Comedian Jimmie Walker embraces his "Good Times" legacy yet moves on - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 05-03-2008, 11:09 PM

Link

It's hard to beat a stereotype, particularly one that is repeated by well, repeats. In the sitcom world, Bob Denver will always be known as bumbling Gilligan. Barry Williams, the eldest son of Mike and Carol Brady, is still referred to as "Greg" by fans. And then there is Jimmie "J.J." Walker, who made his mark as Kid Dy-no-mite courtesy of the '70s sitcom "Good Times."

Even though Walker, 60, has taken on plenty of other roles over the years and concentrated on a number of other endeavors, strangers still address him as "J.J.," the caricature of a character he played on the show.

"You just learn to live with it," Walker said. "It's not just me. I've debated with Rob Reiner about this subject. He's made some great films [1986's 'Stand By Me,' 1984's 'This Is Spinal Tap'] but as Rob put it, no matter what movie he makes he'll always be known as 'Meathead' [his character from the sitcom 'All in the Family'] to a segment of the population. I'm J.J. I accept that."

Walker, who will perform Friday and Saturday at Giggles, doesn't care if you love or hate the character. He was simply acting. The engaging comic is much different than the role that made him famous — a well-rounded, intelligent performer and commentator.

Walker is at his best on the late-night chat-show circuit. He has appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on more than 25 occasions and has performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Letterman and Leno were part of Walker's personal writing staff for his stand-up act during the "Good Times" era. "I remember encouraging them both to come up with some scripts because they wouldn't be with me forever," Walker said. "Both of them turned out all right, didn't they?"

So did Walker. While taking college preparatory classes in his native Bronx in 1966, Walker realized that he had a talent for writing humorous material.

In the late '60s, he tried his luck at stand-up. By 1969, he had shared stages with such up and coming performers as David Brenner, Bette Midler and Steve Landesberg. "That was a great time," Walker said. "I was doing what I loved, and I was getting paid for it."

Walker's biggest payday was on the horizon. In 1972, he was tabbed for "Good Times."

"It was an amazing story," Walker said. "A kid from a tough neighborhood, a tough situation, goes beyond his wildest dreams."

Stardom is usually fleeting, as it was for Walker. The charismatic entertainer was dubbed "the Comedian of the Decade" by Time Magazine, but "Good Times" ran its course in 1979. Walker was part of a few series — "B.A.D. Cats" and "At Ease" — which were short-lived.

"I had no problem with that," Walker said. "I still had stand-up. I'm a versatile guy. There's more to life than sitcoms. Fortunately I love going out there on stage and making people laugh."

catlover79 · 05-03-2008, 11:17 PM

Thanks for the article, Charles.

Ireneparalegal · 05-03-2008, 11:19 PM

Sounds like Gary Coleman could take a few lessons from Jimmie.

Brian Damage · 05-03-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Sounds like Gary Coleman could take a few lessons from Jimmie.

I was just about to say that. He doesn't seem bitter at all.

Ireneparalegal · 05-03-2008, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

I was just about to say that. He doesn't seem bitter at all.

No he doesn't. I seen him last when he appeared on Jay Leno and he was having a blast. He talked too much but he was having fun.

He knows what made him his bread and butter.

Brian Damage · 05-03-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

No he doesn't. I seen him last when he appeared on Jay Leno and he was having a blast. He talked too much but he was having fun.

He knows what made him his bread and butter.

Exactly, Good Times put him on the map and he embraces that. Gary Coleman, however, thinks that Diff'rent Strokes was an albatross.

catlover79 · 05-03-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

No he doesn't. I seen him last when he appeared on Jay Leno and he was having a blast. He talked too much but he was having fun.

He knows what made him his bread and butter.

When did he appear with Jay Leno? I missed that.

Ireneparalegal · 05-03-2008, 11:40 PM

He appeared sometime this year. I remember I missed it the first time around and the episode was reran. I even made a post abt it here on S.O. for Solomon because he wanted to see it.

Zoneboy · 05-03-2008, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Thanks for the article, Charles.

Your welcome.

catlover79 · 05-03-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

He appeared sometime this year. I remember I missed it the first time around and the episode was reran. I even made a post abt it here on S.O. for Solomon because he wanted to see it.

I remember he appeared on Letterman, but I didn't know about Jay. Thanks, Irene!

Ireneparalegal · 05-03-2008, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I remember he appeared on Letterman, but I didn't know about Jay. Thanks, Irene!

OH wait, maybe it was Letterman. God, I can't remember. duh!!!

Brian Damage · 05-03-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

OH wait, maybe it was Letterman. God, I can't remember. duh!!!

catlover79 · 05-03-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

OH wait, maybe it was Letterman. God, I can't remember. duh!!!

Ireneparalegal · 05-03-2008, 11:50 PM

Yep, it was Letterman...here is the link to the thread I made...D'OH!!!!

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...=jimmie+walker

catlover79 · 05-13-2008, 04:06 PM

According to his website (dynomitejj.com), he has plenty of standup gigs scheduled the next few months. These days, he looks more like Kevin Eubanks than JJ!!

(Jimmie's the one on the left, btw.

)

05-03-2008, 11:09 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,391	Comedian Jimmie Walker embraces his "Good Times" legacy yet moves on Link It's hard to beat a stereotype, particularly one that is repeated by well, repeats. In the sitcom world, Bob Denver will always be known as bumbling Gilligan. Barry Williams, the eldest son of Mike and Carol Brady, is still referred to as "Greg" by fans. And then there is Jimmie "J.J." Walker, who made his mark as Kid Dy-no-mite courtesy of the '70s sitcom "Good Times." Even though Walker, 60, has taken on plenty of other roles over the years and concentrated on a number of other endeavors, strangers still address him as "J.J.," the caricature of a character he played on the show. "You just learn to live with it," Walker said. "It's not just me. I've debated with Rob Reiner about this subject. He's made some great films [1986's 'Stand By Me,' 1984's 'This Is Spinal Tap'] but as Rob put it, no matter what movie he makes he'll always be known as 'Meathead' [his character from the sitcom 'All in the Family'] to a segment of the population. I'm J.J. I accept that." Walker, who will perform Friday and Saturday at Giggles, doesn't care if you love or hate the character. He was simply acting. The engaging comic is much different than the role that made him famous — a well-rounded, intelligent performer and commentator. Walker is at his best on the late-night chat-show circuit. He has appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on more than 25 occasions and has performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Letterman and Leno were part of Walker's personal writing staff for his stand-up act during the "Good Times" era. "I remember encouraging them both to come up with some scripts because they wouldn't be with me forever," Walker said. "Both of them turned out all right, didn't they?" So did Walker. While taking college preparatory classes in his native Bronx in 1966, Walker realized that he had a talent for writing humorous material. In the late '60s, he tried his luck at stand-up. By 1969, he had shared stages with such up and coming performers as David Brenner, Bette Midler and Steve Landesberg. "That was a great time," Walker said. "I was doing what I loved, and I was getting paid for it." Walker's biggest payday was on the horizon. In 1972, he was tabbed for "Good Times." "It was an amazing story," Walker said. "A kid from a tough neighborhood, a tough situation, goes beyond his wildest dreams." Stardom is usually fleeting, as it was for Walker. The charismatic entertainer was dubbed "the Comedian of the Decade" by Time Magazine, but "Good Times" ran its course in 1979. Walker was part of a few series — "B.A.D. Cats" and "At Ease" — which were short-lived. "I had no problem with that," Walker said. "I still had stand-up. I'm a versatile guy. There's more to life than sitcoms. Fortunately I love going out there on stage and making people laugh."
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

05-03-2008, 11:17 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Thanks for the article, Charles.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-03-2008, 11:19 PM	#3
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Sounds like Gary Coleman could take a few lessons from Jimmie.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

05-13-2008, 04:06 PM	#15
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	According to his website (dynomitejj.com), he has plenty of standup gigs scheduled the next few months. These days, he looks more like Kevin Eubanks than JJ!! (Jimmie's the one on the left, btw. ) Attached Images

05-03-2008, 11:40 PM	#8
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	He appeared sometime this year. I remember I missed it the first time around and the episode was reran. I even made a post abt it here on S.O. for Solomon because he wanted to see it.

05-03-2008, 11:50 PM	#14
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Yep, it was Letterman...here is the link to the thread I made...D'OH!!!! http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...=jimmie+walker