Read Also Where is Pumpkin Pie Wars Filmed? And the differences I had with the producers of the show I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. and his chicken hat and saying dy-no-mite every third page, when just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children , Amos stated. ),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. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times I realize everyone has their own opinion, but, I don't know . February 25 2022, 6:52 PM PST. All Rights Reserved. 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. Good Times focuses on Florida and Jamess efforts to raise their three children in the best possible ways. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. They find humor and have strong family values and morals. He reportedly left the show, after 3 seasons, because he disapproved of Jimmie Walker's character. 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. This is America, Jack. In it's time, Good Times, would of been a hell of a show. 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.. In the season finale, Esther Rolle returned; did he do the same? The best episodes were the first few years with James Evans, the father. It centered on the poor Chicago-based Evans family and their struggles to make ends meet. 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. The show wasnt as good after he left. He also states that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then and producers got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes.. An interesting comedy series about a poor black family trying to make ends meet and make a better life in the projects of Chicago. Princr Humperdink! 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. 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? 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. 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. Damn! Humperdink! But Good Times creator Norman Lear gave him a call to let him know that he would also be absent from Season 4. Good Times is a spin-off of a spin-off: this spun-off of Maude and Maude spun-off of All in the Family. Why Did John Amos Leave Good Times Dave Chappelle gets his message across but doesnt offend people who dont need to be offended, Amos opines. Rolle quit when her contract concluded. The show wasnt as good after he left. These are my questions and comments. It is a crime that John Amos never received an Emmy nomination for his role on this show. Some folks need bracing, as my uncle used to say. A disruptive factor Web"Good Times" was one of the first African American family sitcoms to air. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times I think JJ was a precursor to characters such as Horshack, Screech, Urkel, Rerun, etc. 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. What I liked about this show over Sanford and Son was that whites weren't portrayed as idiots, like some stupid attack against shows in the past that put blacks in an Aunt Jemima mode, please! The next day, that guy was gone never to be seen again. You have entered an incorrect email address! "Good Times" was one of the first African American family sitcoms to air. Florida was the glue that kept the family together, Amos joyfully recalls. To work with Eddie Murphy on Coming to America was a paid vacation for me because Im an Eddie Murphy fan. Ive had a blessed career, and I attribute that to my faith in God and the fact that I was raised right. Christine Paduch, a teacher, is detained on suspicion of abusing a student with special needs. It really suffered the year that Esther Rolle was off. Norman Lear Yes, we are talking about the sitcom and his sudden departure. All guests were black people. why did Florida Evans (later Florida Evans-Dixon) is the protagonist of Good Times in Seasons 1-4 and 6. Thelma, a dancer. If you didn't like the show, fine, but some of your reasons for disliking it are totally erroneous. 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, Another Norman Lear hit detailing the problems that African Americans had to go through in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. John Amos looks back at The Mary Tyler Moore Show A: Amos was fired from the show and his character killed off after he often 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. 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. What makes Good Times so awesome is that it defined the decade. 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. She starts to cry. The show lost something when Amos left, but the others were good enough to keep it going. What happened? Thank God for reruns! Humperdink! I first saw the reruns once our local WB affiliate took off the weekday morning reruns of Happy Days and began airing this instead. His departure so soon caught everyone off guard. But despite all the fights behind the scenes, Good Times was a show about a family. John Amos Details Being Fired From Good Times - EBONY However, once John Amos left, the show was not the same and suffered as a result. I certainly hope that the phrase "Kid Dynamite" will come back into common usage some day. Common, Chicago wasn't all black! It was great. They had three kids: J.J., Thelma, and Michael. Pay Property Tax Before April 30; You Can Receive a $5,000 Rebate: GCC. Despite the fact that I've never seen every episode, I still enjoy it. John Amos and Esther Rolle were the best part of the show. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. John Amos left the series immediately following the third season of Good Times. How did things turn out for John Amos in the movie Good Times? 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. In that way, Amos observes, Good Times and Roots had more in common than him. 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. Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson in Chicago: We do not support that behavior.. While he was eventually let go, he went on to bounce back with memorable roles in the original Roots miniseries, and later Coming to America. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Is Our TV Pick Of The Week, Small Town Horror Story: The Racist Attack Of A FedEx Worker. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times Aaron Homer The 1970s represented a period of drastic changes in the TV landscape. We Publish News 24/7. 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 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. John Amos due to the scripts' lack of authenticity in portraying the African-American experience. 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? Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude. This is the most memorable TV series that I saw in my youth and it left a strong impression on me. There's no denying the shows impact, it still holds, after forty 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. Q: I was wondering why networks dont show TV shows like Dynasty, Dallas, Knots Landing and L.A. It's not an overly funny show, but does has some good hearty chuckle moments. (on which he guest-starred) have Black writers and showrunners. PMC Entertainment. Amos recalled complete silence on the set. 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. Television Images: My Favorite TV Characters of All-Time: (1970s edition). All posters in there rooms were black people, furniture pieces were African. John Amos Says He Was Kicked Off 'Good Times' Because He Didn't Agree With The Shucking And Jiving. It could be more genuine, he thought. Dont Miss A Story. 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. 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 hope that this phenomenon continues until we are totally in absolute control of our own imagery, the Newark, New Jersey native divulges while comparing Good Times to its television descendants. I ad-libbed quite a bit, and John Landis, the director, was very receptive to my ad-libs, Amos concludes proudly. The reason I like the show is that of John Amos'character of James Evans. Yet why? John Amos Explains Why He Was Kicked Off 'Good Times' This is one of my all time favorite shows. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most 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. She never had the chance to finish high school, because she wanted to help support her parents and she started working minimum wage jobs. Big John, I got some good news and some bad news. 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. Without being to preachy, The Evans always tried to do the right thing rather than do something wrong to get out of the ghetto. Unexpectedly, Florida Evans, John Amos on-screen spouse, left the show after Good Times Season 4. The movie also reunited him with his Roots costar, the late Madge Sinclair, who played Bell, the wife of his character, adult Kunta Kinte. 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. Awards He is doing an excellent job in his roles, even at this young age. So apparently, from Amos standpoint, there was too much shucking and jiving on the show, and he didnt want to tolerate it any more. Heres Everything We Know About Him. In any case, James Evans was portrayed by John Amos. Damn! 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. Will Downing on New Song Following Daughters Suicide, Advice Kandi Burruss Hustles Up KFC Ad Based on Scene Dr. Phil Calls Professors $350,000-Per-Person Reparations Idea an Absolute Four Tops Singer to Sue Racist Hospital: They Told Suge Knight Says Snoop Dogg and Harry-Os Death Row Barbies Racial Justice Dolls Continue Mattels Path Toward Representation Daveed Diggs Planned Twister Sequel with All-Black and Brown Laura Coates Unlikely to Host CNNs 11 p.m. You know a show is going downhill when they have to resort to bringing on a cute kid character. John Amos, though, how about him? 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. 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 referred to himself as the disruptive element as well. 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. 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. When "Good Times" premiered in 1974, it was one the first black family sitcoms. His Law. They are all great shows. Sad part though: the guy who played Micheal(Ralph Carter) recently passed away.but his character was a symbol of black pride and black progress towards black success,and against racial intolerence in with he quoted that the word "boy" is a white racist word. J.J. (the eldest brother) was the tall comic relief in this show, and always fought with his sister Thelma (the curvacious beauty). Another great aspect of the show was JJ and Thelma. A movie career? 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. Also, I really love the theme song. According to rumours, Good Times emphasises the dynamics of African-American households. This series is not only entertaining but instructive at the same time. That wasnt very pleasant, as it was already said that he spoke those things in public when asked in an interview. We all know that happened throughout the decade, but Good Times revolved around the 70's style. . He occasionally disagreed with the writings and questioned the writers about how long they had been black. They didn't dwell on it. Copyright 2021 The republic Monitor All Right Reserved, The explanation for John Amos dismissal from Good Times is revealed. There's Michael (Ralph Carter), who is intelligent beyond his years and very outspoken (He is often heard saying that "Boy is a white racist word. That's when I got hooked!!! This is not gonna work. I just didnt do it in the most diplomatic terms.. John Amos John also revealed that he had shared creatively divergent ideas with the Good Times shows founders and producers. The Evans family had both parents providing stabilty and shelter for them. Esther Rolle has played her role of her. He was tough, but loving and kind. Why did James(John Amos) leave the show? He loved his wife. What I do know is that when Janet Jackson, Bookman, and that annoying neighbor Willona; Miss Big Mouth, I'm beautiful, took over, this show was lost forever(but I did like sweet daddy). The original lineup could've easily gone on a few more years. John Amos Reveals How His Departure From 'Good Times' Went 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. We got to see them experience a few good times. If Amos believed this, he was wrong. Floridas Damn, damn, damn is still relevant in todays pop culture and memes. 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. We may say that John did not want to leave the Good Times. I liked many things about this show. 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. I would like to know why John Amos left the show, and how did he die off the show again? 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. Devastated, the now-widowed Florida had to support herself and their three children alone. It appears to be comparable. James tried to work several jobs, just so Florida could stay home and tend to the needs of the house/family. 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. It was too often for Norman and the other writers to accept. We all loved JJ's dynamite and his antics. A: Amos was fired from the show and his character killed off after he often complained about the shows writing. 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. Despite their many financial issues, Florida is the quintessential hostess and is possessed of a generous spirit. In 2014, Amos gave a lengthy interview with the Television Academy Foundation, during which he discussed his career and, in particular, his experiences on "Good Times" and the series of events that led to his firing. Part of the problem was that he didn't see eye to eye with the producers over the directions of the characters of his three children. So does JJ. It spawned some dy-no-mite catchphrases and It's hard to say which one is my favorite. America and the world got to see what life could be like within a Black family on Good 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. As a child,this show was mandatory when me and my brother saw the show each week. WebRalph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Janet DuBois, John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Jimmie Walker in Good Times / Everett Collection. What do you want to hear first? Amos said Lear asked him. something they didn't have very often. Well, John Amos played the character of The parents loved their children more than anything, were always there for them , and wanted the best for them. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now! Roots? Getting fired from Good Times is one of the best things that could have ever happened to John Amos. American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Stephen Amell Doesn't Think He's Done Playing Green Arrow, Days of Our Lives' Victoria Grace Loses Daytime Emmy Nomination After, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will, Will Trent Recreates the Scene of Angie's Abduction and Betty's, Shades of Funny: A Celebration of TV Comedy's Trailblazers & Rising Stars, Fresh Off Ted Lasso, Emmy Winner Ashley Nicole Black Is On a Mission to 'Make More People Feel Seen'. JJ was never stupid-he only acted that way most of the time. 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. Florida Evans They tried to show their kids to strive for more in life, DESPITE obstacles. Did the actor and the cast have a falling out? Good Times was a groundbreaking comedy about the first nuclear black family living in the Chicago projects. 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. in 1985, where before then, it played in the late 70's. John Amos This show was groundbreaking to show despair in drugs, gangs, and alcoholism. Amos stated that during the shows hiatus, Lear called him. John Amos Says He Was Kicked Off Good Times Because He Didn Speaking of theme songs, Ja'net DuBois (neighbor Willona) co-wrote and sang another truly memorable one during this time. 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 ?****. It was a ground breaking, memorable and well acted for a sitcom. Having recently watched a few episodes, I was happy to see that it still holds up after all these years. Are you curious as to why John Amos left Good Times? Conclusion There were a lot of behind the scenes issues, which led to cast members leaving the show. Want to know why did John Amos leave Good Times? It seldomly is. Seems to me when at least one parent was in the home, children were a bit more manageable. They struggle a lot since they reside in a low-income black Chicago area where nothing is simple. Print fond memoriesThis pocket Bluetooth printer lets you print your precious memories before they hit Instagram. Amos said he was shocked but not surprised, since he had already been labeled a disruptive element.. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times. . 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. John Amos - Wikipedia When many people think about the most memorable She played his wife, matriarch Florida Evans, despite being 20 years his senior in real life. 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. 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. This is a classic show. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. Yes, we are talking about the sitcom and his sudden departure. Why Did John Amos Leave Good Times They argued all the time, but they loved the hell out of each other. 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 concluded with Season 6, [] But they don't dwell on it. | The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then. JJ wanted to be an artists. 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.
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