One of Esther Rolle's call for a more realistic role for her television son in 1976 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TVFactFan · 03-20-2011, 03:16 PM

In the April 29, 1976 issue of Jet

"I cannot believe that a 19 year old boy runs around the house saying silly things all the time, who says sassy things to his parents. If one of my brothers or sisters had addressed my parents that way, he would have lost every tooth in his head"

Esther Rolle

LOL

treky · 03-23-2011, 02:15 AM

who was she talking about? The oldest son-J.J. or whatever his name was?

Gabgirl · 03-23-2011, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treky

who was she talking about? The oldest son-J.J. or whatever his name was?

She had to be referring to J.J., because in 76 Michael was just a young teen. When Good Times started in 74, J.J.'s character seemed to be at least 17 or 18yrs old, and he did become the focal point of the series, although the show was Esther's spin-off from Maude. I'm sure that really bothered Esther Rolle.

TVFactFan · 03-23-2011, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treky

who was she talking about? The oldest son-J.J. or whatever his name was?

She was referring to J.J. when interviewed by Jet in 76

Dr. Thong · 03-23-2011, 11:15 AM

Maybe Rolle and John Amos had some legitimate concerns regarding black stereotypes, but they also should have appreciated the fact they were on a hit show.

Nothing's perfect and it was a sitcom, not a documentary.

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Maybe Rolle and John Amos had some legitimate concerns regarding black stereotypes, but they also should have appreciated the fact they were on a hit show.

Nothing's perfect and it was a sitcom, not a documentary.

It goes to show you how unhappy she and John Amos were. I can't blame them. I think it was about big bucks and revenue for producers. Eventually, they learned. Ms. Rolle left and so did the viewers. Wilona and J.J. carrying a show did not turn out well. A jewish friend of mine in his 50's now recalls not watching the show during season five because of lack of interest. I think that he says he started watching again when Esther Rolle came back. I hoped those producers learned that quality is better than quantity.

TVFactFan · 05-01-2011, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

It goes to show you how unhappy she and John Amos were. I can't blame them. I think it was about big bucks and revenue for producers. Eventually, they learned. Ms. Rolle left and so did the viewers. Wilona and J.J. carrying a show did not turn out well. A jewish friend of mine in his 50's now recalls not watching the show during season five because of lack of interest. I think that he says he started watching again when Esther Rolle came back. I hoped those producers learned that quality is better than quantity.

And your friend probably stopped watching after Keith broke his leg-lol

glickmam · 05-02-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Maybe Rolle and John Amos had some legitimate concerns regarding black stereotypes, but they also should have appreciated the fact they were on a hit show.

Nothing's perfect and it was a sitcom, not a documentary.

I disagree. J.J.'s antics were more than just perpetuating black stereotypes. They were also pretty much insulting the viewers' intelligence by saying we have to shoot fireworks whenever a joke is said just to make sure we understand that it's a joke. And when I talk about the viewers, I'm talking about viewers of all races.

Dr. Thong · 05-02-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glickmam

I disagree. J.J.'s antics were more than just perpetuating black stereotypes. They were also pretty much insulting the viewers' intelligence by saying we have to shoot fireworks whenever a joke is said just to make sure we understand that it's a joke. And when I talk about the viewers, I'm talking about viewers of all races.

Good point. But audiences are coached and prompted by "applause" signs and I'm sure the producers plant some known laughers into the audience.

Guy Incognito · 05-02-2011, 06:13 PM

J.J. seemed to exist in a separate universe from the other characters, and although I understand the purpose of his character in terms of "lightening the mood", the show often suffered a severe mood whiplash whenever he was onscreen. It didn't help that Jimmie Walker wasn't the strongest actor in the world (not surprising given his stand-up background, but still) and that his "heavy" scenes were less than effective. You can blame some of that on the writing/producer notes, but not all.

I've always believed that Jimmie Walker and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs should've switched roles all those years ago and solved many of the problems. LHJ could bring the funny, but he was also a very good actor and could have brought more of a balance to the J.J. character. And I think Walker would have been right at home on the Welcome Back, Kotter set and the producers would undoubtedly have played to his strengths. Plus, his popularity might have helped the show weather the storm once Travolta and Kaplan cut back their appearances during Season Four. YMMV.

glickmam · 05-02-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Good point. But audiences are coached and prompted by "applause" signs and I'm sure the producers plant some known laughers into the audience.

Again, I disagree. The audiences should not have to be cued when to laugh. Rather, they should be able to enjoy the show at their own pace.

Dr. Thong · 05-03-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glickmam

Again, I disagree. The audiences should not have to be cued when to laugh. Rather, they should be able to enjoy the show at their own pace.

I agree with you, glickmam. I wasn't siding with them or defending what they did, just stating the facts of what happened back then. And probably still happens now with sitcoms that are filmed in front of a live audience.

When I watch my M*A*S*H DVDs, I select the audio option without the laugh track, because it wasn't filmed in front of a live audience and the producers would have done without it had the network allowed it.

I'm glad that on single camera/non-live audience sitcoms that they've eliminated laugh tracks. About time.

But yeah, if you have to tell people when to laugh, you're not doing your job.

03-20-2011, 03:16 PM	#1
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,067	One of Esther Rolle's call for a more realistic role for her television son in 1976 In the April 29, 1976 issue of Jet "I cannot believe that a 19 year old boy runs around the house saying silly things all the time, who says sassy things to his parents. If one of my brothers or sisters had addressed my parents that way, he would have lost every tooth in his head" Esther Rolle LOL

03-23-2011, 02:15 AM	#2
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	who was she talking about? The oldest son-J.J. or whatever his name was?
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

03-23-2011, 11:15 AM	#5
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Maybe Rolle and John Amos had some legitimate concerns regarding black stereotypes, but they also should have appreciated the fact they were on a hit show. Nothing's perfect and it was a sitcom, not a documentary.
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

05-02-2011, 06:13 PM	#10
Guy Incognito International Man of Misery Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 30, 2011 Location: The Solar System Posts: 83	J.J. seemed to exist in a separate universe from the other characters, and although I understand the purpose of his character in terms of "lightening the mood", the show often suffered a severe mood whiplash whenever he was onscreen. It didn't help that Jimmie Walker wasn't the strongest actor in the world (not surprising given his stand-up background, but still) and that his "heavy" scenes were less than effective. You can blame some of that on the writing/producer notes, but not all. I've always believed that Jimmie Walker and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs should've switched roles all those years ago and solved many of the problems. LHJ could bring the funny, but he was also a very good actor and could have brought more of a balance to the J.J. character. And I think Walker would have been right at home on the Welcome Back, Kotter set and the producers would undoubtedly have played to his strengths. Plus, his popularity might have helped the show weather the storm once Travolta and Kaplan cut back their appearances during Season Four. YMMV.