*Jimmie “J.J.” Walker is all over the place lately.
He recently interviewed with CNN, discussing his new book, gay marriage, and his career path.
Walker became popular from his role on “Good Times” and his catchphrase, “dyn-o-mite!” kept him relevant over time.
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But when he first started out, he wasn’t well liked by mainstream because he was “too black.”
“I was coming from the Black Panthers, and of course they were dealing with the black plight. Too preachy, I think it was more like don’t lay that plight thing on us,” he said.
J.J. started off doing comedy for the Black Panthers before rising to stardom on a different platform. But even when he hit it big time on “Good Times,” the show received mixed reviews and it became quite controversial.
In fact, some of the conflict appeared internal.
John Amos and Esther Rolles made it known that they were not happy with the direction the show began to take, seeing that Walker’s character was beginning to become more prevalent.
Walker said none of that every phased him because he was there to really have fun and relax.
And how does Walker feel about gay marriage?
“There’s just certain traditions that need to be upheld. I’ll give you the other side of it, no it doesn’t affect me, no it doesn’t change my life. There’s just traditions that need to be dealt with. I’m a believer that gay marriage should be passed because the battle is not worth the war. The gay lobby is very loud. I’m totally against it.
“In 100 years from now, people are going to go, ‘Who was against gay marriage?’ And I’ll be one of those idiots and say, ‘That’s me.’ I’m just against it on moral grounds, that’s it. I’m as much a heathen as anybody. I just don’t believe on moral grounds it should be done. I don’t like it, I don’t accept it.”
Meanwhile, the comedian has established an interesting reputation among the black community, sort of being the odd one out.
“Some of the stuff that happened on our show, it made it look like we were, as they say, ‘not black enough.’ The black community kind of turned a little on us. It was kind of like Tiger Woods where they don’t embrace him because he plays golf, and it’s not a black sport.”
Umm Mr. Walker, that’s not why Tiger has a problem with a lot of black folks, duh.
Anyway, read/learn more at CNN.
Well, what should one expect when your humping Ann Coulter? His face looks like a stale, burnt pretzel.
@ Stephanie LOL!!! so true!! neither Ann nor Jimmie are attractive in the least so they deserve each other.
That’s the first I heard that Jimmie Walker was down the Panthers. I find that odd considering the kind of role he was playing on ‘Good Times’. The only ‘black’ about the JJ character was his skin. Other than that, the character was straight up buffoonish. That was what Esther Rolle was complaining about in an 1975 Ebony article.That the focus was on a character that did not value education, always into hustling but whose only talent was his art. She was concerned about the type of message it was sending to young people. She felt that equal time should’ve been given to the Thelma & Michael characters to add more balance.
Your absolutely right “NYCsoul”. I knew the great Ester for many years. Ironically I’m in that very same Ebony article as well as May 1971 article. I have the complete articles still on my FB page!. Wow I’m really old
Man, ain’t no JJ nevah called me nigguh. I don’t know what all the beef is about. His character on Good Times was buffoonish at times, but white folk can do it without reproach because they have the power. I say let the man have his time. Folk loved Good Times, don’t deny it, just because everyone’s throwing shade now.
His beliefs about gay marriage kinda sum up what I’m sure a lot of people feel and as far as affirmative action, a change needs to come. The current system along with a number of other factors, has crippled our community and needs an immediate revamping. I challenge anyone to say otherwise.
I usually try to stay away from talking about people’s looks but in his case I just can’t help it!! The man is straight up Fugly.
LOLOLOLOLLL I’m weak…..I know what you mean, but don’t feel bad you only told the truth!
I watched Good Times only to see Thelma. I didn’t know this guy was even on the program.
I did see him in the 70′s when he was on tour I believe with Fredy Prinz and I think the Unknown Comic. His material was adult and political. He was really gifted at stand-up.
Last of the Frozen Chosin and one of the Chosin Few