Eric Monte facts for kids

Eric Monte, born Kenneth Williams on December 25, 1943, is a retired American screenwriter. He is famous for creating TV shows and movies that showed what life was like for African-American people in the 1970s. Eric Monte wrote and helped create many popular TV shows. These include Good Times, The Jeffersons, and What's Happening!!. He also wrote the movie Cooley High. This film was inspired by his own experiences in high school.

Early Life and Education

Eric Monte was born Kenneth Williams in Chicago, Illinois. He was one of three children. He grew up in the Cabrini–Green housing project. During his junior year, he left Cooley Vocational High School. He then joined the United States Army. After his time in the army, Monte traveled across the country. He eventually arrived in Hollywood, California.

A Career in Television

Eric Monte's first big chance came with a script for All in the Family. This show later led to the creation of The Jeffersons. From there, he helped create two popular TV shows in the 1970s. These were Good Times and What's Happening!!. He co-created Good Times with actor Mike Evans. The show What's Happening!! was based on his movie script for Cooley High. The movie Cooley High also inspired another TV show called The White Shadow.

In 1977, Eric Monte filed a lawsuit. He claimed that his ideas for Good Times, The Jeffersons, and What's Happening!! were used without his permission. He later received a settlement. After this, it became harder for him to get new scripts produced. Since Good Times ended, he wrote single episodes for The Wayans Bros. and Moesha.

Life Today

Eric Monte now lives in Portland, Oregon.