Good Times Cast: Then & Now - What Happened To The Stars?

02 May, 2025

Ever wonder about the enduring impact of a television show that not only entertained but also sparked crucial conversations about race, class, and the American Dream? "Good Times," the groundbreaking sitcom that captivated audiences in the 1970s, remains a powerful testament to the struggles and triumphs of an African American family in Chicago.

The series, which graced the airwaves from February 8, 1974, to August 1, 1979, on CBS, was a cultural phenomenon. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and developed by the visionary Norman Lear, "Good Times" was more than just a sitcom; it was a mirror reflecting the realities of a community often overlooked by mainstream media. The show dared to tackle issues of poverty, prejudice, and social inequality with both humor and heart, cementing its legacy as a groundbreaking work of television.

The cast of "Good Times" became household names, their performances etched into the memories of millions. But where are they now? What became of the actors and actresses who brought the Evans family and their friends to life? Let's delve into the lives and careers of those who shaped this iconic series.

Actor/Actress	Character	Born	Died	Career Highlights	Current Status	Reference
Esther Rolle	Florida Evans	November 8, 1920	November 17, 1998	"Maude", "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"	Passed away in 1998 due to complications from diabetes.	IMDB
John Amos	James Evans Sr.	December 27, 1939	Living	"The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Roots", "Coming to America"	Continues to act, with recent roles in "The Ranch" and "MacGyver".	IMDB
Jimmie Walker	J.J. Evans	June 25, 1947	Living	Stand-up comedian, "Let's Stay Together", "The Bay"	Continues to perform stand-up comedy and act.	IMDB
Bern Nadette Stanis	Thelma Evans	December 22, 1953	Living	"Thelma" in "Good Times"	Continues to act and has written several books, including "Situations 101: Relationships, Self-Esteem & Self-Discovery".	IMDB
Ralph Carter	Michael Evans	May 30, 1961	Living	Broadway's "Raisin"	Focuses on theatre work, and music	IMDB
Ja'net Dubois	Willona Woods	August 5, 1948	February 18, 2020	"Roots: The Next Generations", "The PJs"	Passed away in 2020.	IMDB
Ben Powers	Keith Anderson	December 13, 1950	April 6, 2015	"Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In"	Passed away in 2015 due to cancer.	IMDB

The heart of "Good Times" was undoubtedly the Evans family. Esther Rolle, as the matriarch Florida Evans, delivered a performance that was both strong and vulnerable. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to keep her family afloat in the face of adversity resonated deeply with audiences. John Amos, as James Evans Sr., brought a different kind of strength, grounding the family with his working-class values and dedication. John Amos played the same role in the sitcom Maude before joining the cast of Good Times.

The comedic relief often came from Jimmie Walker as J.J. Evans, whose catchphrase, "Dyn-o-mite!" became a national sensation. J.J.'s artistic aspirations and his struggles with racism and poverty added another layer of complexity to the show's narrative. Bern Nadette Stanis, as Thelma Evans, provided a more grounded and level-headed presence, serving as the voice of reason and a loving sister. Ralph Carter, as Michael Evans, brought a youthful idealism and a passion for social justice to the family. The show was set in Chicago.

The show's themes were serious, but the writing managed to balance heavy topics with moments of humor and warmth. This was a reflection of life itself and it's what made the show so relatable.

The lives of the cast of "Good Times" have continued in varied and impactful ways. Ja'net Dubois, who played Willona Woods, went on to star in "Roots: The Next Generation" and guest starred on several shows like "The Facts of Life", "A Different World", "ER", and "The Wayans Bros." Dubois, along with the other cast members of good times, received the impact icon award at the 2006 TV Land Awards. In 2000, Dubois served as grand marshal for the north amityville community parade and festival day in amityville, new york. Dubois was an honorary member of the zeta phi beta sorority.

Ben Powers, who played Keith Anderson, died from cancer at the age of 64 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Bern Nadette Stanis (born Bernadette Stanislaus), is an American actress and author. Stanis is best known for her role as Thelma Evans, the only daughter of Florida and James Evans Sr., on the CBS sitcom "Good Times," which originally ran from 1974 to 1979.

The series was an offshoot of Lear's earlier comedy, Maudea spinoff of All in the Family. Jimmie Walker has continued to be a major presence in the comedy world, keeping audiences entertained through his stand-up performances and acting appearances. Thelma Evans (Bern Nadette Stanis) is one of three surviving members of the original cast to have appeared in every episode of the show.

The series was an American sitcom that originally aired from February 8, 1974, until August 1, 1979, on the CBS television network. The show's early episodes contain a notice in the credits: "\u201dRalph Carter appears courtesy of the Broadway musical Raisin.\u201d

The "Good Times" cast received the Impact Icon Award at the 2006 TV Land Awards, a testament to the show's enduring cultural significance. The actors, writers, and producers worked together to bring the characters to life in a way that the characters are still memorable today.

The legacy of "Good Times" extends far beyond its original run. It provided a platform for Black voices and stories, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of a community often marginalized in mainstream media. The show's impact continues to be felt today, with its themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream still resonating with audiences of all backgrounds.

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