New Jimmy Walker Book Reveals Original Name of 'Good Times'

11 months ago

"JJ" talks about his rise from South Bronx to Hollywood

No one would've answered this question correctly on Dave Chappelle's "I Know Black People" game show.

For a can of Murray's hair grease, two bootleg DVDs and a pack of Newports, what was the original name of the 70's sitcom "Good Times"?

A.) The Evans

B.) Project Dreams

C.) The Black Family

According to Jimmy Walker's new autobiography 'Dyn-O-Mite,' the show was originally called 'The Black Family.'

Walker auditioned for the show after producers fell in love with his stand-up routines at a New York City improv club. The show was to be produced by Norman Lear, who created "All In the Family," "Sanford and Son” and “Maude.”

"His new show was called 'The Black Family,' at least that is what it said on the pages for the scene I did with the actresses," he says in the book. "Though I never auditioned, apparently I already had the part of a character named Junior. I believe Lear and producer Alan Manings had earlier seen me at the Improv and on the 'Paar' show, and approved my casting. But they never told me anything about how they saw the character or what I should do with him. They just said, “Do it.”

Walker gave no explanation why, but the show's name was eventually changed to "Good Times" and we are all grateful for it.