### Why No One From *Good Times* Attended Ja’net Dubois’s Funeral

The absence of the *Good Times* cast at Ja’net Dubois’s funeral raised eyebrows and fueled speculation among fans of the iconic sitcom.

Dubois, known for her role as Willona Woods, was a beloved figure alongside co-stars like Esther Rolle, John Amos, and Jimmie Walker, who collectively shaped a significant era in Black television. However, when Dubois passed away on February 17, 2020, her former castmates were notably absent, leading to questions about the dynamics behind the scenes.

Ja’net Dubois was born in the 1930s in Brooklyn, New York, and faced numerous challenges as a Black woman aspiring to become an artist in a society rife with prejudice.

Her journey took her from Broadway to television, where she became one of the few Black actresses to appear in daytime soap operas during the late 1960s. Dubois not only acted but also co-wrote the theme song “Moving On Up” for *The Jeffersons*, cementing her legacy in the entertainment industry.

In *Good Times*, which premiered in 1974, Dubois portrayed a strong, independent character in a groundbreaking sitcom that highlighted the struggles of a Black family in America.

Her character, Willona, became a cultural icon, and off-screen, she developed a close relationship with Janet Jackson, who played her on-screen daughter, Penny. This bond extended beyond the set, with Jackson referring to Dubois as a second mother.

However, the *Good Times* set was not without its conflicts. Tensions arose between cast members and producers over the show’s direction, particularly regarding the portrayal of Black life.

John Amos, who played the father figure, James Evans, was vocal about his concerns that the show’s scripts were becoming superficial and disconnected from the realities of the Black community. His departure from the show in season four marked a significant turning point, as did Esther Rolle’s eventual exit, which further fractured the cast’s dynamics.

Jimmie Walker, known for his role as J.J. Evans, became a ratings draw for the show, but his rise to stardom also contributed to the growing rift among the cast.

While his character brought in viewers, it shifted the focus away from the family’s struggles, which had been central to the show’s premise. This led to feelings of isolation and disconnect among the cast members, a sentiment echoed by Walker himself, who later admitted that he and his co-stars were not close off-screen.

When Dubois passed away, fans expected a reunion of the *Good Times* family at her funeral. Instead, the absence of her former co-stars was palpable. The media and public were left to wonder why the conflicts of the past had created such a deep divide that even death could not bring them together for one last farewell.

The silence from the cast contrasted sharply with the heartfelt tributes shared online by former colleagues, including Janet Jackson, who expressed her sorrow and gratitude for Dubois’s impact on her life.

The lack of attendance at Dubois’s funeral highlighted the unresolved tensions and fractures that had developed over the years. While *Good Times* portrayed a loving family on screen, the reality was far more complicated.

Dubois’s legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry endures, but the absence of her castmates at her final farewell serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities of their relationships and the struggles behind the scenes of a beloved television show.