HEY MAN WILL YOU ASK DEMOND WILSON WHAT WAS HIS THOUGHTS ON GOOD TIMES THE SHOW , NORMAN LEAR, ERIC MONTE, MIKE EVANS, HOW THEY GOT RID OF THE BLACK FATHER , BLACK REPRESENTATION, AND THE NEW MODERN MINSTREL CARTOON SHOW NETFLIX RELEASED THEY NAMED GOOD TIMES.
Fvck those awards. Those awards were never for our people. The Emmy and Golden Globe academies consists of predominantly white folks and it was all white in the 70's. His award is our support of him.
Good Times would not have been good times without John Amos. Thats why when James died it impacted so many people. We all still remember when James died. I know people fell off when they killed James off. We still miss him😢
I almost stopped watching the show when he died. Because it was a show with Black actors I continued to support it but I wasn't happy about it. Plus the show got way to focused on JJ's dumb character.
I kept watching but it was never the same, I grew up with a strong black father in my home so the death of James really struck me. I'm so happy this wasn't my reality.
Why do female African Americans want to have hair like the hair of the other races? Blacks talk about pride but is it pride that they want hair like the other races? I went to pick up my nephew at a hair cutting place. His hair cut wasn't completed yet so I decided to wait. A black stylist was working on the hair of a pretty black girl. The girl's hair was down to her shoulders and she told the stylist that she never puts chemicals in her hair. I don't know what she wanted the stylist to do to her hair but when I saw the stylist thread a needle and start doing something to the girl's scalp it looked like a person mending a torn shirt was sewing. The thing that I can't stand is seeing a dark African American female who dyed their hair blonde. I can't stand white people who wear their hair like an Afro. People need to live like the Good Lord made them and stop paying mega bucks to look like someone else. she was sewing something
My dad was definitely "James". My parents were married for 50yrs until God called them home in 2017 and 2019 respectably. My dad was tough. Ester Rolle knew what was best.
I can definitely relate. In Good Times, James Evans Sr was from Mississippi. My dad, Earnest Cooper Sr, was born and raised in Osyka, Mississippi. There were SO MANY similarities between my dad and James Evans Sr.
John Amos was my favorite character on the show. He didn’t play when it came to protecting and disciplining his family. When he left, the show was over for me
Thank you for sharing. We need the protection of our fathers. It is a shock to the family to have a missing father . The writers could have put another father in his place but to completely remove the man was a bad call and they knew it. AND THANK THE MEN THAT STAND THEIR GROUND 🙏🏾 YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
"Good Times" wasn't the same after John Amos was written off. There was such a "pall of sadness" for me after that. They could have kept the "struggle" love even with the dad there.
Yes I felt the same. I did not enjoy the show after James left. Til this day when they show re runs I will watch up to when they took James off. Then I won’t watch them again til the start back with the first season
BerNadette is aging backward. Thanx to my crazy brother I could never forget her. When he and my other siblings (2 sisters) were watching GoodTimes whenever Thelma would appear on the screen the fool would go to grabbing at our arms as we screeched in pain. When we’d yell “Stop Gamal that hurts!” He’d then say “Sorry Sis Fine!” My Mom from the kitchen would yell “What y'all youngins in there doing?” We go “Gamal in here pinching us talking bout how fine Thelma is”. Mom, “Gamal if she that fine then maybe you need to stop watching her”. Those were fun good ole days, with wholesome good ole shows. Glad Ms. Esther Rolle insisted on a strong, black patriarch to man the family. He fit the bill perfectly and his presence spoke volumes.👍🏾😀💙
BernNadette was in my class in Catholic grammar school. She sat behind me in alphabetical order and she was smart and, of course beautiful. On the last day before Christmas vacation, we would have a party and sing, play an instrument, or all of these. She tap danced and a boy named Tommy played the accordion. I was shocked to see her on Good Times but I wasn't surprised. She's still as lovely as she was back then. God bless her.
Cool. Matt Damon was in the drama class before mine at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge, MA. I remember chatting with him for a bit between classes as he was coming out and I was going in. He was sorta geeky but cool.
@@yournamemustbejealousy2062 Did you really mean to post that comment? Good Lord… Mr. Technical. Not all black kids grew up with father figures, so some did long for what they saw on tv. I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with @FutureTDoctor’s comment. Wake up. Everyone didn’t have it as good as YOU!!!
@@B.NICE302 What lady, sir, ze, we, I didn't have it good growing up (Don't make ASSumptions about me) however I didn't look to tv to guide me through life. I had zero role models around me growing up in the h o o d. Nonetheless I knew tv was fake and everyone on it were paid to do a job@entertain. I don't take part in celeb worshipping and the truth is, people only look to people on tv because they don't know them personally. It is easy to like someone from afar when you don't know the person in real life.
@@yournamemustbejealousy2062 Not all would understand. I grew up with a father like James Evans so his character resonated with me. It gave the show authenticity.
John Amos talked about this himself. He said he had creative differences with the writers about the show prominently portraying JJ's role instead of focusing on Thelma & the younger son, Michael. Both Thelma & Michael were excelling in school & had high aspirations & John Amos wanted that side shown more in the show.
Yeah, the white writers wanted that "stepin-fetchin look" , J.J. always acting the buffoon, whereas the Michael and Thelma characters had brains, but America wanted to hold on to the stereotypical images of the black family, they are always clowning, poor, and always unemployed. Which is far from the truth !!
Really enjoyed this, as well as your recent interview clips with Demond Wilson. As a little white kid back in the 70's, Good Times, What's Happening! and Sanford & Son were TV mainstays in our household and really introduced me to the black family, black life, culture, etc. and I'm appreciative to this day that they did. In fact, my late mom was definitely "Esther" from Good Times and I'm fondly reminded of her every time I watch the show...always concerned and caring for her kids and being the best housewife and mother she could be, which is exactly what my mom did also.
Bernadette is correct, all the shows at that time were missing a father in the home. Alice, One Day at a Time, Whats Happening, The Partridge Family. It was never the intent to say black men arent in the home, it was just a 70s thing. Many women at that time opted for divorce rather than stay in a miserable marriage just for the kids. So that's what they wanted to portray. Maybelle King went through the same thing on What's Happening. She wanted a father in the home, but she was refused and dad was a weekend dad. Maybelle left when the show began to focus on Re-Run instead of the family. When Fred Berry got too big for his britches, the show was cancelled at the height of it's popularity
The whole story of Good Times is that it really articulated the spirit and hardships of solid black families who had strong men (although held down by you know who). "Baby need new shoes, Mama need a new dress, Daddy's out scuffling doing his best; it's still called Tha Blues" Johnny Taylor
Totally separate situation but that is how I felt about Ricky on “boyz in the hood” I REALLY thought he was d3ad until he showed up on the sitcom “out all night” with Patti Labelle, it’s soooo interesting how children think..we be so innocent until we not😊
I remember “Julia” where Diane Carroll played a single mother, a widow of a Soldier in Vietnam. I don’t remember his rank. I was quite young and loved the show.
Norman Lear took the first, second and third season of Good Times and sent it to Great Britain and Called the black British show The Fosters from 1976-1977 after John Amos was fired from the show.😢
That's not new. The Office was a British show first and then adapted to America. Ugly Betty was based on a Columbian TV show. Concepts of TV shows criss-cross countries all the time. You know what that says? We're all human and have a lot more in common than we are different.
@@desecration171No he WAS NOT! The Maude version of Florida wasn't like the holier than thou Florida on Good Times. The Maude version of "James"/Henry was the one that had higher morals and Florida was the abusive one.
Mr Amos Confirmed This Years Ago WHAT'S the Big Talk About After All These Years We've Heard All The Stories From The 1s That Were There...Eas"T"exas Respect & Shoutout Mrs Stanis 1 Of The Finest Sisters on 7o's T.V. Her & Lady Pam Grier ...My 2 Favs. From That Era.
@B.Nice777 Llike I Said Mr Amos Confirmed His Reason Years Ago & I've Been Riding Since The 7O'S READ B4 U RESPOND...THAT'S OUR PROBLEM SPEAKING BEFORE READING OR NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS READ.
I’ve met her four times and each time she’s been very, very, very nice and is absolutely beautiful in person. Even have a picture with the entire cast.
To the Narrator, ASK QUESTIONS and STOP making ASSumptions! (i.e. "I'm sure the writers appreciated the instant feed back...blah, blah, blah) SHE WAS THERE!!! So ask the question and let her answer it. Thank you!
Kudos to Esther Rolle for telling those racist white writers this show needs a father or else I won't do the show. Amen! Mrs. Rolle for standing up to have a family unit with a father in the home.
"Racist" Jew - get it right - writers needed to "speak" for black actors in sitcoms - particularly in Norman Lear's shows - in order to indoctrinate the black community to the jewish ideals of their Democrat Party - and they're STILL brainwashed into voting "kosher democrap" to this very day.
How were the writers "racist" because they initially wanted the show to have just one parent in the home ( One Day at a Time, Gilmore Girls, Mom, The Partridge Family ) 🤔🤷🤨
@@wynnssecret8243, because it fed a stereotype about Black people. For every show you named about White families there were probably a dozen shows with nuclear households. Shows featuring Black families were rare in those days: Julia, That's My Mama, What's Happening?, where there was no father in the household, or the blessedly short-lived Baby, I'm Back, the whole premise of which was a Black man who left his family now wants to come back to them.
How were they racist? Did you know them personally? They gave them a job and paid them right? They could have easily hired someone else. Sounds like they worked them on alot of things. Funny how entitled blacks are and have been awhile. Anybody who disagrees, criticizes, or argues with a black automatically becomes a racist. Stop using that entitlement and accept responsibility.
I remember seeing Thelma at Essence Festival, she was promoting Good Times and her book. I was star struck. She took a picture with me, my sister and a friend of ours. I will never forget that moment, she also autograph the book.
I watch it daily. I love my Good Times. Bernadette looks beautiful. I grew up watching the show just shy of being 10. Back in 1974. Wasnt to thrilled how John Amos was let go. Great interview
Bernadette would have become super wealthy and HUGE had they listened to Jimmie, who recommended that she pose for a tasteful bikini poster, like Farah had done. But Lear, Amos, and Rolle tore him a new one just for suggesting it. 'How dare Jimmie objectify Thelma like that!!!'. So instead she settled into obscurity and didn't get all that rich at all. I guess that's 'keeping it real'.
That was new to me, they never planned for Good Times to have a father and Esther Rolle had to insist she wanted one. I shouldn't be surprised that those in charge wanted to perpetuate negative stereotypes about Black people. John Amos made his mark though, I do not think of that show without thinking of him, and of course the greatness of Esther Rolle.
exactly, they want to CONTROL OUR IMAGE in this world and they have done just that....the results is people always look at us as lazy, thugs, baby mamas, our females sexually out of control, our men good for nothing, our children curses and are bad.
Love Bernadette Stanis, but I need to correct her on something. There were some shows back in the 60s and 70s without either a mother, father, or both. The ones that come to mind are My Three Sons, Andy Griffith, Bachelor Father, and Family Affair. The last two had neither a mother or father. The uncles brought up the kids.
Bernadette looks great ! My mom and I used to watch Good Times and I always loved Thelma, she was so strong and beautiful with a beautiful soul. I saw that as a child. Wonderful lady.
He sure did cause I heard stories how John amos would argue with the producers on the show about the script and how he was annoyed how jimmy walker would say dynamite every other line and he only asked if the story lines could give off more serious subject matters and then when Norman Lear bump heads with John he fired him from the show but from johns mouth they had a conversation over the telephone and the first thing Norman said to John is I got some good news and I got some bad news and he was like okay lay it on me so Norman was like you want to hear the good news first i said yes and then he goes to say well we got picked up for another season but the bad news is you wont be with us and it was a slight pause on the end of the phone so Norman says John are you still there and then John calmly tells Norman Lear hey what could I say its your show have a good life but 30 years later after that incident they finally put their problems to the side before Norman passed away.
@@jarellbrown6974 in 1994, John Amos starred in 704 Hauser, which was created by Norman Lear. It featured a Black family living in Archie Bunker's old house.
When Ester Rolle was on the show Maude before the spinoff to Good Times her character was married so I guess Norman Lear was planning to get rid of John Amos before the Good Times started.
Both John Amos and Norman Lear have been interviewed about this and posted on RUclips. Amos more or less admitted he had a temper problem and felt he wasn't given much to do.
That was an incredible interview. You could especially feel her shock was as real as our shock when she found out. It was if a real person died, and actually to this day, that’s how I look at it! I mean really. I was only in like the fifth grade. It was and is a BLOW!
I could always tell when the white writers were setting up a joke, and when the cast would say, hold up, this is how black folks would say that..😂.. There were some lines only heard in a black household..👌🏾.. The infamous Damn, Damn, Damn line reeks of a white writer.. 😅.. While making its point, it never felt real to me..
I remember talking to you at Debbie’s graduation in junior high school our lady of Loretta I even remember coming to your house and you speaking to me from the balcony long time but I also want to tell you my uncle drove you to the airport and you gave him some cufflinksand I remember your father had liquor store and we both had the same manager
The ratings really started to decline when they killed James off the show; which made me stop watching it completely, because he wasn't just a TV Dad, but also a Father figure to alot of black kids around the country who grew up in a household without a father.
All due respect to single moms who raise decent, loving, respectful children. I gotta say the ideal situation is to have both mom and dad in the home, married, and raising kids together. A child needs that female and male energy and influence in their lives. It can't always be this way, 'cause life ain't perfect BUT a man and his wife raising their kids is definitely the ideal setting.
That's what I've been wondering who was writing those script's?🙄 smmfh 😑 john was to black to strong!! u see after his departure they couldn't replace him! they tried but it flopped nobody else could fill his shoes Bernadette is still pretty! she's a beautiful and very intelligent woman
The story I heard was that John Amos left the show because the J.J. character unexpectedly became the centerpiece of the show when he took much of the audience attention away from the mom and dad characters. John Amos didn't want to take a backseat to Jimmy Walker so he left the show.
I preferred the shows with John Amos but didn't the show change after the JJ character took off and the parents faded into the background, the same thing happened to the show Happy Days where the Fonzie character did the same and that also changed that show. I believe John was fired because his temper got the best of him.
the JJ/Fonze is the right analogy. John was very hot-headed, and he and Esther just could not deal with the change in the show, that JJ was very popular. Marion Ross and Tom Bosley just 'went with it', wanted their show to be a success, whereas John and Esther were just very cold to Jimmie Walker, and just wanted the show to be about 'social message' (without much humor evidently).
Really was the REAL DAD OF THE 70s an 80s still love John Amos bro didn't get no tuffer or supportive an inspiring as DADDY BUCK TYPE DAD you act up i will take care of it or if you do good ill motivate an inspire you got to love JOHN AMOS MAN.......
Esther Rolle was amazing and strong woman and she really inspired so many. And Ms. Stanis amazing. John Stamos really spoke out and wanted a strong male role right on and more.
Norman Lear wanted John Amos to beg for his job; in a phone call that John got from him; about the show and how he was being difficult to work with. John said in an interview; that he did some years back. he said that he received a call from Norman; and Norman said hey John the show is doing real will and we are getting picked up for another season but guess what you won't be in them. John said okay to Norm; and hung the phone up on him.
@@domarq Norman Lear created the Jeffersons, which ran for 11 seasons. He specifically delayed the show until Sherman Hemsley was available for the role of George Jefferson. So, maybe he wasn't so vile.
I come from having 2 dad's. My father and mother's husband who were both present Black men in my life. To hear her on their view is why so many weak men don't want to take on responsibility. It's sad. And it shows. I come from 2 dad's my daughter situation sad- no respect towards me or sacrifice for child. People want to destroy what God has ordained but what they won't tell you is they still show structure for theirs look at government yet they push crap🙏🏽 Anything to dehumanized our men and race. This should wake up all Black weak men!!!! Turn it around and go against everything they want to see you not be. Be respectful to these women regardless of your dislike and love your children enough to be there! Sadly I'm a single mother of a now teen girl 🙏🏽I loss my biological Father who I lived with at a young age, remember God says he will be a father to the fatherless for those in real life situations, so The Father✝️ is always present! Take that America.
That's not entirely true about "why" John got fired. John, himself, said that he was removed from the show because he felt that the show was going in the wrong direction and that it could be or do better by being more focused on Thelma and Michael and their educational aspect rather than being focused on J.J. and his "dyno-mite" stereotypical character. John was saying that he thought that THAT Black (T.V.) family could be shown in a more positive light. I think that John basically wanted 'Good Times' to be the first 'Cosby Show' or 'Different World'. Mr. Amos was saying that the producers or writers of the show weren't trying to see things his way.
I watched Esther Rolls in a interview and she stated that she insisted on the show having a father. And John Amos leaving the show bcuz he refused to keep playing a role with the father being held back
True Story. Norman Lear's phone call to John Amos. Norman Lear: Hey John, I got some good news and bad news. John Amos: Lay it on me. Norman Lear: Well, the good news is the show has been picked up for another season. John Amos: Ok, great. So, what's the bad news? Norman Lear: You're not going to be in it, you're fired. Talk about cold-blooded.
The structure of the Black family is broken and has always been since slavery and how family members were abruptly separated and sent away to unknown plantations. Nowadays Black men are being incarcerated to keep that separation from family as an ongoing system. Dear God please fix this problem 🙏🏽❤️
John openly talks about this. He was fired by the creater of the show because he would offer the writers to go outside when he didn't like the script. The writers no longer wanted to work with him.
It sounds like she is trying to cover for what went on. I believe Norman Lear wanted to reinforce the stereotypes of black people. He didn't want them to be displayed in a positive setting.
Bernadette Stanis' character was portrayed by her with positivity, respect, intelligence, and great integrity. I have always appreciated the way her character was created and written on the show. A young black actress on television back in the 70s, was looked at in the right way. She didn't run the streets, she didn't become pregnant and drop out of school, she wasn't on drugs, and she didn't take crap from anyone. It was reality because there are a lot of black women who fall into that category.
Full interview at HypersClub.Com
HEY MAN WILL YOU ASK DEMOND WILSON WHAT WAS HIS THOUGHTS ON GOOD TIMES THE SHOW , NORMAN LEAR, ERIC MONTE, MIKE EVANS,
HOW THEY GOT RID OF THE BLACK FATHER , BLACK REPRESENTATION, AND THE NEW MODERN MINSTREL CARTOON SHOW NETFLIX RELEASED THEY NAMED GOOD TIMES.
@ComedyHype You should do a interview with Jimmy Walker who played J.J. on Good Times! That interview would be interesting!
@@michellesimpkins3746He wrote a memoir about the behind the scenes stories on Good times
SOO TRUE...
@@michellesimpkins3746 Sure would he was my fav on the show.👍🏾😀
John Amos was one of the best TV dads. He should've gotten a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his performance alone.
Fvck those awards. Those awards were never for our people. The Emmy and Golden Globe academies consists of predominantly white folks and it was all white in the 70's. His award is our support of him.
Great comment. I agree. He played that character with all his soul. He made it feel real!
And he went to the Mary Tyler Moore show and got one🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️💚💛💜💙l love that man
Yes! remind me so much of my dad didn't take no mess and would whip your ass in a minute!🤣😘❤️👏🏾💪🏿
@@evonza4858 I don't think John got a Golden Globe for The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I do recall he got a TV Land award in 2004.
Good Times would not have been good times without John Amos. Thats why when James died it impacted so many people. We all still remember when James died. I know people fell off when they killed James off.
We still miss him😢
Yes sir James was the real deal
I almost stopped watching the show when he died. Because it was a show with Black actors I continued to support it but I wasn't happy about it. Plus the show got way to focused on JJ's dumb character.
I did stop looking at Good times when Mr. Amos left!!
I kept watching but it was never the same, I grew up with a strong black father in my home so the death of James really struck me. I'm so happy this wasn't my reality.
The rating drop tremendously when John Amos left Good Times.
She is absolutely stunning and aging so beautifully and gracefully. She is a beautiful soul in person too. Down to earth and funny.
Bernadette Stanis is STILL a knockout! GORGEOUS to this day. So great as Thelma! ❤
I agree. She is stunning and always has been.
Black don't crack, baby!! Lol
Why do female African Americans want to have hair like the hair of the other races? Blacks talk about pride but is it pride that they want hair like the other races? I went to pick up my nephew at a hair cutting place. His hair cut wasn't completed yet so I decided to wait. A black stylist was working on the hair of a pretty black girl. The girl's hair was down to her shoulders and she told the stylist that she never puts chemicals in her hair. I don't know what she wanted the stylist to do to her hair but when I saw the stylist thread a needle and start doing something to the girl's scalp it looked like a person mending a torn shirt was sewing. The thing that I can't stand is seeing a dark African American female who dyed their hair blonde. I can't stand white people who wear their hair like an Afro. People need to live like the Good Lord made them and stop paying mega bucks to look like someone else.
she was sewing something
James Evans Sr. is one of the top 5 best TV fathers in my opinion. He's actually in the top 3 for me.
FACTS!!
Number 1
Number 1 if you ask me
You so right ❤
Top 5 definitely at least he was chill but laid down the law when it was necessary
DAMN, DAMN, DAMN: One of the most iconic scenes in sitcom history.
From the grave, this is how Miss Rolle feels about the AWFUL Netflix cartoon. 😒
@@danavixen6274 Good one and good point!
If u really watch it, after James died it went downhill...& never got out the projects...no matter the scheme
@@301cameosisOn the final episode of Good Times, the family was able to.get out of the projects.
ABSOLUTELY
John Amos the man was about that business, just like his character James. I can hear and see him now telling Mr. Charlie… How long you been black? 😂
How you long you been black Jack....them words exactly 💯
@@TopNotch2real do a quick edit
🤭me too
@@TopNotch2real 🤣🤣🤣🤣yesss
I heard that in his voice 😂
Kudos to Esther, telling the writers… H$LL NO, we having a black father in this show! So, you better write one in. Period!!!
Rest in peace Esther Rolle. I admire her integrity to this day. 😔🙏🏾❤️🕊️💐
Marla Gibbs pushed for a patriarch (Lester aka Hal Williams) in 227 as well. 💐
@@danavixen6274 ok, but let’s keep the main thing, the main thing TODAY. And, that’s giving Esther her flowers. ✌️
@@B.NICE302 YES! Flowers to the GREAT Esther Rolle and Marla Gibbs. I always thought Miss Rolle left a little too soon. 😔🙏🏾❤️🕊️💐
@@danavixen6274 I come in peace 😊✌️
My dad was definitely "James". My parents were married for 50yrs until God called them home in 2017 and 2019 respectably. My dad was tough. Ester Rolle knew what was best.
May your parents rest in peace🙏
@@dwendacharles5822 thanks
I can definitely relate. In Good Times, James Evans Sr was from Mississippi. My dad, Earnest Cooper Sr, was born and raised in Osyka, Mississippi. There were SO MANY similarities between my dad and James Evans Sr.
@@cooper482011my Dad was the Same Bro
Rest in peace to your parents and you were blessed that your parents stayed together in love ❤️
John Amos was my favorite character on the show. He didn’t play when it came to protecting and disciplining his family. When he left, the show was over for me
.....same here.
Thank you for sharing. We need the protection of our fathers. It is a shock to the family to have a missing father . The writers could have put another father in his place but to completely remove the man was a bad call and they knew it. AND THANK THE MEN THAT STAND THEIR GROUND 🙏🏾 YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
I think they tried with "Carl" but Esther didn't want to work with him..
She is still absolutely beautiful 💛
"Good Times" wasn't the same after John Amos was written off. There was such a "pall of sadness" for me after that. They could have kept the "struggle" love even with the dad there.
Yes I felt the same. I did not enjoy the show after James left. Til this day when they show re runs I will watch up to when they took James off. Then I won’t watch them again til the start back with the first season
It was better.
Eric monte never got his due as the creator of good times and Norman Lear pimped and hustled and John Amos always kept it 100
BerNadette is aging backward. Thanx to my crazy brother I could never forget her. When he and my other siblings (2 sisters) were watching GoodTimes whenever Thelma would appear on the screen the fool would go to grabbing at our arms as we screeched in pain. When we’d yell “Stop Gamal that hurts!” He’d then say “Sorry Sis Fine!” My Mom from the kitchen would yell “What y'all youngins in there doing?” We go “Gamal in here pinching us talking bout how fine Thelma is”. Mom, “Gamal if she that fine then maybe you need to stop watching her”. Those were fun good ole days, with wholesome good ole shows. Glad Ms. Esther Rolle insisted on a strong, black patriarch to man the family. He fit the bill perfectly and his presence spoke volumes.👍🏾😀💙
On another note, Thelma was 🔥 she had black men glued to that tv screen. 🤣
*You ain't lyin', fam!* 🔥🔥🔥
@@winniebae4alwayyz963 I’m just saying. She made absolutely sure her pants were fittin 😅😅😅
Yes indeed bless her beautiful heart ❤️
Did I say Thelma was fine already 🤣
@B.Nice777
Tell me you remember the jeans she had that laced up in the front...
I was bout 7 or 8 and was like-
"DAAAAMN"
(Smokey and Craig voice)
BernNadette was in my class in Catholic grammar school. She sat behind me in alphabetical order and she was smart and, of course beautiful. On the last day before Christmas vacation, we would have a party and sing, play an instrument, or all of these. She tap danced and a boy named Tommy played the accordion. I was shocked to see her on Good Times but I wasn't surprised. She's still as lovely as she was back then. God bless her.
Cool. Matt Damon was in the drama class before mine at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge, MA. I remember chatting with him for a bit between classes as he was coming out and I was going in. He was sorta geeky but cool.
Demond Wilson and Bernadette Stanis on comedy hype within a month. Comedy Hype y'all youtube cred steady rising. 💯
Love Both, I was just about to say Thelma been active she was just talking about that stupid cartoon I could not get thru.
@@db.590 I'm not going to even attempt to watch it. It's disrespectful.
Demond Wilson's interview was very intreresting,....I learned a lot.
Oh wow already know this is going to be a great interview
The narrative was and still is, not to show a strong black man whom supports his family
I think that's the narrative in general. To nvr show a strong blk man in any light.
Which is ironic, cause STRONG, HARD WORKING, INTELLIGENT black men were more about family back then.
Exactly!!
Show was a blown opportunity. Amos was right. Should have been a drama with comedy elements-not a minstrel show.
Facts
She’s been beautiful her whole life.
Bern Nadette Stanis took good care of herself.
Remember when actresses could act and had substance. Thanks for the memories, Bernadette.
The character of James Evans was a father figure to so many it's unbelievable.
You are right. He was the perfect strong male for that role.
How can a character on tv be a father figure? Shouldn't someone in your environment that you interact with be your father figure?
@@yournamemustbejealousy2062 Did you really mean to post that comment? Good Lord… Mr. Technical. Not all black kids grew up with father figures, so some did long for what they saw on tv. I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with @FutureTDoctor’s comment. Wake up. Everyone didn’t have it as good as YOU!!!
@@B.NICE302 What lady, sir, ze, we, I didn't have it good growing up (Don't make ASSumptions about me) however I didn't look to tv to guide me through life. I had zero role models around me growing up in the h o o d. Nonetheless I knew tv was fake and everyone on it were paid to do a job@entertain. I don't take part in celeb worshipping and the truth is, people only look to people on tv because they don't know them personally. It is easy to like someone from afar when you don't know the person in real life.
@@yournamemustbejealousy2062 Not all would understand. I grew up with a father like James Evans so his character resonated with me. It gave the show authenticity.
John Amos talked about this himself. He said he had creative differences with the writers about the show prominently portraying JJ's role instead of focusing on Thelma & the younger son, Michael. Both Thelma & Michael were excelling in school & had high aspirations & John Amos wanted that side shown more in the show.
It also limited Jimmy Walker's acting career. The studios saw him as J.J. kid Dynamite, it was hard for him to get gigs after the show ended.
Yeah, the white writers wanted that "stepin-fetchin look" , J.J. always acting the buffoon, whereas the Michael and Thelma characters had brains, but America wanted to hold on to the stereotypical images of the black family, they are always clowning, poor, and always unemployed. Which is far from the truth !!
J j s character was wack. The writers were trash. John Amos is the man. He was not fired ,he quit the show. Norman Lear was a racist asshole.
@@warrendoris9669John Amos did not quit. He got fired because he complained too much
@@warrendoris9669Well lets not act like all siblings in the family are bright light bulbs.
Please post the full interview here. She deserves the full platform as much as any of the other full episodes here.
Really enjoyed this, as well as your recent interview clips with Demond Wilson. As a little white kid back in the 70's, Good Times, What's Happening! and Sanford & Son were TV mainstays in our household and really introduced me to the black family, black life, culture, etc. and I'm appreciative to this day that they did. In fact, my late mom was definitely "Esther" from Good Times and I'm fondly reminded of her every time I watch the show...always concerned and caring for her kids and being the best housewife and mother she could be, which is exactly what my mom did also.
Bernadette is correct, all the shows at that time were missing a father in the home. Alice, One Day at a Time, Whats Happening, The Partridge Family. It was never the intent to say black men arent in the home, it was just a 70s thing. Many women at that time opted for divorce rather than stay in a miserable marriage just for the kids. So that's what they wanted to portray.
Maybelle King went through the same thing on What's Happening. She wanted a father in the home, but she was refused and dad was a weekend dad. Maybelle left when the show began to focus on Re-Run instead of the family. When Fred Berry got too big for his britches, the show was cancelled at the height of it's popularity
Nice interview 😊
The whole story of Good Times is that it really articulated the spirit and hardships of solid black families who had strong men (although held down by you know who). "Baby need new shoes, Mama need a new dress, Daddy's out scuffling doing his best; it's still called Tha Blues" Johnny Taylor
I liked John Amos, to me he made the show. After he left The show wasn't the same.
I really thought James Evans died in real life I was crying real tears I was a little child when that show was on air
Totally separate situation but that is how I felt about Ricky on “boyz in the hood” I REALLY thought he was d3ad until he showed up on the sitcom “out all night” with Patti Labelle, it’s soooo interesting how children think..we be so innocent until we not😊
Yep, had me all phuuuuck'd up too.....till I saw him again as Mr. Kunta Kinte in Roots😂
Same here!
Yea I was mad
Me too! I was young and didn't know that he wasn't really dead. I was so happy when I saw him in Coming To America!
Whew Thanks for diving in and asking the questions we really wanted to know!!!
I remember “Julia” where Diane Carroll played a single mother, a widow of a Soldier in Vietnam. I don’t remember his rank. I was quite young and loved the show.
He was a helicopter pilot - I think his rank was stated as Captain.
I LOVED THE SHOW, I WAS YOUNG, IT INSPIRED ME THEN TO BE A NURSE
Norman Lear took the first, second and third season of Good Times and sent it to Great Britain and Called the black British show The Fosters from 1976-1977 after John Amos was fired from the show.😢
And that's why l don't think he's resting in peace for stealing from the black community 🤨
@@evonza4858 you got that right....'them racist devils'
💯💯🎯🎯@@evonza4858
😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 I NEVER KNEW THIS, OH MY
That's not new. The Office was a British show first and then adapted to America. Ugly Betty was based on a Columbian TV show. Concepts of TV shows criss-cross countries all the time. You know what that says? We're all human and have a lot more in common than we are different.
It's AMAZING to hear from BernNadette!!
TireaOmulade. Hers aka b Sareqettasoys-Lambisqabovi da turd.😂😅
COMEDY HYPE NEWS!!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU FOR GETTING THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN ON THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!
He faked his death and moved to NY and started McDowell's...lol
And it was already established that Florida had a husband when she was on Maude, his name was Henry tho, still played by John
... and Henry was abusive AF. Glad he wasn't considered an in-universe character.
@Ysoserious1, Good Times was totally different. In Good Times, a Black Man was the head of a household.
@@desecration171No he WAS NOT! The Maude version of Florida wasn't like the holier than thou Florida on Good Times. The Maude version of "James"/Henry was the one that had higher morals and Florida was the abusive one.
Yes I remember him making a appearance on Maude which is where Good Times came frpm
They also changed the location of Florida's family from suburban Tuckahoe, New York to Chicago, so some real continuity issues there.
Mr Amos Confirmed This Years Ago WHAT'S the Big Talk About After All These Years We've Heard All The Stories From The 1s That Were There...Eas"T"exas Respect & Shoutout Mrs Stanis 1 Of The Finest Sisters on 7o's T.V. Her & Lady Pam Grier ...My 2 Favs. From That Era.
What’s wrong with bringing back some good memories regardless? Chill with the get off my lawn attitude and just enjoy the ride🤦♂️
@B.Nice777 Llike I Said Mr Amos Confirmed His Reason Years Ago & I've Been Riding Since The 7O'S READ B4 U RESPOND...THAT'S OUR PROBLEM SPEAKING BEFORE READING OR NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS READ.
@@mrbgladney71 Gotcha🤦♂️
@@B.NICE302 Eas"T"exas Respect 👏
@@mrbgladney71 ✌️
I’ve met her four times and each time she’s been very, very, very nice and is absolutely beautiful in person.
Even have a picture with the entire cast.
It wasn’t the same after he left
To the Narrator, ASK QUESTIONS and STOP making ASSumptions! (i.e. "I'm sure the writers appreciated the instant feed back...blah, blah, blah) SHE WAS THERE!!! So ask the question and let her answer it. Thank you!
The narrator is not a good interviewer.
Logging into Hypers Club right now! Can't wait to watch the full interview!
Kudos to Esther Rolle for telling those racist white writers this show needs a father or else I won't do the show. Amen! Mrs. Rolle for standing up to have a family unit with a father in the home.
"Racist" Jew - get it right - writers needed to "speak" for black actors in sitcoms - particularly in Norman Lear's shows - in order to indoctrinate the black community to the jewish ideals of their Democrat Party - and they're STILL brainwashed into voting "kosher democrap" to this very day.
How were the writers "racist" because they initially wanted the show to have just one parent in the home ( One Day at a Time, Gilmore Girls, Mom, The Partridge Family ) 🤔🤷🤨
@@wynnssecret8243, because it fed a stereotype about Black people. For every show you named about White families there were probably a dozen shows with nuclear households. Shows featuring Black families were rare in those days: Julia, That's My Mama, What's Happening?, where there was no father in the household, or the blessedly short-lived Baby, I'm Back, the whole premise of which was a Black man who left his family now wants to come back to them.
How were they racist? Did you know them personally? They gave them a job and paid them right? They could have easily hired someone else. Sounds like they worked them on alot of things. Funny how entitled blacks are and have been awhile. Anybody who disagrees, criticizes, or argues with a black automatically becomes a racist. Stop using that entitlement and accept responsibility.
It had nothing to do with race. She was a star of another show and her show as a spinoff. Most black families are mothers only. Hope it changes.
Although I watched all the episodes of Good Times, the one's with John Amos were the best ones my opinion!👍😊
Thelma and Wilona were fiiiine!
Yep.
And only a few years apart maybe five or so🎉🎉🎉
Yes, we all longed for “Good Times “
🤣🤣🤣
What about Florida Evans?
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc Florida was, I am WOMAN hear me roar 😂
I remember seeing Thelma at Essence Festival, she was promoting Good Times and her book. I was star struck. She took a picture with me, my sister and a friend of ours. I will never forget that moment, she also autograph the book.
Good Times was one of the best shows on tv when I was growing up and I'm still watching it today at age 55.
“ how long have you been black ??! “
ATE 🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️😂😂😂😂❤
I watch it daily. I love my Good Times. Bernadette looks beautiful. I grew up watching the show just shy of being 10. Back in 1974. Wasnt to thrilled how John Amos was let go. Great interview
Bernadette would have become super wealthy and HUGE had they listened to Jimmie, who recommended that she pose for a tasteful bikini poster, like Farah had done. But Lear, Amos, and Rolle tore him a new one just for suggesting it. 'How dare Jimmie objectify Thelma like that!!!'. So instead she settled into obscurity and didn't get all that rich at all. I guess that's 'keeping it real'.
Good Times touched on alot of issues we are still facing these days.. at home and the community at large.
That was new to me, they never planned for Good Times to have a father and Esther Rolle had to insist she wanted one. I shouldn't be surprised that those in charge wanted to perpetuate negative stereotypes about Black people. John Amos made his mark though, I do not think of that show without thinking of him, and of course the greatness of Esther Rolle.
What white TV show has all black writers? Did Friends have black writers? This is ridiculous. We need to boycott all of Hollywood.
The system is too far Gone,because if Jesus can’t get their attention,what will?
OOOORRRRRR!! Use that energy to build our own facilities.
exactly, they want to CONTROL OUR IMAGE in this world and they have done just that....the results is people always look at us as lazy, thugs, baby mamas, our females sexually out of control, our men good for nothing, our children curses and are bad.
A lot of white writers created black TV shows. So there are very few black writers in Hollywood
@@genuinevibes437Heck, I'm shocked that they let Micheal do the black Jesus thing.
Love Bernadette Stanis, but I need to correct her on something. There were some shows back in the 60s and 70s without either a mother, father, or both. The ones that come to mind are My Three Sons, Andy Griffith, Bachelor Father, and Family Affair. The last two had neither a mother or father. The uncles brought up the kids.
BernNadette still lovely as ever.
🤯 THEY DID NOT WANT A FATHER ON THE SHOW! Geeezus or any man for that matter 🤬 AGENDA 🤔
I really like this style of content, kudos.
Bernadette looks great ! My mom and I used to watch Good Times and I always loved Thelma, she was so strong and beautiful with a beautiful soul. I saw that as a child. Wonderful lady.
He thought JJ was a minstrel character and walked
That's exactly what he was. It seems like he was trying to make the show about him and that Dynamite bs.
He sure did cause I heard stories how John amos would argue with the producers on the show about the script and how he was annoyed how jimmy walker would say dynamite every other line and he only asked if the story lines could give off more serious subject matters and then when Norman Lear bump heads with John he fired him from the show but from johns mouth they had a conversation over the telephone and the first thing Norman said to John is I got some good news and I got some bad news and he was like okay lay it on me so Norman was like you want to hear the good news first i said yes and then he goes to say well we got picked up for another season but the bad news is you wont be with us and it was a slight pause on the end of the phone so Norman says John are you still there and then John calmly tells Norman Lear hey what could I say its your show have a good life but 30 years later after that incident they finally put their problems to the side before Norman passed away.
@@jarellbrown6974 in 1994, John Amos starred in 704 Hauser, which was created by Norman Lear. It featured a Black family living in Archie Bunker's old house.
Gratitude for sharing.
Og and stayed true to himself.
I just love her and her honesty,💪🏾not to mention she my celebrity idol💕
I love Thelma - TO DIS DAY! 😂
I just remember him as rough, tough, military type husband.
Wife was a caring sweetheart of love and understanding - yet tough. Lol.
John Amos addressed this himself, said he asked for more money, they said no, that was it. They killed him off.
Thelma still beautiful
The world needs more James Evanses today. There aren't enough good fathers out there.
Thank You Bernadette 👸🏾Norman Lear Was A Piece of Work. RIP Ester Rolle 🌷🌹🌷🌹🌷
That's why I'm glad people don't miss him like Betty White.
Great interview 👍
Luv the show!!! 2024 and beyond still love you Thelma still looking good ❤❤❤
When Ester Rolle was on the show Maude before the spinoff to Good Times her character was married so I guess Norman Lear was planning to get rid of John Amos before the Good Times started.
The husband of the character “Florida” was a fireman. He didn’t want his wife working as a maid.
Without John the show was not the same, he made the show.
Good Times was groundbreaking.
Both John Amos and Norman Lear have been interviewed about this and posted on RUclips. Amos more or less admitted he had a temper problem and felt he wasn't given much to do.
That was an incredible interview. You could especially feel her shock was as real as our shock when she found out. It was if a real person died, and actually to this day, that’s how I look at it! I mean really. I was only in like the fifth grade. It was and is a BLOW!
Shout out to Ester Role for having a Black Father on the show.
I could always tell when the white writers were setting up a joke, and when the cast would say, hold up, this is how black folks would say that..😂.. There were some lines only heard in a black household..👌🏾.. The infamous Damn, Damn, Damn line reeks of a white writer.. 😅.. While making its point, it never felt real to me..
You make a good point!
I remember talking to you at Debbie’s graduation in junior high school our lady of Loretta I even remember coming to your house and you speaking to me from the balcony long time but I also want to tell you my uncle drove you to the airport and you gave him some cufflinksand I remember your father had liquor store and we both had the same manager
The ratings really started to decline when they killed James off the show; which made me stop watching it completely, because he wasn't just a TV Dad, but also a Father figure to alot of black kids around the country who grew up in a household without a father.
All due respect to single moms who raise decent, loving, respectful children.
I gotta say the ideal situation is to have both mom and dad in the home, married, and raising kids together. A child needs that female and male energy and influence in their lives. It can't always be this way, 'cause life ain't perfect BUT a man and his wife raising their kids is definitely the ideal setting.
That's what I've been wondering who was writing those script's?🙄 smmfh 😑 john was to black to strong!! u see after his departure they couldn't replace him! they tried but it flopped nobody else could fill his shoes Bernadette is still pretty! she's a beautiful and very intelligent woman
The story I heard was that John Amos left the show because the J.J. character unexpectedly became the centerpiece of the show when he took much of the audience attention away from the mom and dad characters. John Amos didn't want to take a backseat to Jimmy Walker so he left the show.
I preferred the shows with John Amos but didn't the show change after the JJ character took off and the parents faded into the background, the same thing happened to the show Happy Days where the Fonzie character did the same and that also changed that show. I believe John was fired because his temper got the best of him.
the JJ/Fonze is the right analogy. John was very hot-headed, and he and Esther just could not deal with the change in the show, that JJ was very popular. Marion Ross and Tom Bosley just 'went with it', wanted their show to be a success, whereas John and Esther were just very cold to Jimmie Walker, and just wanted the show to be about 'social message' (without much humor evidently).
And on Family Ties, when Michael J. Fox took the spotlight away from the parents!
Really was the REAL DAD OF THE 70s an 80s still love John Amos bro didn't get no tuffer or supportive an inspiring as DADDY BUCK TYPE DAD you act up i will take care of it or if you do good ill motivate an inspire you got to love JOHN AMOS MAN.......
Esther Rolle was amazing and strong woman and she really inspired so many. And Ms. Stanis amazing. John Stamos really spoke out and wanted a strong male role right on and more.
John Amos, not John Stamos. John Stamos was a white actor on the TV sitcom, Full House.
That definitely would have been a whole different show if John Stamos was in the Chicago projects of Cabrini- Green...😂
@@loritajohnson5664 Lorita, you're so funny 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. I would pay to see John Stamos living in the ghetto!!!!!
Norman Lear wanted John Amos to beg for his job; in a phone call that John got from him; about the show and how he was being difficult to work with. John said in an interview; that he did some years back. he said that he received a call from Norman; and Norman said hey John the show is doing real will and we are getting picked up for another season but guess what you won't be in them. John said okay to Norm; and hung the phone up on him.
Yet, all this praise about Norman’s legacy….decades later. Little did we (on the outside) know how vile he was😒
@@domarq Norman Lear created the Jeffersons, which ran for 11 seasons. He specifically delayed the show until Sherman Hemsley was available for the role of George Jefferson. So, maybe he wasn't so vile.
I come from having 2 dad's. My father and mother's husband who were both present Black men in my life. To hear her on their view is why so many weak men don't want to take on responsibility. It's sad. And it shows. I come from 2 dad's my daughter situation sad- no respect towards me or sacrifice for child. People want to destroy what God has ordained but what they won't tell you is they still show structure for theirs look at government yet they push crap🙏🏽 Anything to dehumanized our men and race. This should wake up all Black weak men!!!! Turn it around and go against everything they want to see you not be. Be respectful to these women regardless of your dislike and love your children enough to be there! Sadly I'm a single mother of a now teen girl 🙏🏽I loss my biological Father who I lived with at a young age, remember God says he will be a father to the fatherless for those in real life situations, so The Father✝️ is always present! Take that America.
The original intention was to have a single woman led home is paramount to how we are often socialized and sadly we make it a reality!
JOHN AMOS TEMPERMENT REMINDED ME OF MY DAD BRUH....👍👍
John was released over the phone during hiatus
Norman Lear didn't have the guts to tell John Amos in person that he was fired from the show.
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
Facts
....confirmed by Amos, himself.
That's not entirely true about "why" John got fired. John, himself, said that he was removed from the show because he felt that the show was going in the wrong direction and that it could be or do better by being more focused on Thelma and Michael and their educational aspect rather than being focused on J.J. and his "dyno-mite" stereotypical character.
John was saying that he thought that THAT Black (T.V.) family could be shown in a more positive light. I think that John basically wanted 'Good Times' to be the first 'Cosby Show' or 'Different World'. Mr. Amos was saying that the producers or writers of the show weren't trying to see things his way.
White Liberals.
I watched Esther Rolls in a interview and she stated that she insisted on the show having a father. And John Amos leaving the show bcuz he refused to keep playing a role with the father being held back
John Amos did not leave. He got fired because he complained too much
True Story. Norman Lear's phone call to John Amos.
Norman Lear: Hey John, I got some good news and bad news.
John Amos: Lay it on me.
Norman Lear: Well, the good news is the show has been picked up for another season.
John Amos: Ok, great. So, what's the bad news?
Norman Lear: You're not going to be in it, you're fired.
Talk about cold-blooded.
That was after when Eric Monte quit Good Times to do the movie Cooley High...
Eric Monte and Mike Evans was the creators of the show Notman Lear took all the credit Eric Monte is a Genius
This white boy used to check out Good Times every week back in the day just to see Thelma.
Thelma is STILL BEAUTIFUL!
The structure of the Black family is broken and has always been since slavery and how family members were abruptly separated and sent away to unknown plantations. Nowadays Black men are being incarcerated to keep that separation from family as an ongoing system. Dear God please fix this problem 🙏🏽❤️
You are still pretty .I was born in 62 Had a crush on Thelma .
John openly talks about this. He was fired by the creater of the show because he would offer the writers to go outside when he didn't like the script. The writers no longer wanted to work with him.
It sounds like she is trying to cover for what went on. I believe Norman Lear wanted to reinforce the stereotypes of black people. He didn't want them to be displayed in a positive setting.
Bernadette Stanis' character was portrayed by her with positivity, respect, intelligence, and great integrity. I have always appreciated the way her character was created and written on the show. A young black actress on television back in the 70s, was looked at in the right way. She didn't run the streets, she didn't become pregnant and drop out of school, she wasn't on drugs, and she didn't take crap from anyone. It was reality because there are a lot of black women who fall into that category.