why did john amos leave good times

It centered on the poor Chicago-based Evans family and their struggles to make ends meet. Another Norman Lear hit detailing the problems that African Americans had to go through in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. Some folks need bracing, as my uncle used to say. A disruptive factor Florida was the glue that kept the family together, Amos joyfully recalls. Metacritic Reviews. 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. She did, however, make a return in Season 6 under one condition. His departure so soon caught everyone off guard. Another great aspect of the show was JJ and Thelma. All guests were black people. When "Good Times" premiered in 1974, it was one the first black family sitcoms. They are really what made Good Times GoodTimes. But despite all the fights behind the scenes, Good Times was a show about a family. According to rumours, Good Times emphasises the dynamics of African-American households. He was let go. 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. 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. It was then that Lear told him that they were being picked up for another season, which wasnt a surprise to Amos. 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. He is doing an excellent job in his roles, even at this young age. 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. Why did James(John Amos) leave the show? There were a lot of behind the scenes issues, which led to cast members leaving the show. Amos recalled complete silence on the set. All Rights Reserved. Hey, its your dime, you made the call, Amos replied. What better representation of a family values can you ask for? The gospelish theme song and title sequences shown over inner-city Chicago only added to the realism. I think the episode with the black Jesus was my favorite. In that way, Amos observes, Good Times and Roots had more in common than him. 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. You know a show is going downhill when they have to resort to bringing on a cute kid character. Yet why? Thank God for reruns! The show ended with Season 6, and recently, people have expressed concern about John Amos departure. 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. In the season finale, Esther Rolle returned; did he do the same? 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. Amos, 80, recalls that one of the best perks of his West Wing tenure was meeting former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Princr Humperdink! The show wasnt as good after he left. As a young adult, she met her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, James Evans, Sr., and eventually married him. Despite their many financial issues, Florida is the quintessential hostess and is possessed of a generous spirit. 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. This show was groundbreaking to show despair in drugs, gangs, and alcoholism. They didn't dwell on it. Fans will forever remember how Florida Evans broke down in her kitchen and we can confidently say, most fans broke down with her. 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. 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. After repeated disagreements with the production staff, Amos was fired from the show. Common, Chicago wasn't all black! The movie also reunited him with his Roots costar, the late Madge Sinclair, who played Bell, the wife of his character, adult Kunta Kinte. 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. I'm getting emotional, too! Dont Miss A Story. Read Also Where is Pumpkin Pie Wars Filmed? Thelma, a dancer. The parents loved their children more than anything, were always there for them , and wanted the best for them. The 1970s represented a period of drastic changes in the TV landscape. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now! After decades of | What was it? A great show! This series is not only entertaining but instructive at the same time. WebRalph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Janet DuBois, John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Jimmie Walker in Good Times / Everett Collection. 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. 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. What do you want to hear first? Amos said Lear asked him. | 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. If Amos believed this, he was wrong. Well, John Amos played the character of James Evans. John, who was born in 1939, is now 82 years old. The little brother "Michael" was Mr. Militant black pride. 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. So when I was being fed a line that was bullst, I wasnt apprehensive at all about saying, Uh-uh. Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude. 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.. John Amos and Esther Rolle were the best part of the show. His 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. Although the Evans family was poor and lived in the projects, they had each other. If you ask me, even though I like everyone, it would have been nice if everyone had stayed on the show throughout its entire run. In a new interview with In Amos eyes, Good Times had too much shucking and jiving, which was something he couldnt take anymore. 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. "); Thelma, their only daughter (BernNadette Stanis)who is a disaster in the kitchen, but who had hopes,dreams and intelligence. James tried to work several jobs, just so Florida could stay home and tend to the needs of the house/family. | Web"Good Times" was one of the first African American family sitcoms to air. (on which he guest-starred) have Black writers and showrunners. While Amos doesnt mention Walker or his character JJ, his fond recollections do include the late Esther Rolle. However, there was one little pesky problem that always seemed to bother me. Most importantly it had a black family that stuck together through thick and thin. Good Times was originally great, thanks to John Amos. 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. 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. I first saw the reruns once our local WB affiliate took off the weekday morning reruns of Happy Days and began airing this instead. As of 15 January 2018, Amos was still with us and posting on social media: While the news about Amos alleged demise originated on a disreputable web site, many viewers may have readily accepted it as true at the time due to a perceived increase in celebrity deaths during 2016. She never had the chance to finish high school, because she wanted to help support her parents and she started working minimum wage jobs. 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. When Florida was pregnant with their third child, Michael, they moved to the North Side of Chicago in the Housing Projects. "Movin' On Up" for The Jeffersons, of course. 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. She and JJ have one last hassle. 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. Copyright 2021 The republic Monitor All Right Reserved, The explanation for John Amos dismissal from Good Times is revealed. Im an Eddie Murphy fanatic. It also dated politics, recession, wages, history. They argued all the time, but they loved the hell out of each other. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. During a trip to Mississippi, his character James Evans was fatally injured in a vehicle accident. The original lineup could've easily gone on a few more years. Big John, I got some good news and some bad news. He worked hard. Her children(who were shocked she hadn't grieved in front of others but was laughing) then ran from their rooms and comforted her with a family hug. Good Times was just that: It was a show that was very depicted in the everyday situations of the African American family growing up in the dangerous streets of Chicago. We may say that John did not want to leave the Good Times. Which of his works do you like, if youre a fan? John Amos left the series immediately following the third season of Good Times. Without being to preachy, The Evans always tried to do the right thing rather than do something wrong to get out of the ghetto. 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. February 25 2022, 6:52 PM PST. 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. They tried to show their kids to strive for more in life, DESPITE obstacles. I realize everyone has their own opinion, but, I don't know . 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.. The end of James Evans Sr. I wish they would bring the show back. JJ is about to insult her, but he breaks down and tells her he'll miss her. Returning to the thrilling Good Times, in which John Amos stars as the main character, has astounded the audience. To receive additional updates, you can follow John on Instagram. She had the authority to discuss the plot in more detail. They were terrific actors and had great chemistry as James and Florida Evans. User Ratings 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. 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). He reportedly left the show, after 3 seasons, because he disapproved of Jimmie Walker's character. The show wasnt as good after he left. He loved his wife. During the daytime so people can actually stay up to watch. It was great. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. Why? 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. 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. This was a good show for the first three seasons. I liked Good Times. I don't think a movie or a new show would work. This is America, Jack. Id want to send John Amos my warmest wishes for the remainder of his days. There is no more complete source for urban news than the Electronic Urban Report. Classic episodes include the unfortunate death of James Evans and the one where Penny falls down the elevator shaft. 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. Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson in Chicago: We do not support that behavior.. 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.. The Evans family had both parents providing stabilty and shelter for them. Humperdink! My husband and I enjoy this movie so much, we began our wedding ceremony with quotes from this movie. Then? Damn! He stuck to his guns, and it eventually got him fired. Humperdink! Rolle quit when her contract concluded. We all know that happened throughout the decade, but Good Times revolved around the 70's style. Because he was always butting heads with producers, his character was killed off which came as a shock to him. That wasnt very pleasant, as it was already said that he spoke those things in public when asked in an interview. A: Amos was fired from the show and his character killed off after he often complained about the shows writing. She is known to throw a good party, and doesn't hesitate to offer whatever she has to those in need. Good Times focuses on Florida and Jamess efforts to raise their three children in the best possible ways. 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. 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. 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. Having recently watched a few episodes, I was happy to see that it still holds up after all these years. 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. WebTrivia 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. 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. No. He claimed that the sitcoms creative team demanded his departure because they could not stand that. . The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most diplomatic guy back then. It could be more genuine, he thought. If you didn't like the show, fine, but some of your reasons for disliking it are totally erroneous. External Reviews 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. 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 way he was written out of the show was very abrupt. This is All We Know, 4 Factors That May Increase Chances of Long COVID-19, New Study Shows, COVID-19 Origin: American Scientists, Federal Health Officials Found Out Conflicting Root of the Virus, Surge of Omicron Variant Hampers Economic Recovery in the Country, 2 More $1,400 Stimulus Checks Could Be Released Anytime To Millions of Americans, Children Infected With COVID-19 Has Reached 1 Million, Wayne Brown Jr Died Read Now To Know More, $660 Monthly Stimulus Check Now Open For Application, $15,775 Can Now Be Claimed from IRS Open, $500 Million Child Care Assistance Remains Unclaim, Heres How To Apply. Conclusion Also, I really love the theme song. After Season 3, his contract was not renewed, and he was sacked. Due to proximate causes. 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. 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. 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. This show was excellent. In any case, James Evans was portrayed by John Amos. The secret is to be happy! On the Maude series, the Findlays up there in Tuckahoe had a maid played by Esther Rolle named Florida Evans. 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! Michael, involved in legal/justice. This affected the quality in later years. The sitcom Good Times, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, premiered on CBS in 1974. 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? Mekeisha Madden Toby / Yes, we are referring to the sitcom and his unexpected exit. No canned laughter, no music. The Evans were a real family with real problems, but they also truly loved each other. Good Times was a groundbreaking comedy about the first nuclear black family living in the Chicago projects. 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. Good Times Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Law. They are all great shows. Pay Property Tax Before April 30; You Can Receive a $5,000 Rebate: GCC. What happened? She played his wife, matriarch Florida Evans, despite being 20 years his senior in real life. We have a low bullst threshold in New Jersey. From 1974 to 1976, John Amos touched millions of lives as the iconic patriarch James Evans, Sr., on Good Times until he was unceremoniously dumped from the cast midway through its run. He depicted a strong father figure-something likely missing in many people's lives. 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. It was too often for Norman and the other writers to accept. The Real Reason John Amos Was Fired From Good Times. Yet why? And it made me laugh! 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. In it's time, Good Times, would of been a hell of a show. 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. COPYRIGHT 2022 EURweb.com/Rabercom Enterprises. Some may find that chauvinistic by today's standards, but, I'm not so sure about that. WebJohn Amos discusses why he stopped doing Good Times - EMMYTVLEGENDS.ORG - YouTube 0:00 / 2:54 John Amos discusses why he stopped doing Good Times - The show ended. Smart-TV Maker Vizio Launches Branded Content Studio, Building, Bruins' Historic Loss Wasn't the Week's Biggest Upset: DataViz, Patti LuPone Didn't Know Marvel Before 'Agatha: Coven of Chaos', 'Beef' Breakout Young Mazino Signs With M88 (EXCLUSIVE), Editor's Choice: I Purchased This TikTok-Viral Walking Pad and I, TVLine is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. They had three kids: J.J., Thelma, and Michael. To work with Eddie Murphy on Coming to America was a paid vacation for me because Im an Eddie Murphy fan. Dave Chappelle gets his message across but doesnt offend people who dont need to be offended, Amos opines. He took no bull from any of the kids. Print fond memoriesThis pocket Bluetooth printer lets you print your precious memories before they hit Instagram. J.J. (the eldest brother) was the tall comic relief in this show, and always fought with his sister Thelma (the curvacious beauty). It's not an overly funny show, but does has some good hearty chuckle moments. Life for the Evans family is not easy, especially when trying to keep their 3 children on the straight and narrow. Issues such as gun control, teen pregnancy, v.d., gangs and teen suicide. 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. 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? Thank You!! A: Amos was fired from the show and his character killed off after he often All posters in there rooms were black people, furniture pieces were African. FLAMIO. 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. You must have realised from the title alone that the sitcom only spreads good vibes to its audience. J.J. was the skirt-chasing but well-meaning teenage son who made up for his lack of subtlety with artistic talent. The next day, that guy was gone never to be seen again. Now you say one more word about Lisa, and Ill break my foot off in your royal ass., I have to take credit for that. The explanation for John Amos dismissal from Good Times is revealed. John Amos, though, how about him? Good Times was a form of Roots, except it told the story of who we are on a comedic basis. *If you are a fan of 70s sitcoms then you definitely enjoyed the show Good Times. The hilarious TV show aired in the mid 70s for 6 whole seasons before it ended. 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. The best episodes were the first few years with James Evans, the father. JJ was never stupid-he only acted that way most of the time. Because of his offensive remarks about the brawls behind the scenes, John Amos was fired. This is the most memorable TV series that I saw in my youth and it left a strong impression on me. "Good Times" was one of the first African American family sitcoms to air. Man, I can't remember ever seeing a white guy in that show! America and the world got to see what life could be like within a Black family on Good John Amos departure from Good Times appears to have much to do with his African-American cultural values. The entertainer admits that he wasnt the most And last, but not least, Thelma, the older Sister to Michael, another seasoned performer. 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. They struggle a lot since they reside in a low-income black Chicago area where nothing is simple. 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. 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, something unique was missing from the show. Want to know why did John Amos leave Good Times? Good Times embraces the reality of what hard living in the ghetto is like, and what one must do, to overcome many hindrances, and the Evan's really have it tough. An interesting comedy series about a poor black family trying to make ends meet and make a better life in the projects of Chicago. However, once John Amos left, the show was not the same and suffered as a result. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! This is a classic show. 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. Very cool. | It was the sort of family white viewers had read about in their own magazines with their slanted perceptions. John Amos Reveals How His Departure From 'Good Times' Went 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'. 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. We got to see them experience a few good times. It seemed as if every other season, fiesty neighbor and friend Willona, always received the same promotion on her job. Before leaving my own comments about the TV series GOOD TIMES, I feel that I simply MUST comment on the remarks of one Mr. Larry Wall. Awards Once Amos left the show, there was definitely a missing element.
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