Jimmie Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmie Walker
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Walker in 2015
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| Born |
James Carter Walker Jr.
June 25, 1947 New York City, U.S.
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| Education | Theodore Roosevelt High School |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Known for | J.J. Evans – Good Times |
James Carter Walker Jr. (born June 25, 1947) is a famous American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing James ("J.J.") Evans Jr. on the TV comedy show Good Times. This popular show ran from 1974 to 1979. Jimmie Walker was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award twice for his role as J.J. His character was famous for the catchphrase "Dyn-o-mite!" Jimmie Walker later used this phrase in commercials and public announcements. He also acted in movies like Let's Do It Again and The Greatest Thing That Almost Happened. Today, Walker still travels around the country performing his stand-up comedy.
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Early Life and Education
Jimmie Walker was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the Bronx. He went to Theodore Roosevelt High School in New York City. After high school, he studied radio engineering through a special program. When he was young, he also worked as a vendor at Yankee Stadium, selling things during baseball games.
Starting a Comedy Career
In 1967, Jimmie Walker started working full-time at a radio station called WRVR. Then, in 1969, he began performing as a stand-up comedian. He quickly became noticed after appearing on popular TV shows like Rowan & Martin's Laugh In and the Jack Paar Show.
Becoming J.J. Evans on Good Times
A casting director for the show Good Times discovered him. This led to his most famous role as J.J. Evans Jr. While on Good Times, he even released a comedy album called Dyn-o-mite. When the show first started in 1974, Jimmie Walker was 26 years old. Interestingly, John Amos, who played his father on the show, was only eight years older than him!
The famous "Dyn-o-mite!" catchphrase was suggested by the show's director, John Rich. At first, Jimmie Walker and the show's producer, Norman Lear, weren't sure about it. But the phrase became very popular with viewers.
Jimmie Walker had some disagreements with his co-stars, Esther Rolle and John Amos. They didn't always like how J.J.'s character was developing. These differences led to John Amos leaving the show. After that, Jimmie Walker became the main star of Good Times.
Later Acting and Comedy Work
After Good Times, Jimmie Walker continued to be a familiar face on TV. He appeared on many game shows like The Tonight Show and Match Game. He was a panelist on Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour multiple times.
He also made guest appearances on many TV series. These include The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Scrubs, and Everybody Hates Chris. Jimmie Walker also acted in several movies. Some of these were Airplane!, The Guyver, and Super Shark.
In the 1990s, Walker returned to radio, hosting shows on different stations. He also continued his stand-up comedy tours across the country. In 2012, he released his autobiography, a book about his life, called Dyn-o-mite! Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times – A Memoir.
Personal Life and Views
Jimmie Walker has shared that he has never been married and does not have children. He has had many girlfriends throughout his life.
In interviews and his autobiography, Jimmie Walker has talked about his personal beliefs. He describes himself as a "realist independent" when it comes to politics. He calls himself a "logicist," meaning he believes in using "logic and common sense" to make decisions.
Film and Television Appearances
Jimmie Walker has had a long career in both movies and television. Here are some of his notable roles:
Movies
- Let's Do It Again (1975) as "Bootney" Farnsworth
- Rabbit Test (1978) as Umbuto
- The Concorde... Airport '79 (1979) as Boisie
- Airplane! (1980) as Windshield Wiper Man
- Going Bananas (1988) as Mozambo
- The Guyver (1991) as M.C. Striker
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) as Celeb #3
- Big Money Rustlas (2010) as Townsperson
- Super Shark (2011) as "Dynamite" Stevens
- The Comedian (2016) as Comedy club host
Television Shows
- Good Times (1974–1979) as James "J.J." Evans Jr. (133 episodes)
- The Love Boat (1977–1985) in various roles
- At Ease (1983) as Sergeant Val Valentine (14 episodes)
- Bustin' Loose (1987–1988) as Sonny Barnes (26 episodes)
- The Larry Sanders Show (1994) as Himself
- Scrubs (2001–2002) as Himself
- George Lopez (2003) as Lionel
- Everybody Hates Chris (2006–2008) as Gene
- The Bold and the Beautiful (2023) as Count Boucie
Video Game
- Ripper (1996) as Soap Beatty
