Why Esther Rolle Quit 'Good Times' - Here's Why

[@generalinformation3507]

When they killed off James Evans they killed off black America's dad. The show was never the same. I still Tear up when I hear damn damn damn!!😢

[@RayRay-iy2ve]

Did u also think he actually died in real life when u first saw it like i did ?! 😄

[@generalinformation3507]

@@RayRay-iy2ve naw ray 😆 But it was very sad. James Evans reminded me of my father, Stern but strong, The head of our family

[@RayRay-iy2ve]

@@generalinformation3507 yea I feel that. What i like most about the James character was it comes to his family, he didn't back down from NO BODY. Once u step foot in house he's always going let it be known he is King of the castle. 🙌🏿

[@derickg73]

I can't even watch that episode anymore, it hits too close to home 😫 😪.

[@willmurphy5438]

I do too, still hurts to this day.

[@godivabaker6622]

I wish more people stood up and had more dignity like Ms. Rolle.

[@troybradley2575]

Blacks are soft these days

[@yhideit4427]

So True

[@troybradley2575]

@@yhideit4427 They stand for nothing, and go for everything

[@yhideit4427]

@@troybradley2575 Why do you make such a blanket statement ?

[@troybradley2575]

@@yhideit4427 it’s not a blanket statement it’s a true statement that’s complex

[@tommystrawnarm2810]

They made the show about JJ the same way Family Matters made it about Urkle. They appeared to be about family at first but before ya know it dumbed them down an made it about their antics to get laughs

[@jayskicksnfits9372]

*Urkel*

[@blackamerican40]

Yes

[@blackamerican40]

A spin off of a black character who got her own show and the co-star stole the show. Maude and Perfect Strangers.

[@rissaceehart4076]

Ofc, Norman Lear &the producers for Family Matters CUT from the same cloth on THAT one!😒😒😒😒😒

[@CaptainTeach1]

Stereotyping

[@twebster9498]

Her chemistry with John Amos was so good. It's too bad the show went the direction that it did but those early episodes were so good.

[@JasonOrtiz-ye1do]

Question: Do you think a Good Times movie starring John Amos and produced by Tyler Perry would be a good idea or no?

[@dandejoux2622]

The show started great but went downhill. Spent too much time on the clowning of the oldest son.

[@JasonOrtiz-ye1do]

@@dandejoux2622 Still didn't answer the question! Do you think Tyler Perry should do a Good Times Movie starring John Amos and the surviving cast members?

[@JasonOrtiz-ye1do]

@patriciahill-el5587 So is a Tyler Perry Good Times Movie starring John Amos a good idea or not?

[@TheGreatestCreatorTruiil-lp7nj]

​@@JasonOrtiz-ye1donah don't touch it in this new day and age the values have definitely changed

[@anitawalton3435]

I am floored. They tried to make it a single mother show. Thank you, Ms. Rolle. Mr. Amos. Everyone. They fought a revolution behind those scenes. Wow.

[@JasonOrtiz-ye1do]

Do you think a Good Times movie starring John Amos and produced by Tyler Perry would be a good idea or no?

[@PhilMoskowitz]

Which is what the black family has evolved to. It was even true in the Chicago projects too. Pretty much no dual parent heads of households lived in the projects.

[@Phenom0100]

@@JasonOrtiz-ye1do Definitely not Tyler Perry!

[@JasonOrtiz-ye1do]

@@Phenom0100 JJ Evans in a skirt? 🤣

[@light279]

Why are you floored?. Don't you know that this is what Whitey does... try and portray Black women/people in the most negative way.

[@larrybranchii]

Esther Rolle didnt take BS. She did the talking, walking.. and put Hollywood in their place #Queen

[@steviecritiquenewby7874]

Fact's 💯

[@dougedoug2105]

It’s called knowing your worth; Plain & Simple

[@larrybranchii]

@@dougedoug2105 it’s not “plain & simple” when 97% of black celebs today are submissive to Hollywood. Submissive af

[@elizabethjordan5755]

I always felt Esther Rolle's Florida Evans was everybody's old-school mom. Fiercely loving, tough minded but compassionate. I miss the gift her character brought to the screen.

[@dr.dickgivens]

She wasn’t a “G”. She was a human being who wanted to be treated as such.

[@RedForeman]

The fact that John Amos is still alive today is a true blessing he also played a great father role in “my baby’s daddy”

[@steviecritiquenewby7874]

Facts 💯🙏🏿👍🏿

[@teabrewings3542]

He also played a gay partner in 2&1/2 Men

[@RedForeman]

@@teabrewings3542 come on bruh I could’ve went the rest my life without knowing that one 😑

[@believeitachieveit369]

@@RedForeman facts now im like "damn, damn, damn james"💀😂

[@yell0wberry]

If John Amos had a problem with Jimmy Walker, it damn sure didn’t stop him from working with him in the movie let’s do it again

[@vibiify]

Esther Rolle gone but never forgotten she still rocks!!!!

[@leelee185]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@leelee185]

I’m so happy people are still taking the time to remember this woman.

[@NativeAmerican2023]

Dam dam dam !!!

[@taylor5973]

@@leelee185when you do greatness you will remembered

[@pauladouglas9891]

She was such a strong, proud woman, a real role model.

[@kkin4937]

While working on Good Times, I submitted a show about an abused young girl. The Producers told me they would never do a show like that, but later introduced Janet Jackson with the same premise. I was told that the show often received letters and suggestions from viewers from which staff writers would take ideas and present them as their own work. As a paige, I was excited about submitting stories to Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin shows but finally stopped upon realizing that several of my ideas had been taken and manipulated to benefit the writing staff and producers. I kept the letters I received from the shows to which I submitted scripts and I continue to write knowing that one day I will produce my work.

[@aedinquinn8687]

Write a movie or show about 2 black business students travel to Kenya to establish financial system to tax resources; $50 billion lost in non taxed excavated resources for African continent infrastructure: electricity, roads, water, agriculture, education for 75% of Africa population under 25, professional sports. Aedin

[@starstuff5371]

You do realize that TV show producers probably have standard form letters that they send to all the fans submitting ideas for shows without ever reading the fan letters, don't you? It's been nearly 50 years since Good Times first came on TV... how's your writing career coming along?

[@Chocolatecherry291]

Norman Lear stole this show from the Black writer Eric Monte. He's always been a theif.

[@Chocolatecherry291]

@@starstuff5371 It doesn't matter. Norman was and always will ne a theif. I hope that person get some sort of retribution.

[@CaptainSpalding72]

​@@Chocolatecherry291Lear had little to do with this show

[@gelove6676]

WOW!! she stood up for her people just Like “Esther” in The Bible! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@robinbutcher7297]

Amen

[@melin4ted_bookworm632]

That was always my fave Bible story growing up 🥰🥰🥰

[@patriciascheiman]

​@@robinbutcher7297 0

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

Really, all people. Genuine dignity and self respect, as opposed to superficial virtue signaling, serves all of humanity. It isn’t a race or gender issue.

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

@@robinbutcher7297check out the actual origins of the word “Amen” sometime. I don’t think Christ would have been too thrilled that Christians adopted this.

[@frankjennings5441]

Yes I’m proud of her she stood her ground and believes.

[@wonderwoman66dp]

*beliefs

[@holyexperience1976]

Believed in the right thing.

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

She got a better deal doing Aunt Jemima Commercials

[@xxcrump3575]

👁️ 👁️ 👃 👅

[@Blurockstarr]

I love the fact that Ms. Ester stood and ground and fought for positive black images on tv. She didn’t sell her soul for money.

[@kaybaggett1072]

She should have known at the beginning what the show was about ? SteveBaggett

[@joannabmarketing]

Exactly.

[@ebonyrushharrington1901]

Ok if true why didn't the cast take an stand unless am wrong to take an stand to keep James Evans (John Amos ) on the show!!!!!!????

[@karenporter6259]

me too

[@alluringstar5910]

I loved that show but once they killed John Amos character I stopped watching it. The show was never the same without him.☹

[@dtrn254]

Esther had such a beautiful face. High cheek bones, soulful eyes, brown rich skin and the warmest smile.

[@kiki1965]

I still watch Good Times. I was in grade school when I got hooked on this show. Now 57 and still love this show. God bless them all... 🦋

[@JleeSyd6564]

Without James and Florida Evans there would be no Cosby's or Winslow's. Thank you for your positive contribution to the culture John Amos and Esther Rolle.

[@abijustbeyourself2UBTRU]

Esther Rolle was and is SO important to the culture ❤️. Her tenacity as a actress rooted in her blackness and her unwillingness to go along with buffoonery is what's missing from today's black Hollywood actors.

[@mrcead]

Preach it!!! She put the bag on the line, today's black actors too scared to speak up

[@jamesorsby7553]

@@mrcead It's not that...they just don't really care as long as they're getting money, which is unfortunate.

[@boogsybrooks]

@@jamesorsby7553 True.

[@DieselPurge]

@@jamesorsby7553 Same thing

[@rickstheone]

@@mrcead You got that right!

[@mrcead]

It goes a lil deeper too. The showrunner had the idea of how he thought a black family should be portrayed - broken. He used JJ to split that family apart figuratively which then became literally. The same showrunner made the Jeffersons, they recasted Lionel but they didn't recast James Evans??? - which tells you how much he just didn't like the idea of a strong Black role model and he got the single black mother raising them kids in the PJs like he wanted smh. Could have recasted James if it was truly just beefing with John Amos but they didn't, so draw your own conclusions. RIP Esther Rolle, RIP Ja'Net DuBois

[@1talldaddy]

yeah that's true and the only reason Michael was so militant, is because if James said that stuff it would scare the white people off.

[@drahtid1]

I agree, but it would have been boring without JJ. After all it was a family/comedy show.

[@troydavis3694]

John Amos hated the way they portrayed Jimmy Walker on the show. He absolutely 💯 rifled with production about JJ"s character and wardrobe. He was right. As a 9 year old didn't see it then. Sad they fired Mr. Amos after season 3for not going along with their program and standing up for righteousness Ms. Rolle had to be disgusted.Mr. Amos booting definitely had a lot to do with her leaving season 4

[@Akilah077]

This is the comment 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@Akilah077]

@@1talldaddy 🎯

[@A.Rose.G]

The father was the reason I liked the show. He had a moral compass and great smile. I loved when he tried not to laugh.

[@reggiebenson9172]

Me too. Florida was a real downer. Not entertaining at all, but James and JJ and the rest were great.

[@mkl62]

Especially on the episode, The Nude. Eh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh.

[@laraschauble]

The dad scared me as a kid while watching the show...I thought he was always ready to beat the kids with his belt when they got in trouble..I didn't like the dad at all....the sister always whined alot..JJ was goofy..and the younger brother was just being a younger brother...the mom was the glue to the family..she was proud of her family and set them straight when needed but it was all with the love of a mom...

[@A.Rose.G]

@@laraschauble Awww... Maybe because I was a little older when I found the reruns and used to normal loudness in my own family I saw him as moral, kind but loud when mad or stressed. The sense of humor and smile he had made him appealing to me. Definitely can see that scaring someone not used to it, though. I don't like fighting on sitcoms and just want it over. The sister drove me nuts with the whining too sometimes lol.

[@laraschauble]

@@A.Rose.G it seemed like the dad was ALWAYS pissed off and ready the beat the shit out of the kids..that was my childhood take on the character...he was mean...

[@leejohnson6448]

This lady had one of the most infectious smiles. I have recently watched her in Maude and whenever I see her, she makes me smile so much. She was such a beautiful lady.

[@chaunticaharris6763]

She was such an amazing actress. She's the only reason I watched good times. Rest in peace Esther Rolle

[@mmatrix3998]

"Remember, I've been black the longest." Classic 🤣🤣

[@spiritandtruth194]

Which episode is that from?

[@mmatrix3998]

@@spiritandtruth194 It's not in a episode. Its what she told the producers when she was requesting more creative control on the show.

[@MrSosa35]

Esther had integrity and values something that barely exists in todays world

[@PHlophe]

in a world of bundled-up bishes and twerky thots. how far have we fallen.

[@tracyshelton5599]

Word!!✌

[@IsmokeHiphopLive]

My mom took care of her before she died. rip

[@devonp2756]

No way. Your mother was a nurse for Esther Rolle?

[@christopherharper9932]

God bless u and your Mom🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@federal6616]

So Awesome

[@angelasmith9225]

For real. I know she enjoyed working for her. It’s a blessing to help others

[@scottlevine7646]

I bet she has amazing stories. Respect

[@Oivey2000]

I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Rolle as the Mother in a touring production of "A Raisin In The Sun" years ago. Her performance was so riveting and emotional that I still remember it to this day.

[@jfitzgerald6039]

Esther Rolle, in my opinion, is a true trailblazer. The word has been used so much until it has lost its true meaning but its original meaning is accurate of Esther Rolle.

[@alisax7099]

I'm glad Esther stood up for her people we need more like her today peace

[@judychang8760]

Stood up for her people? She just didn't like JJ being seen as a buffoon. She said nothing to the writers about characters calling JJ, "Black and Ugly." "Creature From The Black Lagoon," etc. This was more offensive to me than JJ's antics. I know every episode by heart, and it pissed me off to see and hear other characters berate JJ like that. Calling him dark & ugly, among other things.

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

@@judychang8760 I think there was an EGO issue. Jimmie Walker dealt with a whole cast who didn't like his character. From the first episode where J.J. "FINDS" things they KNEW what kind of character he was. They also had a lot of these episodes written weeks in advance. They didn't promote JJ "more" and he stopped "finding" things after the first two episodes. There was an issue on who were the Stars-- Jimmie Walker or Esther and John Amos.

[@judychang8760]

@@Piggy-Oink-Oink NONE of what you said answers my question on why they thought it was acceptable to call JJ "black and ugly," amongst other things. They didn't like JJ being a clown. Ok, AND? But they enjoyed other characters berating his looks as a black man? Stupid!

[@Johnnyiswhere]

​@judychang8760 actually, Esther Rolle objected to all of it. She didn't like the writing on the show, but she was an actress, not a producer!

[@91dodgespiritrt]

Esther Rolle didn't address the -- REAL -- obvious problem - having ---------- JEW --------- writers writing dialogue for black characters and commenting on black life which made the program a total SHAM.

[@King-hl1ck]

The family felt weaker when James passed. People were trying to take advantage of them more. Like the maintenance guy and others.

[@simplyjuannie5128]

That girl and her sister who tried to rob them when they won the little lotto.

[@King-hl1ck]

@@simplyjuannie5128 James wouldn’t have that. Remember he put the belt on Michael’s bully. 😂

[@noseyandneutral]

I remember that is when my family stopped watching. It was clear that it was so forced and uncomfortable

[@tramdr]

You do realize that James, (John Amos) left the show first for the same reason as Rolle did later.

[@RonJP-pm7jp]

@@King-hl1ck lol James snatched up the fugitive bank robbing cousin too.

[@Jazalena]

I always wanted Florida to finish school and James to start his own business I felt they had so many chances to really make it out but was always written to fail I wish we could’ve gotten to see Thelma exploring becoming a Doctor or therapist instead of just marrying a football player as her come up and I wish they would’ve explored JJ opening up his art studio and living on his own there were so many directions they could’ve went

[@jeroldshelby5758]

Your ideas are Awsome! And would have been a great ending to the series, and would have given people faith in themselves, that they could accomplish their dreams.❤

[@truthspeaker3728]

You are so correct they wanted us to not even try as we know , some don't want others to excel.

[@valu1827]

That was one of the most frustrating things about the show to me. Every time something was going good for the family things failed.

[@Jazalena]

I would add to this micheal gets accepted to an HBCU on a full Scholarship and later becomes a lawyer helping the low income families that can’t afford lawyers this could’ve been a while spin off

[@claytonstarrjr9788]

Florida was the villain and gossiping person

[@TonyaTko]

Thank you for this. I didn't know about all of this. It's inspiring to know the power of an actress choosing to stand her ground on her beliefs! ✊🏾

[@adriennemccue-SUFMH]

Totally agree with Esther Rolle, I was in shock when they killed off James. Since I had both parents growing up, that was hard. But then when my parents got divorced, I saw the kids suffering from no parents! I was happy about the happy ending everyone got through.

[@davidgreg1673]

I pray God gives you lots of beautiful days, I’m David Greg originally from Spain Granada, I live in Austin Texas and you ?

[@yhideit4427]

She's a Hero and I never knew it !

[@stackmosayless-1669]

I'm Puerto Rican and grew up watching when John Amos and Esther Rolle were cast together it reminded me of how I grew up with a father down to do whatever he could to keep the family together. John Amos is from Newark NJ and is very well known for his theater work and a good man. He's still alive and thanks for your work always portraying your roles with dignity. I saw Haileys Comet it was a 1 man show staring Mr Amos 👏🏾🙌🏾

[@iamchi11]

Killed off the Strong Black Family then Return him back decades later to play a Gay lover of a white man. Of course!!!!!!

[@ebonyrushharrington1901]

I did not care for Carl no disrespect

[@ebonyrushharrington1901]

I really liked Penny!!!!

[@ebonyrushharrington1901]

They could of brought back James Evans /John Amos or at least asked him if he wanted to come back

[@terrytyler3139]

After good times he appeared in an episode of the A Team Then in coming to America Made a decent amount of money in Fresh Prince of Bel Air Last seen was in an episode of Two and A Half Men

[@jayh6227]

Ester Rolle was showing how a family was supposed to be. Notable exception of the Huxtables, I see though. The Cosby Show was a direct recipient of the "Good Times" recipe and nevertheless showed a whole generation how a good family, not just black, operates.

[@BigDapPacino]

The Jeffersons was also about a successful Black Family...Eric Monte, who co created Good Times with the real Micheal Evan's who played Lionel on The Jeffersons...Micheal helped him get a job on the writing staff!

[@claytonstarrjr9788]

Bullshit

[@claytonstarrjr9788]

How by keeping them in the ghetto with no job

[@APRIMEProspect]

@@BigDapPacino Yes, I agree that The Jefferson showed the positive light of a black family leaving the ghetto, but what always bugged me was they made him the "black" version of Archie Bunker ( a bigot) toward the white race.

[@TheEnigmaticBM39]

@@APRIMEProspect he was a product of his time

[@suttonstone3482]

I have always loved Good Times, but the episodes with the ENTIRE family were my favorites. The storyline where Florida "fell in love" with someone else was not realistic. Florida and James loved each other dearly, there is no way she would have looked at someone romantically let alone married them so quickly. The show was never the same when John Amos left.

[@sheilahowell4682]

Thank you Mrs. Ester for taking a stand for the black family.

[@goodfellabeats]

Super underrated show. Even to this day. I wasn't born when it was on but I watched the reruns as a kid in the 80s when they played on TV.

[@godivabaker6622]

Definitely wasn’t underrated. This was a classic show.

[@goodfellabeats]

@@godivabaker6622 It is underrated. Every "best TV shows of all-time" list I've ever seen never mentions it unless it's a top 100 list. Even then they place it in the 80's or 90s.

[@ThePresentTimeNow]

Same. I love Good Times, and always did as a kid in the 90s.

[@_donald.harrison04]

I don’t feel the show is underrated. It’s very popular to this day and appears on every top rated list of Black sitcoms.

[@willmurphy5438]

I got it all recorded and still will watch it now and again. Same with the Cosby show. Have to give my kids images of strong black families since they gave up on them type shows for us.

[@jayc3479]

BLESS HER!🙏🏾 She spoke up when most would not and she was right. The show took a downturn after James left and he reminded me of my own Dad who's shares the same birthday as Amos.😆

[@klizzyykicks1712]

I loved this show..if they made shows with positive messages like this again the world would be a better place

[@christianrapper]

They literally do

[@testedtried1233]

This was never a positive show. Once I became of age and really paid attention this show was a flop. Look at Green leaf, The Oval Office, Sisters, etc.

[@Jaheartsjonas]

@@testedtried1233 I think the OP meant more shows that focus on families and wholesome values instead of drama and mess. The shows you gave as examples aren't even worth comparing especially the Tyler Perry ones, I couldn't get through the first episode of Sistas, it was just substandard and completely different than the quality of things TP has produced in the past

[@vonbook1973]

@@testedtried1233 Did we watch the same show? Because I don't see how Good Times WASN'T positive - was it because they lived in the ghetto, lol? Maybe that's where we disagree - because it's still the strong 2-parent household w/ values, morals, etc. regardless of their financial circumstances - not to mention the real issues the show focused on, with humor. And you're comparing this classic to Greenleaf, The Oval Office & Sisters? Okay, bye.

[@wildhogs1ful]

We have to be drug dealers, thugs, whores , poor or angry or there is no show according to some

[@shadymccoy7]

She was definitely one of our pioneers and a great role model! Treasure of our culture! 🖤

[@katerinakaye2228]

I loved this series growing up!! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@HassanLuv78]

The only thing that really bugged me about this show was on the wedding episode... Not one single mention of James.... Thats just wrong....they could have Thelma say one line about her Daddy walking her down the aisle... That was his "baby girl" after all

[@glorymosbyfloyd3878]

True

[@taiwanarnold5927]

Yep

[@masteringlife7526]

You even blame black women actresses for writers not mentioning a fake t.v. dad????? WTH

[@TheEnigmaticBM39]

@@masteringlife7526 what are you talking about?

[@redred9382]

Exactly I forgot about that.

[@bridgetbarnett6423]

she stood her ground back in the day when that was unheard of. love her! (rip)

[@Sneakerveli]

You can tell, when James got killed off it was never the same!! I can only watch the 1st 3 seasons and that's it

[@PHlophe]

goes to show how its imperative to have full control in our own narratives. enuff is enuff fr fr .

[@rasheeda1303]

James and Florida Evans "Authenticity" why rearrange something that works?🤔

[@ke2817]

I agree 100 % not the same without James

[@JuanCruz-uu5lr]

Yes when they killed James Character the show was not good.

[@JuanCruz-uu5lr]

I didn't like the show.

[@iloveejbgssnoopy]

Esther Rolle was a strong amazing lady. Her acting was brilliant and so strong.

[@tabathacooksey6042]

She so beautiful! Missed her so much! A great mom on good times

[@garfieldharrison510]

I was born in the right time. Esther really put her foot down. Having a Father in her spin off was integral. I'm glad that she did that. I really liked what they rejected. John Amos was the Bomb. The real African American Dad that most probably wished to have. Loved the show. Rest in Power Queen Esther.

[@GE0RGECREWS]

John amos may have lost the battle but he def won the war. His role on good times was a catalyst for shows like the cosby show which gave us a different world. Chain reaction for the culture. Salute to esther for standing her ground👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@begoodtoyourself9051]

What an amazing woman

[@TommieGun71]

@BeGood ToYourself...... No doubt about it, she stood on her morals and principles.

[@joannabmarketing]

Yes!! May she rest in peace.

[@joannabmarketing]

@@TommieGun71 she sure did!!

[@BusinessMan1619]

I was a kid in the 1970s and watched every episode back then but this 7 minute video just taught me so much about the show that I didn't know.

[@patriciachamberlain1135]

Home town hero (East Orange, NJ). We're STILL proud of him.

[@LynnT39]

I hated when James and Florida characters left the show, it lost something. I do however like when Janet Dubois got more parts and Janet Jackson’s character Penny come along. I like that Thelma had married Keith ( Ben Powers) but it’s like they didn’t know what to do with him. It’s just make you angry how Producers can ruin good shows. Our shows that are Black oriented always get changed or cancelled because some head people screw with it. Like the show “Underground” a good series about Black slaves fighting back and with good ratings. They couldn’t wait to destroy it.

[@rissaceehart4076]

YEP ,REALness &Dignity !!!

[@rissaceehart4076]

And Quiet as Kept.. THEY STILL don't!

[@angelicaridgeway4318]

And Keith was a idiot as well. Both he and JJ showed black men in a negative light. It became a total joke.

[@naturalhairkhronicles5790]

I agree especially underground. Underground was a show that definitely had potential but no one wanted to pick it up.

[@terrytyler3139]

The show was not a positive influence to begin with Every time james got a job Shortly hes fired Florida has to put together the little money they had and made to buy food And who knows if it was plenty enough to eat? They never had a TV He was always angry Stereotypical is what good times was.

[@varimarc1]

Esther Rolle you are greatly missed. Watched you in films and tv, such a great actress. The Angela Bassett, and Meryl Streep of her time. Such a jewel! ♥️❤️🥰

[@BigDapPacino]

A huge contributing factor to the show's decline was when the co- creators Eric Monte and Micheal Evan's who portrayed Lionel on the Jeffersons...basically got pushed out by the White producers and writers after the show became successful...Eric Monte was the heart and soul of Good Times because he grew up on Chicago's West side in the Cabrini Projects...which was the setting of Good Times...according to what Eric Monte said...Norman Lear wanted the show to have more of a comedic tone but Eric just like John Amos and Esther Rolle hated to see Jimmy Walker strutting around with that Rooster on the top of his head...notice when the Florida character was reintroduced , JJ stopped delivering Chicken and Ribs...he got a job at a advertising agency and started to dress more conservatively...this video also did not mention the addition of Keith Anderson eventhough Thelma getting married was kind anti-climatic...it is sad ... the characters we grew to love for 6 years ...move out of the projects and get to live their dreams only after the network pulled the plug...like the bigwigs did not think a show about successful People of Color would not be a ratings powerhouse...the Jeffersons was on the air before and after Good Times !

[@thomasbrown3356]

Actually when JJ becomes head of the household, in his Mother's absence, he became mature. The same season Penny was introduced. The year his mother returned for Thelma's Wedding, he lost his Advertising gig. What was odd is that they still lived in Cabrini Green, while he had a big time job. Come to think of it, why did Wilona live in the projects? She had a good job, too lol.

[@BigDapPacino]

@@thomasbrown3356 Yes I did kind of jump the shark on the timeline with JJ at the advertising job because he lost that job before Thelma got married and he did not tell his family immediately...if I remember right...he borrowed money from Sweet Daddy William's to pay for Thelma's wedding...eventhough Keith was driving around Cadillacs and flexing...even before he officially signed his Football contract...JJ did mature after he stopped wearing the old bucket hat and multi colored shirts all of the time...the episodes where he got hooked up with the gambling ring , had the out of body experience with a White version of JJ living his life, and the one where he dated the married woman who gave him a ulcer...showed that he did have real acting skills!

[@marriemiller6077]

@@thomasbrown3356 moo moo

[@queentiffany9145]

I miss her so much she was the best mother I loved her character❤

[@teresafrostbyte8560]

Thank you Esther! Much respect to you!

[@bakulubaka3824]

I love Esther Rolle, she was incredible on the screen !

[@yahkar]

🤔 Im Picking Up a Pattern; The Producers of *Good Times* and *Esther Rolle* seems to have the same sentiment of the Producers of *Family Matters* and *Jo Marie Payton* . In both shows J.J. and Steve Urkel Roles expanded after they received such a positive comedic reaction from the audience though they took moral value away from the show. Esther and Jo both had spin off shows after being such strong black female characters in previous white dominated cast shows. It seems like there was an agenda to show the black family with a Strong Black Woman but Not a Strong Black Father that could Lead in the home. Just seem like Someone in Hollywood does not want the black man to be portrayed as a Strong Father Figure that takes care of his family. The shows name were *Good Times* and nothing was good about those times. The other show was named *Family Matters* and Judy never came back downstairs 🤷🏾‍♂️ See where I'm headed with this...

[@juniaosme2396]

I agree! After awhile you get tired of hearing "DYNAMITE" FROM JJ, "WATCHA TALKIN ABOUT WILLIS" FROM ARNOLD AND "DID I DO THAT " FROM STEVE ERKLE.

[@Jason5818UI]

yeah it didn't help that Good times had majority White writers that knew absolutely nothing about black culture

[@mrcead]

Exactly! This is an old strategy but used on TV in this instance, a wedge is driven amongst a black collective by giving an outlier some power or authority to disrupt the natural balance in that collective. Laughter was the disguise so it flew under the radar

[@courtneypalmer53]

@@juniaosme2396 When you quoted Urkel's line it's like automatically I heard it in my head. 😂

[@rissaceehart4076]

It's PAYTON..You're Welcome.,But I AGREE 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@gospelician]

Thank you Ester and John for your advocacy and efforts made toward the enhancement and representation of Black Culture. ❤❤❤

[@crystalmiller2137]

We need more actresses like Esther Rolle on screen, in the writing room, and behind the camera.

[@davidgreg1673]

I totally agree with you, she’s a star. I pray God gives you lots of beautiful days, I’m David Greg originally from Spain Granada, I live in Austin Texas and you ?

[@truthis612]

As a 6th grader back in 1976 my class met Esther Rolle as she was invited to our school by my teacher. I was a big fan of Jimmy JJ Walker and asked her to say dynamite.She looked at me and said in her raspy voice," I'll leave that for fools like you and JJ. All my classmates laughed heck I laughed. It never phased me but many years later I would understand the beef her, and John Amos had with Jimmy Walker.

[@Chocolatecherry291]

Yes Florida for the read. Im glad you took it in stride.

[@lxolxo7]

I saw the series finale last year and I cried. I was so happy that it all worked out for all of them, and they finally came up!!! I grew up with this show!

[@vxy357]

Now THAT"S how most series finales should end. On a happy note with some closure. You don't see that nowadays in TV shows.

[@Sunflower94H]

Thank you for showing so much respect 🙏 for a strong inspiring woman like Esther Rolle. She was a blessing.

[@charles..9662]

Good times was not the same when John amos left the show it really went down after John left ..still a classic with John in it

[@Bwell218]

Totally agree. I only watch season 1 through 3 because of James.

[@charles..9662]

@@Bwell218 John was a real father bro 💯💯💯

[@Bwell218]

@@charles..9662 💯. What every black household needs. Maybe these kids wouldn't be so out of control today if we had more 2 parent households with a male role model like him in the house.

[@Twp205]

I totally agree! I never watch the episodes after James died!

[@charles..9662]

@@Twp205 I don't like they put penny in there are keith it just went trash to me if they kept james it last longer to the 80s I think like how long the Jeffersons last it

[@lorrieprothero2175]

I didn't realize what a wonderful matriarch she was. She's the kind of person we need to guide our youth. There's a reason we are taught to respect our elders. They understand the importance of a good strong family.

[@davidgreg1673]

I totally agree with you, she’s a star. I pray God gives you lots of beautiful days, I’m David Greg originally from Spain Granada, I live in Austin Texas and you ?

[@eyestoenvy]

As with most commenters here, I too agree that "Good Times" officially ended when they wrote off James the husband & father. We loved this show as kids in the hood because it was a mirror reflection of our lives on TV. Almost all of my relatives, friends, as well as myself grew up in dilapidated public housing that was infested with poverty & crime. We lived in small cramped apartments, having to share rooms, some slept in living rooms, etc. Each day was a struggle just to make home to school and home. The elevator ride itself was the most dangerous form of public transportation we knew at the time. What was different though is that in the case of the Evans family, they had James at home. They had a father, a husband, a provider, a protector, mentor, disciplinarian, etc. Where as we, for the most part, just had our mothers. If that. They were poor, struggling, etc, but they were complete in that little apartment as a full family. And the boy's shot at making it to adulthood away from crime, violence, drugs, gangs, etc was drastically higher than the rest because of him. Because of James. Amos slayed the role of James, it was one of the best TV casting calls ever made. But if Norman Lear only knew that in killing off Florida's husband and father of the Evans kids, he also killed off the make-believe TV dad that most fatherless homes in the hood admired, respected, and wished they had. Thanks for the ear.

[@cheriann6461]

What a queen. Thanks for telling us more about her. LOVE reminders of REAL Black excellence.

[@thebagnchannel]

One of the best segments you all have done. Good Times and Ester Rolle deserves all its flowers Jewish ppl know nothing of protecting our culture and what we actually need it shows in entertainment still!

[@babydoll5052]

Once they wrote off James, that ruined the family dynamics of the show! I love "Good Times" to this date, I watch reruns all the time. While the show was good through it's entirety, a lot of times I will only watch the episodes with James on them, when watching "Good Times" on cable, you can pick the Seasons that you wanna watch

[@Iloveparrisblu]

Thank you for the insight of this groundbreaking and much needed model of families. Good Times started out in a positive and realistic portrayal of the Black Family. There are more positive families in the Black Community than what is portrayed and encouraged in Hollywood and the world at large. Not to mention that it supports the negative and incorrect, stereotypical reality of the worlds oppressive reign, versus a true and authentic reality of the Black and Beautiful Culture. I support the visions of the late, great Esther Role and the equally outstanding John Amos and their joint tenacity and drive and determination to portray the Black Family in healthy and intelligent imagery. Rather than stupid and insulting perspectives. Their collective charge to portray positivity is nothing short of brilliant, to which millions of folks, including myself are forever grateful, honored and respectfully inspired. Peace

[@davehue9517]

I grew up watching Good Times and Esther with my first girlfriend and her family.... Ester still reminds me so much of her mom, Annette, a sweet kind lady I always remember. RIP Esther and Annette.

[@haigwilliams7715]

Comedy Hype does it again ❤️ thank you for this!

[@mrwill21398]

The show got bad after James died.

[@MarquelCherry-v9w]

No it didn't even though James was off the show it was still great. It was never a bad show.

[@blackrock316]

I thought it was very odd to pair Florida and Carl Dixon together and am glad they didn't bring back Carl for the last season.

[@RonJP-pm7jp]

Lol yeah. Especially with her being a God fear Christian marry an atheist???

[@blackrock316]

@@RonJP-pm7jp yeah it was just weird though, if it was a different character am sure fans wouldn't have an issue with that

[@gwenbeall8335]

@@blackrock316 Right. The vibe was totally off and his character felt forced and out of place.

[@thinkforyourself2109]

Amazing to hear about how Esther Rolle stood her ground. I have heard of other actors doing the same, such as Kate Mulgrew refusing a scantily clad love scene n Voyager as she didn't want to send a bad message to girls who were watching. It's great to hear such stories.

[@bettydamnboop3030]

Still miss this show. The parents were my favorite part of every episode. Thank you for sharing this beautiful walk through memory lane.

[@HWolfeIII]

Thank you Esther Rolle for standing strong...

[@reneenickerson635]

I was sad to see Esther Role and John Amos leave the show. Now that I know why, I perfectly understand.

[@joannabmarketing]

Fantastic video!!! Thank you! I didn't know this info, but I could always tell, even as a young person, that Ms. Rolle was a classy woman who did not accept stereotypical roles. Her & Mr. Amos were a force to be reckoned with and wonderfully & bravely stood their ground. They did not lower their principles & I agree with what they said about Jimmy Walker's character. His character grew to be so buffoonish & even I, as a young person, had grown weary of it.

[@tiffanyreene7955]

I truly respect everything she said!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 she told not one lie and didn’t hold back👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥲🥲 This one for the books because she basically made history with that show and just stuck to her morals just really enlightened me.🙏🏾🙏🏾Ms. Esther Roll🙏🏾🙏🏾 #thankyou

[@faxaccount8216]

Seriously, the show was perfect in the beginning. But I think it was too difficult to leave a loving black family portrayed together on tv, complete with both parents. And that’s what we need to see-complete family units with a strong father figure guided by morals, principles and dignity. The show in the beginning embodied the fact that if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. I agree with most others that after John Amos left, the show was never the same, and I am also glad that he’s still alive and going strong 💪Esther Rolle portrayed everything a woman should be to a man- opinionated and strong, but yet loving, obedient and a help/support to her husband. May her beautiful soul rest in peace

[@kwami.alexander]

This has to be the best synopsis of what happened during that time with the cast and era. If there is an internet award for accuracy and brilliant selection of clips to make this eye opening, stimulating report it should be entered right away!

[@91dodgespiritrt]

Esther Rolle didn't address the -- REAL -- obvious problem - having ---------- JEW --------- writers writing dialogue for black characters and commenting on black life which made the program a total SHAM.

[@darryldavis8219]

They were the show we looked forward to watching each night.

[@BeingKyleBusch18]

Born in 1973, i grew up watching Goodtimes, what's happening and The jeffersons These were the very first black sitcoms that set the stage for future black sitcoms.

[@Bonny228]

Nope, Sanford & son paved the way for good times

[@BeingKyleBusch18]

@@Bonny228 Opps, sorry. You're right. I should have known better to leave out S&S, being that is the 1st sitcom i grew up watching as a kid. ^_^

[@Twinflameparadigm]

So sad that most people don't know that the first African-American TV show that portrayed a nonstereotypical black family was called Julia starring the beautiful Diahann Carroll as a widowed nurse with a young son. I was really young when that show came out, but had an aunt who lived with us and watched that show religiously.

[@MrChuckGrape]

That show sure was loaded with talent. Good on this KZbinr for highlighting that.

[@tawniboos8865]

I loved her as the mother. She was so funny and caring. I still watch the show today.

[@shaylasorrells7671]

The way the writers tried to force that relationship between Florida and Carl so soon after James died still doesn’t sit right to me to this day!

[@eagandereagander6471]

Florida would have grieved James for YEARS and would not have even thought about starting up with another man! Fail Norman Lear!

[@Chris-Tracy94]

Imagine Janet Jackson at 9 or 10 pretty much saving the show for a time and giving it some integrity … 😩😩😩 she’s been a legend her whole life

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Aw stop it she didn't save the show

[@shadymercury]

please stop lol! Jackson did not save this show. She was a minor character at best. leave it to a Janet stan to make something that has nothing to do w/ her, "all about her" .

[@gluteusaurusmaximus6133]

Jackson saved nothing,she was a weak link.

[@nicolestewart2274]

I love Janet, but she was horrible on Good Times.

[@pardyhardly]

It was a rare instance of Cousin Oliver Syndrome actually working out and helping the show.

[@mlynettepinky595]

I know Norman Lear had the last say so, on what happened on his shows. I want to know, whose bright idea, was it to call the show Good Times Calling the show Good times, when majority of the time they where bad times and they where miserable, what a paradox or is it a oxymoron 🤔 Thanks for sharing, I always thought she left because she got sick, became ill. She got sick and tired of how they portrayed Black men. I knew why John was fired, because he didn't like how JJ was portrayed, in a negative way, a 70's shuck and jive character I Know Mike Evans the first Lionel from The Jefferson was the creator and one of the writers on Good Times.

[@MrShugg2u]

I grew up in that neighborhood. Even tho times were rough most of my Good memories come from that place. Our family has never been as close since leaving

[@me21464]

I still watch Good Times!!

[@MrsM222]

Thank you for standing up for the culture Ms. Rolle. You brought that strong image out in Maude and you continued in Good Times as the matriarch of the family. You are one of our forever ICONS. ❤

[@biggjoshhardcore]

I loved the parents on good times. Great Characters!

[@EricFortuneJr.]

So basically the show would’ve ran a lot longer if the writers would’ve known what or who they were writing about.

[@TheBeetfoot]

or just wouldn't have been racist and white

[@gilliantracy7991]

Or just listened to Esther!

[@Foreriverricky]

I’m 30 years old, so I wasn’t around when the show was active. I love the first 3 seasons tho! I had them on dvd back in the day and James was always my favorite character because he reminded me of my father. When I found out they killed him off I had no interest to watch anymore seasons

[@imfrankk1867]

im 30 years old and only like the first 3 seasons myself 😂😂

[@justicemai1517]

I'm 6 yrs older you was around we was not walking or talking

[@YakBat]

2023 and that "Damn." moment still almost tears me up.

[@CustomSneakers]

I learned a lot from this video. Didn't know why there was so much drama.

[@TommieGun71]

Sadly, that don't make em like Ester Rolle anymore..... These women today will do anything for "The Bag"

[@parisnasir]

....and JJ still out here doing commercials talking about (claps hands) DYNOMITE!! I cringe everytime that dumb commercial comes on!

[@sanaaniz]

He has always shucked and jived 🥴

[@tracyylee1]

I too cringe when that dumb commercial comes on and I mute the television.

[@ginam2817]

So do I... It's very cringe worthy.... I don't think he did much after Good Times, so he's capitalizing off of the buffoonery.

[@derriepage5934]

@@ginam2817 Brother just trying to make a dollar. Trying to survive.

[@parisnasir]

@@ginam2817 agreed! Even has JJ pictures on the bookshelf on the commercial! I guess its him and JJ til death do they part!

[@pele11201]

The same thing happened with the show Family Matters. In the beginning, it was all about a working class Black family living in Chicago and their daily adventures. After a few episodes, the character Steve Urkel was introduced and the show began to take a different turn. The show became less about the Winslows and more about Urkel. The show became ridiculous when the actor who portrayed Urkel’s voice deepened, but the producers forced him to talk in an exaggerated high pitched voice, making Urkel go from an awkward nerdy teen to a human cartoon character.

[@donniehollingsworth1611]

Power of money… happens all the time. Regardless how to show was originally set up, once a character takes off and gets over with the audience, the producers will focus most attention to that character to the detriment of the other characters and show format… happened with family ties and Micheal j fix, fresh Prince and will smith etc… as the actor gets more popular, the written is crafted to get that one liner or posting the popular actor in a way to get the most response from the viewers even if the story line suffers

[@dancepiglover]

The last two seasons were the worst and most cartoonish.

[@LaidBack--]

After a few episodes??? Seems like a premature judgment of what direction you personally thought the show was going in to begin with.

[@laylaali5977]

She was a good actress Rest In Peace

[@MrShug2010]

Thank you for doing this for our TV matriarch..Much appreciate this. ..and a live person narration..