J.J. Evans
| J.J. Evans | |
|---|---|
| File:Good Times - Jimmie Walker (J.J. Evans).jpg | |
| First appearance | Getting Up The Rent |
| Last appearance | The End of the Rainbow |
| Created by | Norman Lear |
| Portrayed by | Jimmie Walker |
| In-universe information | |
| Alias | James Evans Jr. |
| Nickname | J.J. |
| Species | Humanoid |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Family | Florida Evans (mother) James Evans (father) Michael (little brother) Thelma Evans (sister) |
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James "J.J." Evans, Jr. was a breakout character on the TV series "Good Times," portrayed by Jimmie Walker. His catch phrase on the series was "Dy-no-mite," and he often referred to himself as Kid Dy-no-mite.
James Evans, Jr. was born in 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Florida & James Evans, Sr.(in real-life, Jimmie Walker was actually 26 years old), Easily identifiable because of his skinny structure and jive-talking personality, J.J. (called simply "Junior" by his father and "James Junior" in the first episode by his mother) was a notorious ladies man, or at least he liked to give the impression that he was one. His girlfiends included Henrietta, Boom-Boom, Samantha, Diana (who was a heroin addict), and other girls who made brief appearances.
He grew up in a poverty section of Chicago, in a cold water flat. His mother, Florida, worked as a maid while J.J.'s father James worked at various jobs. His sister Thelma was born the next year (Thelma was born on June 18, 1957). They still lived in the same apartment.
After J.J.'s younger brother was born, his family finally moved out of the water flat and into a housing project development, thanks in part to James's friendship with Alderman Fred C. Davis. It was in a poor African-American section where unemployment was at its highest. James Sr. worked at several jobs to keep his family in a home he could afford.
The series drew some criticism for J.J.'s frequent remark. "I never steal anything. I just find things!" However, this larcenous aspect of his personality receded as the series progressed.
As J.J. grew up, he found an interest in painting. He was very good at it and carried it on throughout his developing life. He painted a number of paintings and sold them as well. He had a number of patrons to help him out. His painting focused on capturing the look & feel of ghetto life. The actual paintings in the series were painted for the show by artist Ernie Barnes.
J.J. was often known for his running battle with his sister Thelma Evans. He often made disparaging remarks about her cooking talents or lack thereof. Despite this, he did love his sister. He also tried to look after his brother Michael, but level-headed Michael was more wise to him than J.J. understood.
After his father's death, he became the man of the house. Although how he handled things was questionable, he really meant well. He was also instrumental in meeting Penny Gordon Woods who was subsequently adopted by their neighbor, Willona Woods after Penny's mother abandoned her.
He also had a running battle, as did the rest of his family, with the dim-witted and unpleasant building super, Nathan Bookman, whom he called "Buffalo Butt".
J.J.'s three best friends were Poppo, Cool Breeze, and Head. Collectively, the quartet referred to themselves as "The Awesome Foursome". In a later episode, J.J., Poppo, and Head became "The Gleesome Threesome", with no reference to Cool Breeze.
At the end of the series, he became a comic book artist with an ongoing series thus ensuring he would gainfully employed with his art for the foreseeable future.
In one episode J.J. hopes to become white in order to get a job promotion-and gets his wish (in a dream sequence)!