Where Are They Now: The Cast of Good Times

America's first Black TV family on their 40th anniversary.

The Evans: TV's First Black Family - This week marks the 40th anniversary of the premiere of Good Times. The series, which aired for six seasons, introduced America to its first Black television family, unforgettable catch phrases and quotable classic episodes. Ain’t we lucky we’ve got ‘em? Yes indeed, we were all very lucky to have Good Times. Here's a look at where the cast is today.   (Photo: CBS)
John Amos - TV audiences first saw John Amos on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and later on Maude (as Henry Evans, but still the husband of Florida). But Amos made the biggest impact as television’s first Black TV dad, James Evans. Amos’ tough love, take-no-mess stern portrayal wasn’t regulated to his performance. His criticism of Good Times scripts and the overall direction of the series, plus his “disruptive” presence on set, led to his untimely firing from the sitcom in 1976. Amos has since starred on television in Roots, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The West Wing. He’s also appeared in such films as Let’s Do It Again, Coming to America, Die Hard 2 and Dr. Doolittle 3. (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Jimmie "J.J." Walker - Jimmie “J.J.” Walker's comedic antics, Dy-no-mite catchphrase and ultra slender physique as J.J. Evans made him the breakout star of the series. When the sitcom ended, Walker starred on short-lived series like At Ease and Bustin’ Loose but later made guest star appearances on George Lopez and Everybody Hates Chris. The comic, who worked as a radio host in the 1990s, continues to tour the country today as a standup. Walker released his autobiography, Dyn-o-mite! Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times — A Memoir in 2012. (Photo: WENN)Bern Nadette Stanis - TV’s first Black sex symbol kept busy in television long after she played Thelma Evans. Bern Nadette Stanis made guest appearances on What’s Happening Now!, The Cosby Show, The Wayans Bros. and Girlfriends. The married mom of two is also the author of two books, Situations 101: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and For Men Only. These days, via her website, Stanis gives fans an opportunity to chat with her by phone and she is also a spokesperson for the skin care line Jeunesse.  (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Next Gallery

12 Powerful Quotes from Black Women Athletes to Inspire Greatness

12 Photos

1 / 13

The Evans: TV's First Black Family - This week marks the 40th anniversary of the premiere of Good Times. The series, which aired for six seasons, introduced America to its first Black television family, unforgettable catch phrases and quotable classic episodes. Ain’t we lucky we’ve got ‘em? Yes indeed, we were all very lucky to have Good Times. Here's a look at where the cast is today.   (Photo: CBS)

ADVERTISEMENT