Johnny Brown (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Brown
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Brown on Laugh-In in 1971
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| Born | June 11, 1937 St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
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| Died | March 2, 2022 (aged 84) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Other names | John Brown |
| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Years active | 1961–2013 |
| Children | 2, including Sharon Brown |
Johnny Brown (June 11, 1937 – March 2, 2022) was a talented American actor and singer. He was best known for playing Nathan Bookman. Bookman was the friendly building superintendent on the popular 1970s TV show Good Times. Johnny Brown brought smiles to many faces with his funny acting and warm personality.
Contents
Johnny Brown's Life and Acting Career
Johnny Brown started his career as a nightclub performer. He became a regular cast member on the TV show Laugh-In. People often remembered him for his cheerful smile and funny facial expressions. He had a very easy and pleasant joking style.
Brown appeared on many other TV shows. These included The Flip Wilson Show and The Jeffersons. He also acted in Family Matters and Sister, Sister. Later, he was on The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros, and Martin.
His most famous role was Nathan Bookman in Good Times. He played this character until the show ended in 1979. Johnny Brown also had a small part in the 1970 movie The Out-of-Towners. He played a waiter in that film.
Commercials and Other Work
Johnny Brown also appeared in several TV commercials. He was in ads for Hunt's Manwich. He also promoted the Write Brothers pen. This pen was a product from the Papermate company. In the commercial, he led a musical number. He played a schoolteacher encouraging students to use the pen.
In 1997, Brown lent his voice to an album. It was called Comedy Stew: The Best of Redd Foxx. In the introduction, he shared an interesting story. He said that Norman Lear wanted him for the role of Lamont. This was for the TV show Sanford and Son. However, Johnny Brown was busy with Laugh-In. So, the role went to Demond Wilson instead. He also had a small role in the TV show The Ghost Busters.
In 1999, Johnny Brown appeared on Kenan & Kel. This was a popular children's sitcom on Nickelodeon. He also played Wallace "Suitcase" Jefferson. This was in the 2004 mockumentary The Old Negro Space Program.
Johnny Brown's Singing Career
Johnny Brown began recording music as a singer in 1961. Before that, he had toured with Sam "The Man" Taylor since 1958. His first song was released on Columbia Records. It was called "Walkin', Talkin', Kissin' Doll". He was only 23 years old at the time. A special paper describing his background came with the record.
His next record came out in 1968 on Atlantic Records. It was "You're Too Much in Love With Yourself". The other side was "Don't Dilly Dally, Dolly". On this song, he showed off his amazing impression of Louis Armstrong.
His Passing
Johnny Brown passed away in Los Angeles on March 2, 2022. He was 84 years old. He had just left a doctor's appointment. This appointment was for his pacemaker. He collapsed soon after and was taken to the hospital. He was pronounced dead there.
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Brown para niños
