Over the past few months, Hollywood has sadly lost a number of TV legends and, unfortunately, it’ll now say goodbye to another. Johnny Brown, an actor most well-known for his role in Nathan Bookman’s hit TV series ‘70s sitcom Good Times, has died. The veteran star reportedly died this past week, though his cause of death has not been revealed. Brown was 84 at the time of his death.
It was Johnny Brown’Sharon Catherine Brown Brown, Sharon’s daughter, confirmed that her father died on Wednesday, March 2. An Instagrampost, Catherine Brown made a statement for her family.
Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. We are barely able to breath. Because we are trying to process the impossible, we respectfully request privacy. To articulate the depths of profound sadness.This is my mom’s husband for sixty one years, mine and JJ’s dad, Elijah and Levi’s Pop Pop, older brother to George and brother in law to Pat and extended family to Chris, Hihat, Damian and Derell.
The actress continued to express her sadness about the incident. “terrible”She lost her father. In the post, she stated that she’ll have more to say on the matter at some point in the future. You can also see her post with an emotional message. She also shared a picture of her late father.
Johnny Brown was born in St. Petersburg on June 11, 1937. He first achieved success in singing in the 1960s. By the age of 23, he’d already recorded a release, “Walkin’, Talkin’, Kissin’ Doll” b/w “Sundown,”Columbia Records. He’d later release another in 1968, in which he showed shades of legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Soon, the actor would be a regular member of the comedy cast. Laugh-InHe eventually turned that success into an enviable TV career. Per NY Daily NewsNorman Lear, the famed producer wanted him to play Lamont on the iconic sitcom. Sanford and Son, but the star ultimately couldn’t sign on due to his commitment to his other show. Demond Wilson was offered the role. Johnny Brown would appear on the Lear-created Maude, before the producer cast him as greedy, but lovable, superintendent Nathan Bookman on Good Times.
Nathan “Booger”Bookman was a recurring role in Seasons 2-4. However, the character’s popularity arguably earned Brown a spot as a main cast member in the show’s final two seasons. The henpecked Bookman is best remembered for his wit, frequent appetite, and hilarious exchanges of words with Willona Woods (played in the final two seasons by Ja’Net DuBois).
Johnny Brown was a regular on many other sitcoms over the years. His appearances in sitcoms such as The Jeffersons, Family Matters, Sister, SisterAnd The Jamie Foxx Show.
As a member the cast Good TimesThe actor will always be associated with the popular culture icon. This series was the first television show featuring an African American couple. It also paved the way to other notable Black sitcoms. Many of these sitcoms are seeing a revival. And the show’s impact is so strong that a revival is in the works from Seth MacFarlane and Norman Lear. Johnny Brown was an integral component of the show’s success, and his contributions will be remembered.
CinemaBlend wishes to send our condolences to Johnny Brown’s family and friends during this difficult time.