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. Dave Chappelle gets his message across but doesnt offend people who dont need to be offended, Amos opines. Some folks need bracing, as my uncle used to say. Good Times Esther Rolle and John Amos on set of Good Times Ms. Rolle was finally fed ALL the way up with the coonery: In 1977 Esther walked out of the still high-rated Good Times series because she felt the popular character J.J., played by Jimmy Walker, was tailored into a buffoon. why did It concluded with Season 6, [] Floridas Damn, damn, damn is still relevant in todays pop culture and memes. Seems to me when at least one parent was in the home, children were a bit more manageable. 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. In 85, my second best year, I begin to take notice of it, where recently it has come back on the new channel 76 Flix, like Benson has. 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. But Good Times corrected that imagery with its crazy teenage kids, a studious son Michael, as portrayed by Ralph Carter, and a beautiful young daughter with unlimited mental potential, as portrayed by BernNadette Stanis as Thelma.. As a stay-at-home mother, she's the super-glue that keeps the family together. 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. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. I had innumerable arguments with the writers on the set in regards to my characters demeanor, or what he would say in certain given situations. Having recently watched a few episodes, I was happy to see that it still holds up after all these years. Will Downing on New Song Following Daughters Suicide, Advice to Parents, TikTok Food Critic Regrets Houston Hot Chicken Review | Watch, Issa Rae and Shameik Moore Would Unalive Spiders Matthew Lawrence Opens Up About Hollywood Casting Couch & More | PicVideos. Some of the people who star in the series like cast regulars Jimmie Walker(J.J. That wasnt very pleasant, as it was already said that he spoke those things in public when asked in an interview. Contract disputes? Ive had a blessed career, and I attribute that to my faith in God and the fact that I was raised right. Everybody had afros, went rollerskating, danced around a disco, and had platform shoes. We Publish News 24/7. Florida Evans These are my questions and comments. After three seasons of fighting with executive producer Norman Lear and the CBS sitcoms white writers about the stereotypical Black portrayals and dialogue the show perpetuated, particularly when it came to star Jimmie Walker, Amos contract to play patriarch James Evans wasnt renewed at the end of Season 3 in 1976 and his character was killed off. I love everything he does, and to work with him day after day, for such an extended period of time, was a blessing. "Movin' On Up" for The Jeffersons, of course. Common, Chicago wasn't all black! They find humor and have strong family values and morals. Some may find that chauvinistic by today's standards, but, I'm not so sure about that. We all loved JJ's dynamite and his antics. It was great. Claim: Actor John Amos died from a heart attack on 28 December 2016. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most 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. Florida was the glue that kept the family together, Amos joyfully recalls. Yes, we are referring to the sitcom and his unexpected exit. They were terrific actors and had great chemistry as James and Florida Evans. Returning to the thrilling Good Times, in which John Amos stars as the main character, has astounded the audience. He depicted a strong father figure-something likely missing in many people's lives. Aids wiped him out not long ago. The way he was written out of the show was very abrupt. Want to know why did John Amos leave Good Times? We all know that happened throughout the decade, but Good Times revolved around the 70's style. 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. How did things turn out for John Amos in the movie Good Times? Yet why? Despite the fact that I've never seen every episode, I still enjoy it. Here are the explanations for John Amos departure from Good Times. What do you want to hear first? Amos said Lear asked him. She had the authority to discuss the plot in more detail. 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. It centered on the poor Chicago-based Evans family and their struggles to make ends meet. Good Times WebRalph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Janet DuBois, John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Jimmie Walker in Good Times / Everett Collection. An explanation of the cause of death of the former mayor of EL Cerrito, California, Gut-wrenching: Rep. Quentin Williams, a rising political star, killed in wrong-way accident. Also, I really love the theme song. 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. We have a low bullst threshold in New Jersey. John Amos left the series immediately following the third season of Good Times. When many people think about the most memorable They argued all the time, but they loved the hell out of each other. Famous words by Jimmie Walker as JJ the breakout character and due to providing over in very bad role model for African-American teens there led both the parents on the TV show, the late Esther Rolle and John Amos to leave the show with the latter's character dying in a car wreck. Humperdink! To work with Eddie Murphy on Coming to America was a paid vacation for me because Im an Eddie Murphy fan. Amos Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson in Chicago: We do not support that behavior.. 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. I don't find it stereotypical or shuckin'/jivin' at all. A great show! Why did James(John Amos) leave the show? Which of his works do you like, if youre a fan? And Ive always contended, as some of my mentors taught me, the best way to get a message across to people is through humor.. Classic episodes include the unfortunate death of James Evans and the one where Penny falls down the elevator shaft. I'm getting emotional, too! I certainly hope that the phrase "Kid Dynamite" will come back into common usage some day. 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. I'm sure a lot of even the most liberal thinking people have no conception of the fact that the help which was what Florida was go home to a whole different world. You get to learn a lot about the hardships of life. due to the scripts' lack of authenticity in portraying the African-American experience. But Amos adds that he wants the course correction to keep going. Did the actor and the cast have a falling out? Good Times focuses on Florida and Jamess efforts to raise their three children in the best possible ways. I first saw the reruns once our local WB affiliate took off the weekday morning reruns of Happy Days and began airing this instead. Being a white guy from a white city, it was one of my first glimpses into black culture. According to rumours, Good Times emphasises the dynamics of African-American households. 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. Devastated, the now-widowed Florida had to support herself and their three children alone. 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. He also states that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then and producers got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes.. No. J.J. was the skirt-chasing but well-meaning teenage son who made up for his lack of subtlety with artistic talent. 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, "GOOD TIMES," in my opinion, is a must-see CBS hit! Norman Lear While Amos doesnt mention Walker or his character JJ, his fond recollections do include the late Esther Rolle. John, who was born in 1939, is now 82 years old. Why? Issues such as gun control, teen pregnancy, v.d., gangs and teen suicide. That's when I got hooked!!! 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. He referred to himself as the disruptive element as well. They make The Jefferson's look really sickly rich. In any case, James Evans was portrayed by John Amos. Christine Paduch, a teacher, is detained on suspicion of abusing a student with special needs. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Is Our TV Pick Of The Week, Small Town Horror Story: The Racist Attack Of A FedEx Worker. 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 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. Most importantly it had a black family that stuck together through thick and thin. With her stern, but loving disposition, Florida does her best to to give her often unemployed husband emotional support and be a good mother and role model for their three children. These were the words the producers used to describe John, as opinionated and troublesome as he was for them, they believed they didnt need such a person on set, so Mr. Evans died and in real life, John Amos discovered just how unimportant he was. Throughout those times, many African American families consisted of a single mom with numerous kids. John Amos on Why He was Killed Off of Good Times - EURweb Great show early but suffered a decline in quality in later seasons, Good Times Early On, But Faded In the End, Good Times- Weren't We Lucky We Had Them & This Show ?****. There were a lot of behind the scenes issues, which led to cast members leaving the show. America and the world got to see what life could be like within a Black family on Good Times, Amos shares. Looking back on both experiences, just before Black History Month comes to a close, Amos says hes proud he was a part of both small-screen offerings because their historical impacts can still be felt today. Has Tension risen Between President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris? In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. Thelma, a dancer. The show lost something when Amos left, but the others were good enough to keep it going. When questioned about it, John Amos responded that the reason for his departure was that Good Times higher-ups informed him that his contributions were no longer required at the time. It's hard to say which one is my favorite. John Amos Says He Was Kicked Off 'Good Times' Because He Didn't Agree With The Shucking And Jiving. 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. This series is not only entertaining but instructive at the same time. He also adds that two of his favorite comedians Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle are able to use humor to communicate in a way he wishes he could have at their age. What happened? James tried to work several jobs, just so Florida could stay home and tend to the needs of the house/family. Good Times is a spin-off of Maude, which itself is a spin-off of All in the Family, arguably This is the most memorable TV series that I saw in my youth and it left a strong impression on me. John Amos left the series immediately following the third season of Good Times. I don't know. Regarding John Amos, he has acted in many movies and TV shows, including Me Time, Maude, Shadowboxing, The Ranch, All About The Andersons, The Righteous Gemstones, and many others. John Amos Says He Was Kicked Off Good Times Because He Didn In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. The movie also reunited him with his Roots costar, the late Madge Sinclair, who played Bell, the wife of his character, adult Kunta Kinte. Good Times Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 17C at 963 N.Gilbert Ave Housing Projects Chicago. 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. 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. 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. 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. And with Roots, I dont think any of us involved in the production, particularly the network, were aware audiences would tune in to the extent that they did.. Esther Rolle has played her role of her. Good Times was a groundbreaking comedy about the first nuclear black family living in the Chicago projects. If you got past all the stereotypes, you would notice that many of the episodes discussed issues that are just as relevant today as they were back then. Yes, we are talking about the sitcom and his sudden departure. | To wit: The first time I saw this show was on my UPN (UPN Atlanta) and it currently airs weekdays at 11 PM. So apparently, from Amos standpoint, there was too much shucking and jiving on the show, and he didnt want to tolerate it any more. I wish they would bring the show back. It could be more genuine, he thought. But despite all the fights behind the scenes, Good Times was a show about a family. Yet why? John Amos and Esther Rolle were the best part of the show. The explanation for John Amos dismissal from Good Times is revealed. I remember when it came back on t.v. John Amos discusses why he stopped doing Good Times - YouTube Id want to send John Amos my warmest wishes for the remainder of his days. It's not an overly funny show, but does has some good hearty chuckle moments. 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. Life for the Evans family is not easy, especially when trying to keep their 3 children on the straight and narrow. He claimed that the sitcoms creative team demanded his departure because they could not stand that. The lives and times of the Evans family living the projects of Chicago. J.J. (the eldest brother) was the tall comic relief in this show, and always fought with his sister Thelma (the curvacious beauty). The little brother "Michael" was Mr. Militant black pride. John Amos looks back at The Mary Tyler Moore Show I would like to know why John Amos left the show, and how did he die off the show again? However, once John Amos left, the show was not the same and suffered as a result. The actor was never afraid to express his thoughts on writing. Getting fired from Good Times is one of the best things that could have ever happened to John Amos. That theme got a little over done at times, but it was the 70's and blacks were still seeking equality. John Amos He stuck to his guns, and it eventually got him fired. John Amos Says He Was Kicked Off 'Good Times' Because He Didn't Agree With The Shucking And Jiving John Amos Explains Why He Was Kicked Off 'Good Times' By Brennan Williams Jun 5, 2015, 04:44 PM EDT | Updated Jun 5, 2015 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. This is not gonna work. I just didnt do it in the most diplomatic terms.. It seldomly is. It was actually quite funny> All references in the show had to be "black". FAQ The secret is to be happy! He took no bull from any of the kids. John also revealed that he had shared creatively divergent ideas with the Good Times shows founders and producers. 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. On the Maude series, the Findlays up there in Tuckahoe had a maid played by Esther Rolle named Florida Evans. Im an Eddie Murphy fanatic. "Good Times" was one of the first African American family sitcoms to air. Amos thought that JJ was stereotyped as a stupid guy. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then. Everytime Willona came in with"great news", she would informed them that she was just made the "head buyer" for the boutique. 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. He was let go. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times Aaron Homer The 1970s represented a period of drastic changes in the TV landscape. In it's time, Good Times, would of been a hell of a show. The best episodes were the first few years with James Evans, the father. Roots? The original lineup could've easily gone on a few more years. 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. They struggle a lot since they reside in a low-income black Chicago area where nothing is simple. Amos left show after not so Good Times with writers 2020-02-11 - By Rich Heldenfels Tribune News Service Q: Why did John Amos leave Good Times? John Amos Says He Was Kicked Off Good Times Because He Didnt Agree With the Shucking and Jiving Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude Send us a When asked by Lear if he wanted to say something, he simply said no and hung up. He is doing an excellent job in his roles, even at this young age. GT is very family themed, illustrating how family is so important, amidst difficulties and hardships, especially when they lose one of their own, and such a great actor too. James was the father figure everyone like,and he was always providing something for his family even though they was struggling through tough times,but they came through. You probably had no idea that John Amos, who portrayed Glenn Johnson in King of the Hill, also amassed enormous popularity. This was a good show for the first three seasons. Awards She never had the chance to finish high school, because she wanted to help support her parents and she started working minimum wage jobs. His Back then, Amos was vocal about his issues with the show, and it seemed to have rubbed the shows creator, Norman Lear, the wrong way. It appears to be comparable. Another Norman Lear hit detailing the problems that African Americans had to go through in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. | 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. ),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. Hey, its your dime, you made the call, Amos replied. Amos, 80, recalls that one of the best perks of his West Wing tenure was meeting former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Why was his character abruptly killed off? JJ was never stupid-he only acted that way most of the time. Pop culture Q&A: The story behind Amos leaving 'Good Times' | We got to see them experience a few good times. I think good times was a very good show, a lot of us African Americans could relate. 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. I initially ad-libbed the line at a reading of the script, and when Eddie Murphy dropped the script, hollered, and released that signature laugh that he has, I knew my line had gotten the laughing approval of a master comedian.. 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External Reviews Good Times was originally great, thanks to John Amos. Print fond memoriesThis pocket Bluetooth printer lets you print your precious memories before they hit Instagram. COPYRIGHT 2022 EURweb.com/Rabercom Enterprises. Is John Amos Dead? | Snopes.com It was the sort of family white viewers had read about in their own magazines with their slanted perceptions. ABCs Live in Front of a Studio Audience promised to be full of surprises while bringing back to life Good Times and All in the Family. Speaking of theme songs, Ja'net DuBois (neighbor Willona) co-wrote and sang another truly memorable one during this time. But Good Times creator Norman Lear gave him a call to let him know that he would also be absent from Season 4. something they didn't have very often. It is a crime that John Amos never received an Emmy nomination for his role on this show. Amos said he was shocked but not surprised, since he had already been labeled a disruptive element.. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. Read Also Where is Pumpkin Pie Wars Filmed? The Evans family had both parents providing stabilty and shelter for them. 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?
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