Jimmie Walker said he was nothing like J.J. on Good Times
The Good Times character J.J. Evans Jr. was a pop culture icon, and looking back today, it's easy to see why. He reminds us of the best parts—or the good times—of the 1970s. His signature catchphrase, 'Dy-no-mite!' still plays on repeat in our heads.
Not only did his exaggerated, physical comedy and perfect comedic timing help him stand out on TV, but he also stood out physically. He was known for his bright patterns, bold fashion, and lanky stature. He was impossible to miss.
There was so much to like about J.J., yet Jimmie Walker, the actor who played him, struggled to identify with the character outside of the series.
According to a 1976 interview with the Waukesha Daily Freeman, Walker made it clear that he was nothing like J.J., including one major difference—his age. In real life, he was much closer to 30 than 18, and his maturity outside the series reflected that.
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"I'm nothing like that cat," Walker said. "I really hate it when people see me outside, hassle me, and scream, 'Hey, there's J.J.' That's not who I am, man. I'm Jimmie Walker. I'm a loner, I'm moody, I'm self-centered, and I'm not easy to get along with."
"That's why I stay in my hotel room when I'm on the road," Walker continued. "I don't want the fans to see me and be disappointed. Sometimes they even get mad when I don't come across all silly and giggly like J.J."
Not everyone can be as carefree as J.J. Evans. In fact, it would take a really rare person to be as bubbly and funny as him. Walker said he preferred to deal with people on a one-on-one basis and that people often misunderstand the real him.
But when you're standing in the shadow of J.J., it's hard to be anything but because he's such a force of personality.
"People always want me to say things about causes and race problems — especially in the Black press," Walker said. "But I don't view life that way. People are people, and I believe in all of them."
According to the interview, Walker said he was puzzled over his success even after achieving it. When he was approached for the part of J.J., he didn't expect it to bring him the kind of fame it did; he had no idea he'd become a cultural icon.
"I really thought this was going to be just another stepping stone in my career," Walker said. "I had to cancel a block of 65 night club engagements to begin filming."
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