Good Times Cast Then and Now

Born in 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos Portrayed James Evans, the Patriarch of the Evans Family. His Strong, No-Nonsense Demeanor and Unwavering Commitment to His Family Made Him a Beloved Character on the Show.

John Amos as James Evans

Born in 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos Portrayed James Evans, the Patriarch of the Evans Family. His Strong, No-Nonsense Demeanor and Unwavering Commitment to His Family Made Him a Beloved Character on the Show.

Esther Rolle as Florida Evans

Born in 1920, in Pompano Beach, Florida, Esther Rolle Played Florida Evans in the Good Times Cast. Florida Was the Matriarch of the Evans Family. Her Character Was Known for Her Strength, Compassion, and Resilience in the Face of Adversity.

Jimmie Walker as J. J. Evans in the Good Times Cast

Born in 1947, in the Bronx, New York, Jimmie Walker Played J. J. Evans, the Charismatic Oldest Son in the Evans Family. His Catchphrase Dy-No-Mite! Became Iconic, Solidifying His Status as a Pop Culture Phenomenon. He Became the Breakout Star of the Show.

Bernnadette Stanis as Thelma Evans in the Good Times Cast

Born in 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, Bernnadette Stanis Played Thelma Evans, the Intelligent and Ambitious Daughter in the Evans Family. Her Character Tackled Many Issues Including Sexism and Racism.

Ralph Carter as Michael Evans in the Good Times Cast

Born in 1961, in New York City, Ralph Carter Played Michael Evans, the Youngest Member of the Evans Family. His Character Was Known for His Social Awareness and Activism, Reflecting the Changing Times of the 1970S.

Ja’net Dubois as Willona Woods

Born in 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Ja’net Dubois Played Willona Woods in the Good Times Cast. Willona Was the Vivacious Neighbor and Close Friend of the Evans Family. Her Character Brought Humor and Warmth to the Show and She Quickly Became a Fan Favorite.

Janet Jackson as Penny in the Good Times Cast

Most People Know Janet Jackson as a Singer, but She Started out Both Singing and Acting. Born in 1966 in Gary, Indiana, She Is the Youngest of Ten Children. She Would Often Go on Tour with Her Famous Brothers and She Co-Starred with Them in the Show the Jacksons. in 1977, She Got the Part of Penny Gordon on Good Times. She Quickly Captivated Audiences and Became a Regular on the Show.

'Good Times' Cast: See the Evans Family Then and Now!

By Sarah Jenkins

• Oct 8, 2026 • 9 min read

'Good Times' Cast: See the Evans Family Then and Now!

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

The Good Times Cast Came into Our Living Rooms in the 1970S and Stood out as a Beacon of Humor, Heart and Social Commentary. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, with Norman Lear as Executive Producer, the Show First Aired on February 8, 1974, and Quickly Became a Cultural Phenomenon That Resonated with Audiences for Its Portrayal of a Black Family Navigating the Challenges of Inner-City Life. Running for Six Seasons Until August 1, 1979, the Show’s Success Was Marked Not Only by Its Popularity, but Also by the Enduring Impact It Had on the Landscape of Television.

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.

Tags: good times cast