Ralph Carter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Carter
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Carter in 1974
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| Born |
Ralph David Carter
May 30, 1961 |
| Nationality | American |
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| Years active | 1970–2005 |
| Known for | Michael Evans – Good Times |
Ralph David Carter, born on May 30, 1961, is an American actor and singer. Many people remember him as Michael Evans, the youngest child on the TV show Good Times. This popular show was a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1974 to 1979. Before Good Times, Ralph Carter was also in a Broadway musical called Raisin. This musical was based on a play by Lorraine Hansberry called A Raisin in the Sun.
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 performed in other shows like Tough To Get Help, Dude, and Via Galactica.
His big break came when he played Travis Younger in the musical Raisin. For this role, he won the 1973 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Performer. He also received the 1974 Theatre World Award and was nominated for a 1974 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Starring in Good Times
In the 1970s, TV producer Norman Lear had many successful shows. These included All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and Maude. Lear decided to create a new show called Good Times. It was a spin-off from Maude, focusing on Maude's housekeeper, Florida Evans. Esther Rolle played Florida, and John Amos played her husband, James.
Because Ralph Carter was so good in Raisin, Norman Lear bought out his Broadway contract. This allowed Carter to join Good Times as the first original character. He played Michael, the youngest son of Florida and James.
Other Projects
In 1975, Ralph Carter recorded a music album called Young and in Love. It was released by Mercury Records. The album included a cover of the 1964 song "When You're Young and in Love" by Ruby & the Romantics. This song became the first single from the album. Carter even performed it on the TV music show Soul Train.
"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)", charted at No. 59. In 1985, Carter released another single called "Get it Right," but it did not appear on the music charts.
In 2005, Ralph Carter returned to the stage. He was part of the cast for "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death." This play was put on by the Classical Theatre of Harlem Company.
