Caitlin McHugh Family & Career, Embeth Davidtz 12 Facts About Her Biography & Movies, 11 Facts About Balthazar Getty Life, Career, Family, Bart Freundlich 10 Facts About Julianne Moores Husband, 14 Facts About Brandi Cyrus Miley Cyrus Half Sister. Unfortunately, the stage play flopped. No way. He played the role on the CBS television series Good Times, which ran from 1974 to 1979. Jimmie Walker Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth Walkers career began in the early 1960s when he started performing stand-up comedy in New York City. Jimmie went on to offer an example of how real the gap was between him and his co-stars. Thelma Evans net worth is $6 million.