Where Are They Now? The Black TV Moms Edition

Ja’net Dubois as Willona Woods

Though Ja’net Dubois’s character, Willona Woods, started off as the sassy, funny, and smart neighbor to the Evans’ Clan, she got on this list when she adopted the abused Penny.

Ja’net Dubois started off in the entertainment industry as a stage actress, singer and songwriter.  She wrote and sang the theme songs for shows like “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.”  Once she made an appearance on “Sanford and Son,” she caught the attention of series creator Norman Lear, who decided to cast her as Willona Woods in “Good Times.”

After “Good Times,” Ja’net Dubois continued to act, and appeared in shows and movies, such as:  “A Different World,” “Sister Sister,” “The Wayans Brothers,” Charlie’s Angels:  Full Throttle, and and won Emmys for her voice acting abilities in shows like “The PJs,” “As Told by Ginger,” and “GI Joe Renegade.”  She also worked with Janet Jackson again in her “Control” music video playing her mother.

Along with acting, she is also very active in community service, by holding fundraisers, benefits, and youth events through her Dubois Cares Foundation INC.  She also released an album in 2008 named “Hidden Treasures,” and she’s a very accomplished painter.