Jimmie Walker
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Born Name:
James Carter Walker Jr.
Born Date: June 25, 1947
Born Place: New York City
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian
Brief Biography: Jimmie Walker is best known for his iconic role as J.J. Evans on the 1970s CBS sitcom Good Times. His character's catchphrase, "Dy-no-mite!", became a massive pop-culture phenomenon, leading Time Magazine to name him "Comedian of the Decade".
Early Life & Career Beginnings:
James Carter Walker Jr. found his knack for comedy in the late 1960s. He started his stand-up career in Harlem and was eventually discovered by casting directors after performing on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and The Jack Paar Show.
Good Times and "Dyn-o-mite!":
In 1974, television producer Norman Lear cast Walker as James "J.J." Evans Jr. on Good Times. Though the show dealt with serious, real-life issues in a Chicago housing project, Walker provided broad comic relief. The character’s signature catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!" was coined by the show's director, John Rich, and helped propel Walker to superstardom. The massive success of the phrase and his character even earned him Golden Globe nominations.
Legacy as a Comedy Mentor:
Throughout his career, Walker maintained a fierce passion for stand-up comedy. Known for his exceptional eye for comedy talent, he hired numerous up-and-coming comedians to write for his act and television shows. His former writing staff includes legends and stars like:
David Letterman
Jay Leno
Byron Allen
Louie Anderson
Recent Years & Whereabouts:
Even after Good Times ended in 1979, Walker never stepped away from the spotlight. He released his autobiography, Dyn-o-mite! Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times, and remains highly active in show business. He regularly performs stand-up across the country and has made guest appearances on shows like Everybody Hates Chris and Scrubs.
Born Date: June 25, 1947
Born Place: New York City
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian
Brief Biography: Jimmie Walker is best known for his iconic role as J.J. Evans on the 1970s CBS sitcom Good Times. His character's catchphrase, "Dy-no-mite!", became a massive pop-culture phenomenon, leading Time Magazine to name him "Comedian of the Decade".
Early Life & Career Beginnings:
James Carter Walker Jr. found his knack for comedy in the late 1960s. He started his stand-up career in Harlem and was eventually discovered by casting directors after performing on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and The Jack Paar Show.
Good Times and "Dyn-o-mite!":
In 1974, television producer Norman Lear cast Walker as James "J.J." Evans Jr. on Good Times. Though the show dealt with serious, real-life issues in a Chicago housing project, Walker provided broad comic relief. The character’s signature catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!" was coined by the show's director, John Rich, and helped propel Walker to superstardom. The massive success of the phrase and his character even earned him Golden Globe nominations.
Legacy as a Comedy Mentor:
Throughout his career, Walker maintained a fierce passion for stand-up comedy. Known for his exceptional eye for comedy talent, he hired numerous up-and-coming comedians to write for his act and television shows. His former writing staff includes legends and stars like:
David Letterman
Jay Leno
Byron Allen
Louie Anderson
Recent Years & Whereabouts:
Even after Good Times ended in 1979, Walker never stepped away from the spotlight. He released his autobiography, Dyn-o-mite! Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times, and remains highly active in show business. He regularly performs stand-up across the country and has made guest appearances on shows like Everybody Hates Chris and Scrubs.