Remembering Ja'Net Dubois - Star of TV's Good Times

[@katemaloney4296]

The saddest part about getting old is having to say goodbye to childhood one memory at a time. Loved Ja'Net Dubois in "Good Times" (seriously, who of us didn't have a "Willoma" in our lives?!) and loved hearing her sing the theme song to "The Jeffersons". Lost track of her over the years, but it was nice to know she had a good and fulfilling life. Blessings to her friends and family. Rest in peace, Ja'Net, you'll be missed but your memory will live on.

[@butterlevisellman5895]

Very well said ..

[@mrsnet]

Beautiful ... loved her too. RIP Ja'Net

[@loveyu2778]

A lot of people don't have a friend like Wilona in their lives.. Some people wished they had a friend like Wilona

[@Jhud72]

Who didn’t love Ja’Net as “Willona Woods”? I Loved her in The Wayans Brothers as “Grandma” as well her & John Witherspoon were Hilarious on that show. R.I.P to a True Pioneer in Hollywood.

[@lionelalbert4897]

RIl

[@SamWesting]

After Esther Rolle left Good Times, Ja'net's character did become a mother figure to the entire Evans household. Great actress & even better singer. RIP.

[@angeljohnson6665]

Sam Westing thats what i said today lol

[@wshoovler]

Sam Westing - yep; they basically put her into the Florida role the season that ER wasn’t there. Sanford & Son did the same thing while Redd Foxx was out on his contract/$$ dispute - they put Grady into the Fred role until RF returned.

[@wileecoyote5749]

James the father was killed off.

[@SamWesting]

@wshoovler Yep. After Florida left, the Willona character did a good job keeping the Evans family together. Good Times jumped the shark when Florida came back. Fans were turned off by how Florida was a terrible role model as a mother, abandoning her family like that. Ratings dived & GT got cancelled.

[@kendallrivers1119]

@@SamWesting uh no. Good Times was never the same after James was killed off and that killed the show ultimately it just dragged on after he was gone until its final death. Good Times got somewhat the old feeling back when Florida returned. Fans LOVED having her back so that's just false.

[@ronque23]

Ja’Net’s passing actually made me cry. Not many celeb’s passing had this effect on me. But she was like an auntie growing up. I just knew in my heart she had to be just as kind caring and warm in real life and to no surprise it seems like she was. She was one of our brightest examples of black excellence and I am so happy she was able to bring so much joy to do many people. So long as we remember her, her light will never dim. Love you Wilona. ❤️😘

[@beatnik146]

RIP Ms. Dubois. Wilona and Florida are together again.

[@Democracy10]

A great actor. She will be missed. RIP ✝️

[@jenpollard3962]

She was a great actor and singer, but an even greater paint artist. I met Ja’Net many years ago through my late friend Marva. She shared a vision she had of me being a pastor. Some years later her vision came true. This phenomenal lady has indeed “ moved on up to that deluxe apartment in the sky.” RIP Ms. DuBois!

[@SANDYMILLER23]

Wow. She was a phenomenal singer and actress. Her portraying Winona was the spice that made Good Times a classic success. She was beautifully talented. Heaven is welcoming a beautiful angel. Thank you for the memories. Pray for her family.

[@davidellis5141]

Good Times & One Day At A Time Were My Favorite Shows As A 10 - 13 year old. I laughed at both and learned from both. I miss 70's TV.

[@auntieevelynjames1338]

I have a device Antenna and Cozy TV they all the 60 70 80 show to

[@tobimakkura]

Bless you, sir.

[@JohnnyTyrone77]

You sir....Class...Pure Class. Thank you for remembering our TV next door neighbor.

[@Ed-iz4wm]

Ja'Net was the only character that kept the show from becoming too depressing sometimes. She was the good times in Good Times.

[@angeljohnson6665]

Ed lovely bernadette was the only 1 that stood out on good times she made the show fun also may miss ja'net rip

[@TheNewgreatlife]

I couldn't agree more!!! She always brought an uplifting feeling whenever she entered the room.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Think you're forgetting kid Dy-No-Mite!

[@TheBrownIsland]

That's what *annoyed John Stamos,* who played the father, *about the show.* When he went to talk to the higher ups about making it more positive instead of James forever being Broke & Laid Off, and making JJ look like a clown ...they got mad and killed off his character and let him go after 3 Seasons on the Show.

[@johnnyfuture3524]

Just heard about this from you. Thank you so much Dave for remembering her and giving her tribute.

[@jakebluethunder]

Great tribute to a talented and classy lady. Thank you. She will be missed.

[@ginagraham2873]

Thank you for this moving tribute. RIP Ja'Net DuBois.

[@darwinbarnes740]

Wow, seems like folks are going fast again. And the older you get the more you notice! Thanks Dave for another nice homage to a talented lady.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome, Darwin. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@borntoraisehell5353]

She was gorgeous on the iconic program in the early 1970! What a way to go! Just sleepy awayyyyyy! My mom went to bed one night and never woke up on this side of life! Farewell Ja'Net Dubois and we all will see you again someday!!!! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙏🙏

[@normancarr3015]

I will miss her.She was one of a kind.Rest in peace and rise in the eternal light my Sister.

[@nickimontie]

Amen!

[@markcooper7795]

She really made that show special ❤️ loved her she will be remembered as an icon may she RIP

[@STB-jh7od]

Back in 70s, my mother was a huge fan of this show, despite us living in North Dakota with No African Americans in our area. But her character was my Mom's favorite. I count this show as why I was raised NOT to be racist.

[@janicewinn4090]

My deepest condolences to the family 🙏 and friends of this icon. She made laugh, she made us cry. All I can is " ain't we lucky we got them Good Times" and we sure are. May you R.I.P you deserve it

[@ravenpoe7093]

The “Rona Barrett of the Projects” was one of my favorite characters from the show 😂 was great seeing in her in other shows as well R.I.P. also loved her Jeffersons theme song

[@vanmoody]

Was it the Alderman who used to say, "And you too Wilona"?

[@ravenpoe7093]

Van PastorMan yes he did and often got her name wrong was funny to see what names he would come up with 😂

[@valerienorris6798]

@@ravenpoe7093my favorite was "And you too Waldorf Astoria"😄😄

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@vanmoody BALDERMAN DAVIS🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ironwillmediaoriginal]

I like that line!

[@TedraFor]

RIP to one of the most talented actresses of all time. She was also a great singer who will be missed. She helped make Good Times tv show which wouldn't have been the same without her. I don't know any other female actress who could have played Willona any better. I pray that her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of many. May God be with you Ms. Dubois.

[@thomasbracken1969]

I have the whole series to good times and I love it very much I miss all those shows from back then in the cartoons. They will never be anything like them now

[@teeteebrinks370]

REST IN PEACE BEAUTIFUL JANET. AND THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TALENT WITH US ALL .

[@jovanweismiller7114]

Sad to hear of her passing. She was a true star.

[@Lawomenshoops]

That episode where she protected Penny from her abusive mother was one of the most powerful Good Times episodes. When Penny's abusive mother was talking about all the material things she could provide for Penny, she asked Willoma what she could provide- she said love! To all the Willoma Woods, who protected an abused child, thank you!!

[@stephaniesnider7580]

She was so funny on Good Times and she will never be forgotten A very good actress.

[@jdsundstrom]

So very true!

[@Taurus-Ladie]

I learned of her passing from a screen scrawl while watching one of my favorite shows Good Times. She was such a talented and memorable actress. RIP Ja'net Dubois.

[@lorih2924]

I was surprised to hear of her passing unexpectedly. Loved her. So sad that she’s not here anymore. Willona was such a good hearted character. She had such a wonderful singing voice. She will be missed.

[@rozchristopherson648]

Who can forget Willona ? Ms. Dubois is immortal. RIP ❤️🙏

[@Nevadrama1]

This is a Beautiful tribute. May She rest in peace❤️❤️❤️

[@Gen_X_Rosey]

I was truly sad to hear of her passing when I turned my computer back on last night. I grew up watching this show, and as I grow older, it's heartbreaking to keep losing people who helped to, essentially, encapsulate my childhood. I love the theme song of "The Jeffersons" too, and as a child, my mom told me, "Willona from 'Good Times' sings that song, Roz!" I was like, "For real, Momma?" LOL! As I listened to the song more, I started to envision her singing that song in a studio with a big smile on her face. One of my favorite episodes of 'Good Times', other than the final one where Keith regains his football contract, and moves the family out of the projects, only for Willona to find they'll be neighbors again... Well, I loved the one where she tried to protect Penny from learning about sex because a young girl in their building was pregnant. She and Florida feuded because of that, and Penny almost got raped, so Florida had to tell Willona to talk to her and let her know about "the birds and the bees". That episode stuck out to me because I was raped at four, and had to learn on my own that... that wasn't all there was to it. Anyway, thank you for this upload, and I can't wait for your next one. I can only hope that people eventually find useful tidbits on my channel the way we do on yours.

[@willwalker1586]

Rose Girl Sorry that happened to you.I'm glad the show was a positive thing in your life.🙄

[@jwallace1805]

when i was in jail, i was raped like 4 times. and i was only there overnight

[@willwalker1586]

@@jwallace1805 people are just evil and cold hearted but they'll get theirs in the end.😐

[@Gen_X_Rosey]

@Diana Moore Thank you so much for that.

[@Gen_X_Rosey]

@@willwalker1586 Thank you.

[@texashsad]

She's the kind of neighbor everybody wants to have living next door. RIP, Ja'Net

[@littlejoe9381]

I was trying to eat my breakfast while watching this. However, it is very hard to eat when you have a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes. Thank you for all you do to make these videos.

[@CandysChannel]

She was a part of my childhood growing up in the 70’s! I loved her as Willona and was one of my very favorite characters. She was perfect for the role indeed. I remember being very surprised to see her in Janet’s Control video and delighted as well. 74 is too young! She still had a lot of living to do. Good Times stands the test of time and still makes me laugh so much whenever I see it on TV.

[@BMichaelGalloway]

She was always the bright spot when she was on Good Times, always lighting up the set with her comedy and her timing. Rest peacefully in the great beyond, mrs. Dubois.

[@Leadeshipcoach]

Great video as always Dave. Wonderful tribute. She was a class act. And will be missed 😔

[@wisewitch1]

Loved her. She will be missed ❤️💕❤️

[@VG-rs5rz]

Rest In Peace. Ja'net my condolences to your family - Willona was my favorite character on the show

[@jannislewis13]

This was good times. Rest in Heavenly Peace. 😍🎆

[@BMichaelGalloway]

Just caught a brief announcement on BET while I was watching Sanford and Son last night. Thank you so much mr. Sundstrom for putting this up, it informed me and now I know...

[@floridagator1765]

Great childhood memories of Good Times and Wilona Woods. She will be missed.

[@mysticnj]

Thank you for this wonderful tribute she was a legend and will be surely missed! Rest in Power Ja’Net!

[@go-goakins1489]

She sang the Jefferson tv 📺 theme 👈🤙

[@jdsundstrom]

And she co-wrote the song as well. Ja'Net was truly talented!

[@connerhuston2613]

I actually didn't know that until I heard it on a news station when they announced her passing.

[@michaeleasterwood6558]

Yes,we know

[@deborahskillman3003]

I'm really going to miss her she had beautiful voice thank you for being there remember Jeffersons theme song wonder if I can get down KZbin well rest in peace sweetheart where were you at

[@borntoraisehell5353]

Yes she did! She was blessed with many talent! 👍👍🤗🤗

[@monilaninetynine3811]

I look at Good Times all the time on DVD and love it. RIP, JaNet.

[@pamelamays4186]

Miss Dubois played Fred Sanford's old flame on an episode of Sanford And Son. I really enjoyed her portrayal of Winona on Good Times. After Esther Rolle left, Miss Dubois did a great job of stepping into the role of mother figure to the Evans children.

[@dukecraig2402]

@Diana Moore Last year I got the thrill of my life getting my picture taken sitting in the actual Sanford and Son pickup truck, it's in the exact condition it was when the show was filmed. If anyone's interested it's at a place called Blueline Classics in North Royalton Ohio, check out their website at Bluelineclassics.com. When I was standing there apparently beaming at it one of the owners of the place ask me if I wanted to sit in it and said if I gave him my phone he'd take my picture, I ran over and jumped in that thing like I was stealing it. The dash and visors have been signed by most of the surviving stars including Nathaniel Taylor who played Lamont's buddy Rollo and who coincidently happened to pass away the night before I went to see it.

[@joannkelly7994]

She was great! My all time favorite episode was her hopping out of the Evans’ kitchen like a puppy - when they all thought the neighbor’s meat loaf was mad from dog food. She and Jay Jay owned the day when he prayed in that same episode: the Lord is my German Shepherd. RIP: Ja’net Dubois; and thanks for the laughs and the memories! Good Times, indeed!

[@mrwin8]

One of my favorite people....

[@jdsundstrom]

She was a great entertainer!

[@bryanfews5295]

Another Icon from my childhood RIP Ms Dubois you will be missed

[@tonyabomia7217]

I know exactly what you mean. It seems like every day another one passes away.

[@v.a.993]

Dubois also starred on The Wayans Bros show. She played their maternal grandmother. When the show spoofed Good Times, she reprised her Willona Woods role. (The actor who played Nate Bookman also reprised his Good Times role for the episode, as did Bernadette Stanis).

[@jennyrios6923]

I'm sorry for your loss. She is a good actress. I can remember the line's she say's.

[@rdo1231]

Great tribute, Dave. Thank you for your work in featuring her. She was a great talent and she will be missed.

[@karlsmith2570]

What a lot of people don't realize: Ja'net Dubois sang the theme for "The Jeffersons:

[@timepoet77]

She also produced it as well.

[@karlsmith2570]

@@timepoet77 okay that part I didn't know about

[@angeljohnson6665]

charles allan may she rip

[@markrodriguez9442]

I would thought it was an unknown singer but now I know.

[@Sonya77353]

Ja’Net was a sophisticated and well dressed lady!! Her role on Good Times was outstanding she will be missed❤️Rest on

[@shalawndillon4525]

She's one of the best character from Good Times. Not only as the neighbor who always given scoops to The Evens. But, a great mother finger to Penny (Janet Jackson) and a helper. Sure going to miss her. Rest In Paradise

[@rhondawebb498]

I was heart broken when I heard of her passing Rest In Heaven.. We loved You.. Thanks for all the Good Times..

[@johnr7279]

Thumbs up! Ms. Dubois helped make that show as good as it was and she was so beautiful!

[@plastiksurgeon9129]

Wow! I’m just now hearing of Ja’Net Dubois passing away! 😔 Good Times was one of my favorite shows of the ‘70’s and she was one of those characters that “made” the show. Especially during the ‘77-‘78 season with Janet Jackson as “Penny”, that was one of the best episodes IMO as they went through that whole saga. R.I.P Ja’Net Dubois.......you WILL be missed! 😟

[@CozumelTy]

Dave you have done it again. I love that you have love for shows like Good times and What's Happening. (And many, many others) Thank you.

[@josetheoriginaltoyhunter2132]

Sad that she passed away I still see the show in reruns when I have days off and let's not forget that she held the show together when Amos and Rolle left the show great actress

[@josetheoriginaltoyhunter2132]

@Judi Dipillo my mistake I mean rolle I am always confusing her name sorry

[@turntableone4356]

Excellent episode of Chip Fields and her...best acting.

[@karlsmith2570]

Yeah, I remembered being very surprised to find out that Chip Fields had played the biological mother of Janet Jackson's character, Penny Basically, because I mainly remembered her from her role in the TV series adaptation of Spiderman

[@mike856ms]

Did she pass away?

[@karlsmith2570]

@@mike856ms She had indeed passed away

[@mike856ms]

@@karlsmith2570 I just researched the net. Nothing is posted about her being dead.

[@karlsmith2570]

@@mike856ms well, Dave opens this video by saying that she'd passed away

[@timepoet77]

Willona will be missed. Ja’Net had a beautiful soul which will never die or fade away.

[@thahman187]

Watching Good Times won't be the same now that Ja'Net is gone, but Wilona will always live on and of course the "Movin' on Up" on the Jeffersons. RIP Ja'Net.😢

[@2011TDG]

Love Wilona she went after John Witherspoon they played in the Wayans together .Rest in peace both of you great actor and actress love you guys .Tammy.

[@v.a.993]

Yes, and when they appeared on Good Times together 20 or so years before, he arrested her in the episode in which Penny's biological mother (played by Chip Fields) tries to set Willona up so that she can regain full custody of Penny. Good Times was a Who's Who for black actors...pretty much every working black actor alive from 1974-1979 starred on the show.

[@joepeople6149]

Ja'net was a wonderful singer actress and songwriter who deserved a lot more success with albums. I would have loved to hear more of her music too. Rest in Peace Ja'net Du'bois. A wonderful life you have lived. I miss you.

[@GeraBrown]

So sorry to hear about her passing. A very heartfelt tribute. Only now I have to go somewhere else to find out how she passed. I guess older people obsess over those details.

[@GeraBrown]

Okay I have a bad habit of talking to myself lol! It only took a few minutes to get a plethora of details, including that she apparently died in her sleep of natural causes Sunday night or Monday and was mercifully found Monday night. So that's somewhat comforting, though it's still difficult to hear of anyone from those days no longer with us.

[@jasonryan1942]

She was truly a legend

[@ErnestPorter-wl1cx]

Ja'Net was Brilliant, Bright Beautiful Black Queen. I Already Miss You. RIP my Sister

[@thevisionary2007]

Wonderful woman, thank you for another great video, Dave!

[@toddfowler4017]

As usual, fine job Mr. Dave! She was truly the Queen of the Wigs!! I don't know if anyone knew what her real hair looked like! I remember Jimmie Walker saying he had never seen so many, and all he had was one hat!! I HATED to see John Amos get fired and Esther Rolle quit. But when they did she got the show! And her character had a chance to grow a bit!! She was also on an episode of Sanford&Son. Might have been what led to her getting the Good Times role. (The Norman Lear connection) R.I.P. Ja'Net Dubois

[@tawnya0627]

Willona was an iconic character! I loved watching the show just for the strong women showcased. It hurt me in my deepest heart to find we lost her.

[@BillHosko]

Pull up J.T. Christmas special from 1971! Her performance as the Mother was - wonderful!

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

As sad as this is, especially because she was really able to hold that show together toward the end and become a major lead character in that, I can already see that I am going to be inconsolable when John amos's passes. This show and those actors really deserved. Huge humongous careers in the business because they were great and wonderful. She will be very missed. She was just a no-nonsense person.

[@kendallrivers1119]

I remember when Esther died in '98 and now Willona too? When John goes I'll be with you inconsolable.

[@Zeldarw104]

Thanks for remembering the great actress Ja'net Dubois. 😑💖💯 💐 She was 70's Gold and rose to Platinum with her life. 💖

[@IsItMeLOL]

I thank you for spreading love across this land. Love to you and Miss Ja’ Net. Take care.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the kind words, troyareed!

[@Wild1995]

She was such a good actress. Lets be real the character she played on Good Times would be difficult to cast. The character was nosey, full of gossip, funny, yet very caring and incredibly smart. All tough qualities to put into one person. Once Florida left the show, both parents were missing and the show relied on Ja'Net to be that parental figure. Even though the scripts got cheezier, she grounded the show in being a familiar and stable force for the family. She was that good.

[@johnharris7751]

Before good times she played the mom in the CBS children's film festival Christmas special called J.T. .

[@sandrasanders706]

Thanks Dave for this lovely tribute! She was just great..her friendship on screen with Esther Rolle was one of the best! And thanks for the great theme Ms. DuBois! Lucky we had them...Good Times indeed!

[@d.d.2147]

I think it's cool when someone can appreciate the contributions of someone from a different background. Kudos!!

[@acsmooth110]

I didn't know JaNet DuBois passed away. I just seen her on Live: Good Times in which Tiffany Haddish played Wilona Woods. She was much more of an actress than playing Wilona. Ja'Net DuBois was a very attractive woman and will be missed. RIP Ja'Net DuBois.

[@ThePalsc]

Ja'net had a sweetness thru the camera. Her and JJ were my favorites on that show.

[@brenthaymon280]

Love the Jefferson's theme song. Very few people could have sung the song as well as she did. Ja'Net was such a beautiful and talented lady. She will be missed.

[@lainyfromrainypnw]

Thank you for the tribute. Very well done. I know I was quite surprised to hear of her passing...but like you said, we all will have the same experience...hopefully later than sooner.

[@SK-iv9fm]

God bless Her. She was the best lady. Will miss her.

[@prentisrentie3127]

Let's not forget her role as Belle Spade (Keenan Ivory Wayans mother) in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka along with Damon and Kim Wayans, as well as the role of Shawn and Marlon Wayans' grandma in the sitcom The Wayans Bros. She was very close to the Wayans family on and off the screen. Ja'Net, you were a true natural talent, and you will always be remembered. Thank you and Rest in Peace.

[@jazzymoni7750]

I was born in 1971, and Good Times is forever embedded in my early childhood. It wasn't until I was much older watching reruns that I understood how much she played against type as a single, modern, independent woman who didn't have to conform to societal standards or norms to be happy. Bold, beautiful, sassy and elegant. RIH, Queen. 💗

[@KeyLimePunk]

Thank you so much for this. I knew you would do a wonderful tribute.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome, Kellie! Thanks for suggesting it. :)

[@yadda10akataxpayinvoter]

i know im gettin old. all my chidhood role models is leaving me. RIP sister... missed but NEVER forgoten

[@wshoovler]

Also loved her guest appearance on the Sanford and Son episode ‘Sanford and Son and Sister makes 3’ as Fred’s former lover Juanita!

[@DansTravels5823]

Haven't seen Good Times in ages but I do remember Ja'Net. I had a serious crush on her. Sad to hear about her passing.

[@timpatrick2109]

This white boy had rather a crush on this fine black lady.

[@billyk...]

This white boy did as well....I'm still crushing on Bern Nadette Stanis...Thelma looks just as pretty now as she did 46 years ago..

[@xcryptoxbeast1757]

Yes- she was sassy. 👍

[@reclavea]

Me too! 😊👍🏻 She was a class beauty!

[@MrBilly235]

I too had a crush on Willona, she was great!

[@jwallace1805]

everyone did

[@eloiseockert6561]

I love these reminescings on old TV shows. Death is something many people avoid thinking of until it happens. This and other videos are scary to me as I am 66 not in the best of health. Thinking of 72 and 'dying," is scary. All we can do is take it as 1 day at a time. No one has a contract as to when and how. The thing is to continue doing the best 'we' can and do things that matter. I am working at earning a bachelors in social work. I want to open a drop in live in center for emotionally and physically abused teens. I may NOT be able to succeed but I will keep going no matter what happens and hope. That is all 'we' can do. It isn't death but what we do in a positive constructive way that matters until that day comes. I feel horrible when I hear about suicides. 2 family members died by suicide It is sad when people can not see the light in the tunnel. Death will come soon enough..just do the best you can while here. When I have been unemployed and had to depend on the system I did volunteer work to feel needed and useful. So sorry to hear about this but she made people smile and was successful in many ways. TY Dave. These stories matter. For anyone going through a bad time I suggest a book to read: "Death be not Proud." Just know no matter how bad things are they will get better.

[@JanetAMills]

Prayers to Ja'net's family and all those who hold her close in their hearts. Thanks for the many memories, Sis!

[@TooLooze]

A beautiful and heartfelt tribute. Thanks, Dave!

[@jamiephillips620]

Thanks for doing this video on Ja'Net. R.I.P Ja'Net

[@GolDreadLocks]

R. I. P. Willona! Thanks for your smile, your humour, your style, and for introducing the world to reality!

[@SIKE01]

thank you for the Good Times, fond memories and timeless theme songs Ms. Dubois. respect & rest in peace.

[@Decgyrrl]

Janet Du'bois, was a classy lady, and a great character actress. She was beautiful. We will miss you. Thank u, for giving her a nice tribute. Thank u. My condolences to her friends & family. Rest in peace🕊.

[@robbijohnson6983]

Such a Beautiful person both inside and out ❤️

[@jasonhogue2511]

Beautiful and well done sir. She was great! I grew up watching Goodtimes. Ja`Net character Willona was so beautiful and down to earth. I didn't even know she sang movin on up for the Jefferson's. She was really talented and will be missed. ❤💖❤

[@theronedawson3236]

Another chapter in my early teen years has closed. I will miss her.