The Legacy of Good Times: Honoring the Cast Members Who Have Passed Away

Several key cast members from the iconic 1970s sitcom Good Times have passed away as of 2026. These include the show's matriarch Esther Rolle (1998), the powerhouse father figure John Amos (2024), the vibrant Ja’Net DuBois (2020), the comedic Johnny Brown (2022), and Ben Powers (2015). Their contributions defined a generation of television.

Good Times, which premiered in 1974 as a spin-off of Maude, was a groundbreaking series that portrayed the struggles and triumphs of a Black family living in a public housing project in Chicago. As we reflect on the show's legacy in 2026, we look back at the lives and careers of the actors who brought the Evans family and their neighbors to life, but who are no longer with us.

The Matriarch: Esther Rolle (Florida Evans)

Esther Rolle, who portrayed Florida Evans, was the moral compass of the show. Before Good Times, Rolle had already established herself as a formidable talent on the stage and in the series Maude. She was a staunch advocate for the realistic portrayal of Black families, famously insisting that the show include a father figure to avoid the "absent Black father" trope common in media at the time.

Rolle passed away on November 17, 1998, at the age of 78, due to complications from diabetes. Her death came just nine days after her birthday and shortly after she received the NAACP Image Award for her role in the film Down in the Delta. Throughout her life, Rolle remained committed to her craft and her community, leaving behind a legacy of integrity. Her portrayal of Florida Evans remains a gold standard for television mothers—strong, resilient, and deeply loving.

The Foundation: John Amos (James Evans Sr.)

John Amos played James Evans Sr., the hardworking patriarch who often held multiple jobs to support his family. Amos's departure from the show in its third season remains one of the most discussed moments in television history. He was written out of the script following creative differences with the producers regarding the direction of the show, specifically the increasing focus on the "J.J." character’s buffoonery.

Amos passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His death marked the end of an era for fans of the show. After Good Times, Amos went on to have a legendary career, starring in the seminal miniseries Roots as Kunta Kinte and appearing in major films like Coming to America and Die Hard 2. Even in his later years, Amos remained active in the industry and was often seen reflecting on the social importance of Good Times during various reunions and interviews.

The Soul of the Neighborhood: Ja’Net DuBois (Willona Woods)

Ja’Net DuBois brought a unique energy to the show as Willona Woods, the Evanses' stylish and fiercely independent neighbor. DuBois was not only a talented actress but also a singer and songwriter; she co-wrote and performed the show’s iconic theme song, "Movin' On Up," for The Jeffersons.

DuBois passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2020, at the age of 74. She was found in her sleep at her home in Glendale, California. Her character, Willona, was a pioneer for single Black women on television, showing a woman who was successful, fashion-forward, and eventually a loving adoptive mother to Penny (played by a young Janet Jackson). Her death was met with a massive outpouring of grief from the entertainment community, particularly from Janet Jackson, who credited DuBois with teaching her much about the industry during her formative years.

The Humor: Johnny Brown (Nathan Bookman)

Johnny Brown played the lovable yet often-maligned building superintendent, Nathan Bookman. Known for his physical comedy and his character’s constant battle of wits with the Evans children, Brown was a staple of the series from the second season onward.

Brown passed away on March 2, 2022, at the age of 84. Beyond Good Times, Brown was a seasoned performer who appeared on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and had a successful career in music and on Broadway. His daughter, Sharon Catherine Brown, noted at the time of his passing that he was a man who loved to make people laugh, a trait that was evident in every scene he filmed as "Buffalo Butt" Bookman.

The Later Generations: Ben Powers (Keith Anderson)

In the later seasons of the show, Ben Powers joined the cast as Keith Anderson, a professional football player who became Thelma Evans's husband. His character brought a new dynamic to the household as the family navigated the challenges of marriage and career injuries.

Powers passed away on April 6, 2015, at the age of 64. While his time on Good Times was shorter than that of the original cast members, he played a vital role in the series' evolution. Powers also appeared in other classic shows like Laverne & Shirley and movies such as Cheech & Chong's Next Movie.

Summary of Passed Cast Members

The following table provides a concise reference for the primary cast members of Good Times who have passed away, including their roles and the years of their passing.

Supporting Cast and Notable Guest Stars

Beyond the core family and Willona, several recurring characters and guest stars who contributed to the show's rich tapestry have also passed.

Helen Martin (Lula)

Helen Martin played Lula, one of the neighborhood women often seen at rent parties or community gatherings. Martin was a veteran of the stage and screen, later becoming well-known for her role as Pearl Shay on the sitcom 227. She died in 2000 at the age of 90.

Moses Gunn (Carl Dixon)

Moses Gunn played Carl Dixon, the man Florida Evans eventually married after the death of James. Gunn was a highly respected actor and a co-founder of the Negro Ensemble Company. He passed away in 1993 from complications of asthma.

Bubba Smith (Guest Appearances)

The former NFL star turned actor Bubba Smith made guest appearances on the show. He passed away in 2011. While not a series regular, his presence was part of the show's habit of bringing in prominent Black figures of the 1970s.

Why the Deaths of These Actors Resonate in 2026

In 2026, Good Times is viewed not just as a piece of entertainment, but as a historical document of 1970s urban life and Black culture. The passing of these actors feels like the closing of a chapter on a specific era of television history.

The Struggle for Authentic Representation

One of the reasons the deaths of Esther Rolle and John Amos were so significant was their public struggle for authenticity. Both actors were vocal about their desire to see the Evans family portrayed with dignity. When we look back at their lives today, we recognize them as pioneers who risked their jobs to fight against stereotypes. Their deaths remind us of the progress made in television and the work that still remains.

The Impact on the Surviving Cast

As of 2026, Jimmie Walker (J.J. Evans), Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma Evans), and Ralph Carter (Michael Evans) remain the primary keepers of the show's flame. Janet Jackson, who played Penny, has also become a global superstar, but she frequently acknowledges the influence of her Good Times family. The passing of their "television parents" and neighbors has often brought these surviving cast members together for tributes and retrospectives, reinforcing the bond they formed on the set of Stage 21 at CBS Television City.

Behind the Scenes: The "James Evans" Departure

The death of the character James Evans Sr. remains a seminal moment in TV history. It was the first time a major Black patriarch was killed off a sitcom. The episode "The Evans Family vs. The System," where Florida receives the news of James's death in a car accident, is still cited for Esther Rolle's powerful performance, culminating in the heartbreaking "Damn, damn, damn!" scene. This creative choice, spurred by John Amos's departure, changed the trajectory of the show and remains a point of study for television historians in 2026.

Preserving the Legacy

For fans looking to honor these actors, several avenues exist in 2026:

1. Digital Archives: The Paley Center for Media and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture maintain archives and exhibits featuring Good Times memorabilia and oral histories from the cast.
2. Streaming Services: The series remains widely available on streaming platforms, allowing new generations to experience the performances of Rolle, Amos, and DuBois.
3. Theatrical Tributes: In recent years, stage plays and "live" television re-enactments (like the Live in Front of a Studio Audience specials) have introduced these characters to younger audiences, often dedicated to the memory of the original cast.

FAQs About the Cast of Good Times

Who is the most recent cast member of Good Times to die?

As of early 2026, the most recent major cast member to pass away was John Amos, who died in August 2024. His passing was a significant moment for the industry, as he was a beloved figure across multiple generations of television and film.

Did any of the children from Good Times pass away?

No, as of 2026, the three actors who played the Evans children—Jimmie Walker (J.J.), Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma), and Ralph Carter (Michael)—are all still living. Additionally, Janet Jackson, who joined the cast in later seasons as Penny, is also alive and active in her career.

How did Florida Evans die in the show?

The character of Florida Evans did not die in the show. However, the actress Esther Rolle left the series for a period due to dissatisfaction with the scripts. Her character was written out as having moved away after remarriage, but she eventually returned for the final season.

Was the death of James Evans based on a real event?

No, the death of James Evans Sr. was a script decision necessitated by the producers' decision to fire John Amos. Amos had been vocal about his criticisms of the show's direction, leading to the creative team's decision to kill off his character.

Where is the Good Times cast buried?

Most of the cast members are buried or memorialized in various locations. For example, Esther Rolle is buried in her hometown of Pompano Beach, Florida, at Westview Community Cemetery. Ja'Net DuBois was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea.

Practical Recommendation for Fans

If you are interested in the history of the Good Times cast, the best next step is to watch the documentary specials or read the memoirs written by the cast. Bern Nadette Stanis, for instance, has written several books that provide a deep look into the family atmosphere on set. Exploring the archives at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., also provides a profound look at how these actors influenced American social history beyond the screen.