To work with Eddie Murphy on Coming to America was a paid vacation for me because Im an Eddie Murphy fan. To wit: The first time I saw this show was on my UPN (UPN Atlanta) and it currently airs weekdays at 11 PM. Much to the chagrin of the shows supporters, James Evans was killed during the height of Good Times popularity. Many wondered why the shows producers would make such a decision and, over the years, rumors surfaced that they and Amos could not reach an agreement in their contractual negotiations. Amos worked with Murphy on the 1988 classic Coming to America, in which he played Cleo McDowell, a businessman who owned a fast-food restaurant that too hilariously and closely resembled McDonalds. Actually I loved the intro and ending to each show; the painting at the end, the camera sky-views of Chicago, the theme music, the bike rider and citizens. It spawned some dy-no-mite catchphrases and On Good Times, she appears in 109 of the 133 episodes in Seasons 1 through 4 and then returns in Season 6 after Carl died of lung cancer at the end of Season 4, in the episode "Love Has a Spot on His Lung: Part 2", the season finale. Thank You!! "Good Times" was one of the first African American family sitcoms to air. I was very sadden when James Evans was killed in an auto accident,and that was the show's very best episode and an emotional one as well in what the family was going through without a father figure for the children,but they continued on with J.J. stepping from a kid into manhood and the fatherly role after John Amos' character left the show. These are my questions and comments. She starts to cry. This show was excellent. In conclusion, even though it can be seen on TV Land now, I strongly recommend you catch it just in case it goes off the air for good. Like The Jeffersons, Good Times was one of the those classic American sitcoms which was never aired in the UK, not to mention it came out in the 1970s- a decade where of which I wasn't born yet. This is not gonna work. I just didnt do it in the most diplomatic terms.. Stimulus Check Proposal Could Give Americans Monthly $1,200 Checks. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. Despite the story behind the scenes, this show was worth keeping on the air except I didn't like them killing off the father which I agreed with Esther Rolle who fought hard to keep the family together. But they don't dwell on it. WebJohn Amos discusses why he stopped doing Good Times - EMMYTVLEGENDS.ORG - YouTube 0:00 / 2:54 John Amos discusses why he stopped doing Good Times - Amos was a force to be reckoned with on the show, and apparently, because of his personality and the fact that he realized the show was making a coonery out of the family, he couldnt be a part of it any more. If Amos believed this, he was wrong. No. Just as Florida shockingly received notice that her husband had died, so, too, Amos received a call out of the blue that his character was no longer needed. PMC Entertainment. It was a ground breaking, memorable and well acted for a sitcom. In a new interview with STEVE HARVEYS STEVE IS DONE DAYTIME TALKER OFFICIALLY CANCELED, KENYA BARRIS ANNOUNCES FIRST NETFLIX SERIES (WITH RASHIDA JONES): BLACK EXCELLENCE, Blac Chyna Accused of Pulling Knife Hair Stylist who Defended Her Self with Soda Cans: Report, Polish Instagram Influencer Denies Accusations of Blackfishing for Clout, Gladys Knights Farewell Tour Continues This Summer in US. Im an Eddie Murphy fanatic. In an interview with the American Archive of Television, Amos discussed why he received the boot from the show: I felt that with two other younger children, one of whom aspired to become a Supreme Court justicethat would be Ralph Carter, or Michaeland the other, BernNadette Stanis she aspired to become a surgeon. Thank God for reruns! And Ive always contended, as some of my mentors taught me, the best way to get a message across to people is through humor.. You get to learn a lot about the hardships of life. The little brother "Michael" was Mr. Militant black pride. Good Times was originally great, thanks to John Amos. John Amos departure from Good Times appears to have much to do with his African-American cultural values. If you ask me, even though I like everyone, it would have been nice if everyone had stayed on the show throughout its entire run. We may earn a commission from links on this page. It made history as the first African American show with two parents and gathered a following of avid fans countrywide, so if Good Times had such a good reputation and following, why did one of the lead actors, John Amos, famous for playing James Evans Sr suddenly stop doing the show? Between the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping, Florida often squeezes in a part-time job to help stretch the family dollar, and she even returned to school to get her high school diploma. Most importantly it had a black family that stuck together through thick and thin. America and the world got to see what life could be like within a Black family on Good Times, Amos shares. I realize everyone has their own opinion, but, I don't know . Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. This is one of the few shows that became just as big as its presider's. Despite their many financial issues, Florida is the quintessential hostess and is possessed of a generous spirit. Some folks need bracing, as my uncle used to say. He worked hard. Christine Paduch, a teacher, is detained on suspicion of abusing a student with special needs. While Amos doesnt mention Walker or his character JJ, his fond recollections do include the late Esther Rolle. I don't know. The parental figures in "Good Times" didn't last the duration of the series. Micheal (the youngest of the Evans children) was always the militant of the family and always keeping the family together even after the mom(Florida played by Esther Rolle)had a emotional breakdown after James' funeral. Fans will forever remember how Florida Evans broke down in her kitchen and we can confidently say, most fans broke down with her. Not only is Florida the superwoman of the Evans household, but for many - including her good friend and neighbor, Willona - she's the superhero of her housing project on the North Side of Chicago. It's hard to say which one is my favorite. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most She did, however, make a return in Season 6 under one condition. Amos said he was shocked but not surprised, since he had already been labeled a disruptive element.. It is a crime that John Amos never received an Emmy nomination for his role on this show. I reflect back on that with very, very fond memories., One of Amos favorite moments from the movie is when he ad-libbed the line, I dont give a damn who you are. He was out of town, got hit by a car, and died. It's not an overly funny show, but does has some good hearty chuckle moments. When many people think about the most memorable Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 17C at 963 N.Gilbert Ave Housing Projects Chicago. I think the episode with the black Jesus was my favorite. As she was putting away dishes from the wake at their house, she saw a flower James had left her and kept working, she finally stopped and smashed a bowl on the kitchen floor as she swore and then broke down in tremendous grief over the loss of her husband. John said that was the last he heard from him for months, he never called back to check on him and even today, many fans can agree that after Mr. Evans death, This pocket Bluetooth printer lets you print your precious memories before they hit Instagram. That's when I got hooked!!! This funeral episode was excellent. As a young adult, she met her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, James Evans, Sr., and eventually married him. Yes, we are talking about the sitcom and his sudden departure. When "Good Times" premiered in 1974, it was one the first black family sitcoms. "Dynomite"! When and how did Janet Abelson die? Running from 1974 to 1979, Good Times followed the Evans family as they navigate the daily woes of life in addition to their own particular family dynamics and the hardships of poverty. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! Issa Rae and Shameik Moore Would Unalive Spiders Matthew Lawrence Shaquille ONeal Releasing New Hip-Hop Track to Celebrate NBA Playoffs, Elon Musk Announces Charging Option for Publishers on Twitter. Returning to the thrilling Good Times, in which John Amos stars as the main character, has astounded the audience. | During the daytime so people can actually stay up to watch. JJ is about to insult her, but he breaks down and tells her he'll miss her. Hey, its your dime, you made the call, Amos replied. In that way, Amos observes, Good Times and Roots had more in common than him. John, who was born in 1939, is now 82 years old. Whether or not, you live in the inner cities, ghettos, suburbs, or rural countryside, this show is still a treasure to watch and observe a family being just a family rather than a show about a poor black family. Roots? In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. Throughout those times, many African American families consisted of a single mom with numerous kids. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. The best episodes were the first few years with James Evans, the father. ),Bernadette Stanis(the teenage daughter Thelma),and Janet Jackson(who made her TV debut as Penny and also as Willona's daughter after she adopted her from a abusive stepmomvery touching episode),and Janet Dubois. My husband and I enjoy this movie so much, we began our wedding ceremony with quotes from this movie. By the way, did they ever make it out of the ghetto? Although the series continued without her for the fifth season, she returned to reprise her role as Florida in the show's final season, with the explanation that the shop owner whom she wed at the end of Season 4, Rolle's most memorable moment from the show is in the episode. I liked Good Times. Claim: Actor John Amos died from a heart attack on 28 December 2016. You have entered an incorrect email address! I remember when it came back on t.v. Metacritic Reviews. Her husband, James fought to get his family out of the ghetto, and he almost succeeded when he left Chicago to find a better job in his home State of Mississippi, and his family was scheduled to move to Mississippi with him, but while in Mississippi, James was killed in a car accident. We have a low bullst threshold in New Jersey. Created by Norman Lear as a spin off from "Maude" (Which itself was a spin off from "All In The Family"), the show focused on the Evans Family, consisting of Florida (Esther Rolle)and James (John Amos), the heads of the household, trying to survive in the projects of Chicago. Ester Rolle was handling the death all well untill the end. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); WHO WE AREThe news you want unfiltered.The Electronic Urban Report/EUR puts the most buzz worthy African American news at your fingertips. In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. 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An interesting comedy series about a poor black family trying to make ends meet and make a better life in the projects of Chicago. It could be more genuine, he thought. When Florida was pregnant with their third child, Michael, they moved to the North Side of Chicago in the Housing Projects. The lives and times of the Evans family living the projects of Chicago. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. They make The Jefferson's look really sickly rich. He reportedly left the show, after 3 seasons, because he disapproved of Jimmie Walker's character. John also revealed that he had shared creatively divergent ideas with the Good Times shows founders and producers. In an interview, Amos said that he felt the show was giving too much attention to one of his children on the show who was more interested in fooling around in a chicken hat when more emphasis could have been placed on his other two children who had ambitions of becoming a surgeon and Supreme Court Justice respectively. JJ wanted to be an artists. He claimed that the sitcoms creative team demanded his departure because they could not stand that. Which of his works do you like, if youre a fan? They struggle a lot since they reside in a low-income black Chicago area where nothing is simple. Q: I was wondering why networks dont show TV shows like Dynasty, Dallas, Knots Landing and L.A. Like most shows, it went on a little too long but for fans, each season has it's moments. JJ has to be the unlikeliest playa in the history of television but he always had a lot of girls, which is funny to me. Life for the Evans family is not easy, especially when trying to keep their 3 children on the straight and narrow. Did the actor and the cast have a falling out? There's no denying the shows impact, it still holds, after forty years. Good Times is a spin-off of a spin-off: this spun-off of Maude and Maude spun-off of All in the Family. I don't find it stereotypical or shuckin'/jivin' at all. 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The show revolves around a blue collar family, making the best of it, in the dangerous projects, where you should always pray the elevator doesn't break down. Although the producer wanted to get some words out of him, he didnt budge, he simply hung up and remained his same old recalcitrant self to the very end. This show, to me reflected on the good side of poverty. Dave Chappelle gets his message across but doesnt offend people who dont need to be offended, Amos opines. To receive additional updates, you can follow John on Instagram. Florida was the glue that kept the family together, Amos joyfully recalls. due to the scripts' lack of authenticity in portraying the African-American experience. . I certainly hope that the phrase "Kid Dynamite" will come back into common usage some day. 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. Good Times embraces the reality of what hard living in the ghetto is like, and what one must do, to overcome many hindrances, and the Evan's really have it tough. All posters in there rooms were black people, furniture pieces were African. They find humor and have strong family values and morals. Another Norman Lear hit detailing the problems that African Americans had to go through in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. Florida Evans (later Florida Evans-Dixon) is the protagonist of Good Times in Seasons 1-4 and 6. A movie career? WebRalph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Janet DuBois, John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Jimmie Walker in Good Times / Everett Collection. They had three kids: J.J., Thelma, and Michael. Amos, 80, recalls that one of the best perks of his West Wing tenure was meeting former Secretary of State Colin Powell. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then. Heres Everything We Know About Him. Issues such as gun control, teen pregnancy, v.d., gangs and teen suicide. They used to live in the South Side of Chicago in a cold water flat where they had their two oldest children, James "J.J." Evans, Jr. and Thelma. Then? A real true cut of reality, and it' cuts deep, which carries more weight, than many other black themed comedies, making this one especial, where the lives of the Evans, demand your attentiveness, as does the shows title song's lyrics. Actually, that was not the case as the show certainly lacked some personality after his exit and many viewers just could not cope with the void his absence left. Contract disputes? This is America, Jack. Thelma was an attractive, bright girl who was constantly trading insults with J.J. Michael was a near child prodigy who was well-educated on social issues and was destined to become a lawyer. He also states that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then and producers got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes.. Want to know why did John Amos leave Good Times? Actor John Amos died from a heart attack on 28 December 2016. On 28 December 2016, the web site Headline NewsNetwork published an article reporting that actor John Amos, best known for his role on the 1970s TV sitcom Good Times, had passed away from a heart attack at the age of 77: There was no truth to this article. External Reviews *If you are a fan of 70s sitcoms then you definitely enjoyed the show Good Times. The hilarious TV show aired in the mid 70s for 6 whole seasons before it ended. He stuck to his guns, and it eventually got him fired. So when I was being fed a line that was bullst, I wasnt apprehensive at all about saying, Uh-uh. I had the chance to portray a father on a situational comedy that so many Black fathers and men of all races could identify with and appreciate., Amos adds that up until that point, there had never been a complete Black family portrayed on television. Because of his strong beliefs, John Amos was fired from Good Times. Many other stars have faced similar situations with producers who simply want to be blindly obeyed, but with actors and actresses getting a stronger voice these days, we can only hope that the same fate that befell the character of Mr. James Evans, does not happen to some of our current unproblematic and beloved TV stars. When many people think about the most memorable moments in black television history, the first storyline to pop into their minds is when Florida Evans read a letter informing her that her husband, James Evans, had died. Man, I can't remember ever seeing a white guy in that show! J.J. was the skirt-chasing but well-meaning teenage son who made up for his lack of subtlety with artistic talent. During a trip to Mississippi, his character James Evans was fatally injured in a vehicle accident. It showed a Black family that had the same trials and tribulations as the rest of America, especially those who were financially challenged. Getting fired from Good Times is one of the best things that could have ever happened to John Amos. Get Updates About Stimulus Check 4 Expected Date Direct Deposit 2023, IRS Announces Possibility of Fourth Stimulus Check for Americans, Updates About Fed rate hike: All of Fed Chair Powells market-moving remarks following the rate hike, Who is Ivan Ardila-Perez? So apparently, from Amos standpoint, there was too much shucking and jiving on the show, and he didnt want to tolerate it any more. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. Especially without the original cast. Everytime Willona came in with"great news", she would informed them that she was just made the "head buyer" for the boutique. He loved his wife. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is one of my all time favorite shows. WebTrivia Esther Rolle's departure from the show during the 19771978 season, the reason why she left was because she was unhappy that the success of Jimmie Walker's character J.J. Evans took the show in what she thought was a frivolous direction. Most of the early episodes focused on the parents, James and Florida Evans, and their struggle to provide for the family. Headed by two parents who realized there own shortcomings (lack of education, money), but didn't they try to lead by example by teaching their kids values, strong work ethic and didn't they try to IMPROVE the lives of THEIR children? The 1970s represented a period of drastic changes in the TV landscape. Roots, inspired by late author Alex Haleys novel of the same name, drew a record 36.4 million viewers and remains one of the most watched television events of all time. Well, John Amos played the character of For instance: Every book report had to be about black history, every movie had to involve black people, every politition had to be black, the list went on and on. She and JJ have one last hassle. We may say that John did not want to leave the Good Times. This was a good show for the first three seasons. Damn! FAQ Tulsa Library Shooting: Two People Died, Others Injured At Convenience Store, Phoenix Bar Shooting, Several People Injured, How Did Elizabeth Santos Die? What many dont realize is that John Amos was just about as shocked as Florida when he learned that he was no longer on the show. His Now you say one more word about Lisa, and Ill break my foot off in your royal ass., I have to take credit for that. I would like to know why John Amos left the show, and how did he die off the show again? Dont Miss A Story. Esther Rolle's departure from the show during the 19771978 season, the reason why she left was because she was unhappy that the success of Jimmie Walker's character J.J. Evans took the show in what she thought was a frivolous direction. They didn't dwell on it. in 1985, where before then, it played in the late 70's. Well, John Amos played the character of James Evans. He was let go. John Amos Reveals How His Departure From 'Good Times' Went However, once John Amos left, the show was not the same and suffered as a result. And of course theres the scene when Florida had her breakdown in the kitchen, when she could no longer play strong in her time of mourning. Yet why? The acting veteran, whose credits also include Future Cop, Die Hard 2 and Two and a Half Men, says he feels relieved and proud that modern sitcoms such as black-ish, The Neighborhood and The Last O.G. But he did return to Good Times in a way in 2019, when he made a surprise appearance during a live re-creation of a Good Times episode on ABC. After decades of It was one of the most realistic shows ever about the black experience in America,and a product of 1970's TV culture of what the black family was going through. Yes, we are talking about the sitcom and his sudden departure. What do you want to hear first? Amos said Lear asked him. When Norman Lear who just dominated television in the 70s decided to give Rolle her own series, he took her character and moved them to the south side of Chicago where they lived in the projects. Whats your favorite John Amos role? He was tough, but loving and kind. (on which he guest-starred) have Black writers and showrunners. Why? Good Times Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. All guests were black people. Amos stated that during the shows hiatus, Lear called him. Web2 2.Why Esther Rolle Quit Good Times Heres Why YouTube; 3 3.45 Years Ago: Esther Rolle Takes a Stand by Leaving Good Times 4 4.John Amos Reveals How Departure From Good Times Went Down; 5 5.Did John Amos Leave Good Times Because of J.J. Evans? It concluded with Season 6, [] The show ended with Season 6, and recently, people have expressed concern about John Amos departure. I had to make a commitment, he said. It also dated politics, recession, wages, history. She is the beautiful mother of J.J., Thelma, and Michael Evans, and the widow of James Evans and Carl Dixon after the untimely death of James, who died in a automobile accident while preparing his family to move to Mississippi. No canned laughter, no music. This is the most memorable TV series that I saw in my youth and it left a strong impression on me. . Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now! Being a white guy from a white city, it was one of my first glimpses into black culture. His departure so soon caught everyone off guard. And last, but not least, Thelma, the older Sister to Michael, another seasoned performer. On the Maude series, the Findlays up there in Tuckahoe had a maid played by Esther Rolle named Florida Evans. The movie also reunited him with his Roots costar, the late Madge Sinclair, who played Bell, the wife of his character, adult Kunta Kinte. WebGood Times is an American television sitcom that aired for six seasons on CBS, from February 8, 1974, to August 1, 1979.Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by executive producer Norman Lear, it was television's first African American two-parent family sitcom. The Evans were a real family with real problems, but they also truly loved each other. I think the critics of this show miss the point of the show. Before leaving my own comments about the TV series GOOD TIMES, I feel that I simply MUST comment on the remarks of one Mr. Larry Wall. I love everything he does, and to work with him day after day, for such an extended period of time, was a blessing. The original lineup could've easily gone on a few more years. John Amos left the series immediately following the third season of Good Times. Amos thought that JJ was stereotyped as a stupid guy. It really suffered the year that Esther Rolle was off. Good Times was a groundbreaking comedy about the first nuclear black family living in the Chicago projects. Humperdink! You know a show is going downhill when they have to resort to bringing on a cute kid character. That wasnt very pleasant, as it was already said that he spoke those things in public when asked in an interview. In the season finale, Esther Rolle returned; did he do the same? As a stay-at-home mother, she's the super-glue that keeps the family together. And it made me laugh! Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude. He depicted a strong father figure-something likely missing in many people's lives.
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