We all know that happened throughout the decade, but Good Times revolved around the 70's style. The Real Reason Esther Rolle Left Good Times - Grunge If Amos believed this, he was wrong. In a new interview with The secret is to be happy! ),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. According to rumours, Good Times emphasises the dynamics of African-American households. 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. 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. 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 Very cool. Why Did John Amos Leave Good Times Unexpectedly, Florida Evans, John Amos on-screen spouse, left the show after Good Times Season 4. The show ended with Season 6, and recently, people have expressed concern about John Amos departure. John Amos Details Why He Got Fired From Good Times (WATCH) Speaking of theme songs, Ja'net DuBois (neighbor Willona) co-wrote and sang another truly memorable one during this time. Good Times In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. I think good times was a very good show, a lot of us African Americans could relate. He is doing an excellent job in his roles, even at this young age. The Evans were a real family with real problems, but they also truly loved each other. The 1970s represented a period of drastic changes in the TV landscape. She never had the chance to finish high school, because she wanted to help support her parents and she started working minimum wage jobs. JJ is about to insult her, but he breaks down and tells her he'll miss her. Having recently watched a few episodes, I was happy to see that it still holds up after all these years. You probably had no idea that John Amos, who portrayed Glenn Johnson in King of the Hill, also amassed enormous popularity. 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. Most importantly it had a black family that stuck together through thick and thin. Man, I can't remember ever seeing a white guy in that show! We watched Janet Jackson's Penny grow up a little. | This series is not only entertaining but instructive at the same time. I liked many things about this show. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now! I remember when it came back on t.v. 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. I'm getting emotional, too! The way he was written out of the show was very abrupt. Whats your favorite John Amos role? The end of James Evans Sr. A: Amos was fired from the show and his character killed off after he often complained about the shows writing. Also, I really love the theme song. But the remaining Esther Role was very good, Ralph Carter too, as the younger son, Michael, who sadly, and very disappointingly, didn't pursue the acting after his stint here. Additionally, he used to assert that in practice, he wouldnt permit his kids to do that. The creators soon became irate over these variances. We Publish News 24/7. John Amos By Thelma, a dancer. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. To work with Eddie Murphy on Coming to America was a paid vacation for me because Im an Eddie Murphy fan. Being a white guy from a white city, it was one of my first glimpses into black culture. John Amos Issues such as gun control, teen pregnancy, v.d., gangs and teen suicide. Better than most of the family comedies today! It really suffered the year that Esther Rolle was off. He occasionally disagreed with the writings and questioned the writers about how long they had been black. "GOOD TIMES," in my opinion, is a must-see CBS hit! She did, however, make a return in Season 6 under one condition. And last, but not least, Thelma, the older Sister to Michael, another seasoned performer. However, once John Amos left, the show was not the same and suffered as a result. Amos stated that during the shows hiatus, Lear called him. Hey, its your dime, you made the call, Amos replied. 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? They find humor and have strong family values and morals. Christine Paduch, a teacher, is detained on suspicion of abusing a student with special needs. In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. Most of the early episodes focused on the parents, James and Florida Evans, and their struggle to provide for the family. why did Drop your thoughts in the comments and click hereto check out all of our special Shades of Funny coverage dedicated to Black comedy trailblazers and rising stars. Well, John Amos played the character of James Evans. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. What better representation of a family values can you ask for? During a trip to Mississippi, his character James Evans was fatally injured in a vehicle accident. Especially without the original cast. The original lineup could've easily gone on a few more years. An interesting comedy series about a poor black family trying to make ends meet and make a better life in the projects of Chicago. As a child,this show was mandatory when me and my brother saw the show each week. No. J.J. was the skirt-chasing but well-meaning teenage son who made up for his lack of subtlety with artistic talent. It appears to be comparable. This funeral episode was excellent. 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? The show lost something when Amos left, but the others were good enough to keep it going. When you allow other people to perpetuate your imagery, they will do so out of their own perceptions and minds, and its not always an accurate view, he continues. 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. 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. 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. What makes Good Times so awesome is that it defined the decade. He also states that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then and producers got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes.. It centered on the poor Chicago-based Evans family and their struggles to make ends meet. The next day, that guy was gone never to be seen again. 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, Damn! This was a family that just happened to be black and live in the projects. The actor was never afraid to express his thoughts on writing. 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. It was actually quite funny> All references in the show had to be "black". Some may find that chauvinistic by today's standards, but, I'm not so sure about that. Humperdink! 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? 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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. Wi Election Results: Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Results: Who Won? I don't know. Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson in Chicago: We do not support that behavior.. Good Times focuses on Florida and Jamess efforts to raise their three children in the best possible ways. Michael, involved in legal/justice. Pop culture Q&A: The story behind Amos leaving 'Good Times' During the daytime so people can actually stay up to watch. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, Good Times is a sitcom that made its debut in 1974 on CBS. JJ wanted to be an artists. So when I was being fed a line that was bullst, I wasnt apprehensive at all about saying, Uh-uh. Seems to me when at least one parent was in the home, children were a bit more manageable. The parents loved their children more than anything, were always there for them , and wanted the best for them. Why Did John Amos Leave Good Times? Reason Behind It 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. Here are the explanations for John Amos departure from Good Times. 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. It was the sort of family white viewers had read about in their own magazines with their slanted perceptions. I think the episode with the black Jesus was my favorite. I realize everyone has their own opinion, but, I don't know . I wish they would bring the show back. Why Awards He was tough, but loving and kind. Everybody had afros, went rollerskating, danced around a disco, and had platform shoes. 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. The little brother "Michael" was Mr. Militant black pride. Did the actor and the cast have a falling out? The show was a huge success since it was a spinoff of Maude in which Florida was the Maude's housekeeper,and it ran on CBS from 1974-1979. Forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama Jams w/Bruce Springsteen Will Smith Posts BTS of Emancipation & More | WATCH, Lil Meech Calls Cap on 2-Year-Old Pic w/Groupie Doctor Says Oral Sex Causes Throat Cancer & More | PicsVideos, Ne-Yo Says Celebs Are Weirdos-Hes Willing to Love Down A Plain Jane + Ime Udoka Publicly Apologizes for Affair & More | PicsVideos. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 17C at 963 N.Gilbert Ave Housing Projects Chicago. Stimulus Check Proposal Could Give Americans Monthly $1,200 Checks. I don't find it stereotypical or shuckin'/jivin' at all. Florida Evans (later Florida Evans-Dixon) is the protagonist of Good Times in Seasons 1-4 and 6. Common, Chicago wasn't all black! 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. 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. Damn! John Amos Explains Why He Was Kicked Off 'Good Times' "Movin' On Up" for The Jeffersons, of course. I don't think a movie or a new show would work. And it made me laugh! This was a good show for the first three seasons. This is America, Jack. It's not an overly funny show, but does has some good hearty chuckle moments. Read Also Where is Pumpkin Pie Wars Filmed? Has Tension risen Between President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris? 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. This is not gonna work. I just didnt do it in the most diplomatic terms.. 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. You know a show is going downhill when they have to resort to bringing on a cute kid character. Law. They are all great shows. User Ratings Yet why? | The truth of it is, when I started acting, I never thought I would live this long, much less be an actor, the 82-year-old tells TVLine with a chuckle. 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. I love everything he does, and to work with him day after day, for such an extended period of time, was a blessing. Amos said he was shocked but not surprised, since he had already been labeled a disruptive element.. Some of the people who star in the series like cast regulars Jimmie Walker(J.J. Im an Eddie Murphy fanatic. 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? Despite their many financial issues, Florida is the quintessential hostess and is possessed of a generous spirit. 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.. Yes, we are talking about the sitcom and his sudden departure. She and JJ have one last hassle. Classic episodes include the unfortunate death of James Evans and the one where Penny falls down the elevator shaft. John Amos departure from Good Times appears to have much to do with his African-American cultural values. No matter how much the family suffered financially, they never turned to crime or other illegal actions to make ends meet. 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. Want to know why did John Amos leave Good Times? Why Did John Amos Leave Good Times FLAMIO. 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. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times 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. 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. Why? 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. This is a good show steered by characters I like, of course, loose, fat lipped Jimmy Walker as J.J., as the strikingly brilliant artist, and too, fat maintenance man, Bookman, where Est her Rolle and John Amos, lend strong support as Mother and father team, Amos in particular, who sadly was kicked off the storm, while acting up a bit of the storm, off the set, where the quality of the show, kind of dropped, in the absence of his killed off character, as they went into the second season, where really it was up to J.J to carry it on. Personally, even while watching repeats when I was younger, I seem to remember asking myself what happened with James Evans, and eventually I stopped watching altogether. Because he was always butting heads with producers, his character was killed off which came as a shock to him. 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. There's no denying the shows impact, it still holds, after forty years. John Amos Reveals How His Departure From 'Good Times' Went Roots? The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most Amos thought that JJ was stereotyped as a stupid guy. Although the Evans family was poor and lived in the projects, they had each other. Want to know why did John Amos leave Good Times? Princr Humperdink! Fans will forever remember how Florida Evans broke down in her kitchen and we can confidently say, most fans broke down with her. They were actually trying to do everything they could to get out of the projects. Pay Property Tax Before April 30; You Can Receive a $5,000 Rebate: GCC. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then. "Dynomite"! Good Times I ad-libbed quite a bit, and John Landis, the director, was very receptive to my ad-libs, Amos concludes proudly. What happened? 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. Why did James(John Amos) leave the show? Webhttps://comedyhype.com/ - In 1974 Good Times would premiere showcasing black family life like never before. Amos and Lear have since made amends, and Amos appeared in Lears 2019 special Live in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family and Good Times. Good Times is a spin-off of a spin-off: this spun-off of Maude and Maude spun-off of All in the Family. He loved his wife. On the Maude series, the Findlays up there in Tuckahoe had a maid played by Esther Rolle named Florida Evans. The show wasnt as good after he left. John Amos Reveals How His Departure From 'Good Times' Went He was out of town, got hit by a car, and died. John Amos Talks Good Times, Roots and Career - TVLine My favorite moment in the series is Thelma's wedding day. In that way, Amos observes, Good Times and Roots had more in common than him. Another great aspect of the show was JJ and Thelma. They are really what made Good Times GoodTimes. 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. He worked hard. 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. This show, to me reflected on the good side of poverty. It was then that Lear told him that they were being picked up for another season, which wasnt a surprise to Amos. He claimed that the sitcoms creative team demanded his departure because they could not stand that. Is John Amos Dead? | Snopes.com After decades of Everytime Willona came in with"great news", she would informed them that she was just made the "head buyer" for the boutique. 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. When asked by Lear if he wanted to say something, he simply said no and hung up. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! Once Amos left the show, there was definitely a missing element. 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. He felt that for a show with such an influence, black people did not have to be represented as clowns all the time when they had the power to be role models to the younger generation. Thank God for reruns! They tried to show their kids to strive for more in life, DESPITE obstacles. Seems to me nowadays, the projects or ghetto life is romanticized (see BET videos or MTV videos), whereas the Evans family in "Good Times" was trying to get out and onto something better. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. It's hard to say which one is my favorite. His 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. 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. Big John, I got some good news and some bad news. It was a ground breaking, memorable and well acted for a sitcom. WebRalph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Janet DuBois, John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Jimmie Walker in Good Times / Everett Collection. "); Thelma, their only daughter (BernNadette Stanis)who is a disaster in the kitchen, but who had hopes,dreams and intelligence. So does JJ. 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. James tried to work several jobs, just so Florida could stay home and tend to the needs of the house/family. Amos got the call that ended his time on the show while they were on a hiatus and he recalled Norman Lears voice saying, Big John, Ive got some good news and some bad news. The good news was that Good Times had renewed for another season, which wasnt exactly big news and he wasnt surprised to hear this as they had a solid spot with high ratings and then Lear hit him with you want the bad news? To which the actor replied sure how bad can it be Lear then said to him, you wont be with us.. Well, John Amos played the character of As a young adult, she met her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, James Evans, Sr., and eventually married him. Florida was the glue that kept the family together, Amos joyfully recalls. All guests were black people. His departure so soon caught everyone off guard.
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