If there’s anything I learned from watching Good Times, it’s that even when you think you’ve got it bad, you could have it worse–like the Evans family. I’m just saying, these people went through every bad thing you could think of in their housing project in Chicago (allegedly Cabrini-Green). From JJ getting shot, to James Evans dying and Penny getting abused and burned with an iron by her mother, “Good Times” gave it to you REAL. Realer than reality TV, and that’s probably why so many people adored the show, and almost 40 years after its first airing, still do. The show ran from 1974-1979, but if you were wondering what the cast is up to now (and not the 8 million people who guest starred), we’ve got you covered. As usual, be prepared to click.
Ja’net DuBois
Talk about being the coolest neighbor ever! The character of Willona Woods was sassy, smart, beautiful and had a joke for anybody who thought they were going to play her (that goes for you Bookman!). But aside from being funny and cool, she clearly had a big heart, taking in Janet Jackson’s character of Penny after finding out she was abused, and always being there for her girl Florida. After the show ended, DuBois (who sang and co-wrote the theme song for “The Jeffersons”) went on to do films like I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and have recurring roles on shows like “The Wayans Bros.,” did voice work for the show “The PJ’s,” (she won two Emmy’s for her work) and most recently did work for the TV series, “G.I. Joe: Renegades.”
