Ralph Carter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Carter
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Ralph Carter in 1974
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| Born |
Ralph David Carter
May 30, 1961 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1970–2005 |
| Known for | Michael Evans – Good Times |
Ralph David Carter was born on May 30, 1961. He is an American actor and singer. Many people remember him as Michael Evans from the TV show Good Times. Michael was the youngest child of Florida and James Evans Sr. The show was a sitcom on CBS and ran from 1974 to 1979. Before Good Times, Ralph Carter acted in a Broadway musical called Raisin. This musical was based on the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry.
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Ralph Carter's Early Acting Career
Ralph Carter started acting on Broadway when he was only nine years old. His first musical was The Me Nobody Knows. After that, he appeared in other shows like Tough To Get Help, Dude, and Via Galactica.
His Big Break in Raisin
His most important role came when he played Travis Younger in Raisin. This role brought him a lot of attention. In 1973, he won the Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Performer. The next year, in 1974, he also won the Theatre World Award. He was even nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in Raisin.
Starring in Good Times
In the 1970s, TV producer Norman Lear was very successful. He had created popular shows like All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and Maude. Norman Lear decided to create a new show called Good Times. This show was a spin-off from Maude. It focused on Maude's housekeeper, Florida Evans, played by Esther Rolle. Her husband, Henry, played by John Amos, was renamed James for the new show.
Because Ralph Carter was so good in Raisin, Norman Lear wanted him for Good Times. He bought out the rest of Ralph's contract for the Broadway show. Ralph Carter became the first actor cast in Good Times. He played Michael, the youngest son of James and Florida Evans.
Other Projects and Music
In 1975, Ralph Carter recorded a music album. It was called Young and in Love and was released by Mercury Records. The album included a cover of the song "When You're Young and in Love" by Ruby & the Romantics. This song became the first single from his album. Ralph performed the song on the TV show Soul Train.
Charting Songs
"When You're Young and in Love" reached No. 37 on the US Billboard R&B chart. His second single, "Extra, Extra (Read All About It)", also did well, reaching No. 59 on the same chart. In 1985, Ralph Carter released another song called "Get it Right". However, this song did not appear on any music charts.
Later Acting Work
In 2005, Ralph Carter returned to the stage. He was part of the cast for a play called "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death". This play was put on by the Classical Theatre of Harlem Company.
Images for kids
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Ralph Carter in 1974
