(Photo by Getty Images), American actresses Janet Jackson (left) and Janet DuBois in a scene from the television series Good Times, Los Angeles, California, late 1970s. But the singer-songwriter is also known for co-writing and singing the theme song, Movin' on Up for The Jeffersons. She also co-wrote and sang the sitcom The Jeffersons' theme song that originally aired from 1975 until . DuBois is survived by three children. He is back in town from Alaska and wants to marry Willona. No additional details, including her exact age, were immediately available. She's also the eventual adoptive mother of Penny Gordon Woods. JaNet Dubois, circa 1975. The part of Willona was played by the late Ja'Net DuBois. Good Times (TV Series 1974-1979) Ja'net DuBois as Willona Woods. I will miss you and all of your cast family will miss you.. Ja'net's family confirmed that she passed away on February 18, 2020. Ja'Net Dubois, who played the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on "Good Times" and composed and sang the theme song for "The Jeffersons," has died. Apart from television she had contributed in the film industry and music industry as well. The CBS show made its debut in February 1974 and ended in August 1979, running for six seasons. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. She is an actress, who is probably still best known for her appearances in the role of Willona Woods in the TV series Good Times (1974-1979), and as Momma Bosley in the film Charlies Angels: Full Throttle (2003). Ja'Net played the Evans family's sassy neighbor Willona Woods on the classic '70s TV . Ja'Net played the Evans family's sassy neighbor Willona Woods on the classic '70s TV. She died at age 66. She was always fashion goals on the show.. She appears in four episodes of Good Times; "The Evans Get Involved: Part 1", "Part 2", "Part 3", and "Part 4" in Season 5 and "A Matter of Mothers" in Season 6. Good Times | Bookman and Willona Are In Trouble! - Janet has a daughter, Rani Dubois, who also appeared on an episode of the 1970s sitcom Whats Happening!!. IE 11 is not supported. Willona is interested in a man who is deaf. Rani Dubois is her name and she appeared in several episodes of Whats Happening! Biography, Net Worth, Hus Where is Dee Jay Daniels from 'Sky High' today? Jimmie Walker, Who Played J.J. on Good Times, Disses Cast Mates Badly: We Were Never Friends. shows going back to the 80s. We're told Ja'Net hadn't complained of any specific ailments recently, and appeared to be in good health to those around her. With Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Johnny Brown. In fact, the star appeared to be in great spirits when she attended a fan event in Hollywood at the beginning of 2020. DuBois was 74. In the final episode, after learning Thelma and Keith are expecting a baby, she's overjoyed at becoming a godmother and that she, Penny, and the Evans Family will remain neighbors. Dubois showed off more of her dramatic skills when a young Janet Jackson joined the show as the abused child Penny; DuBois' character would go on to adopt Penny, and the storyline also forged a long, close relationship with Jackson, who would go on to become a multiplatinum superstar; she cast DuBois as her mother in her 1986 "Control" video. Jeannette Dubois is professionally known as Ja'net Dubois. Ja'Net DuBois, 'Good Times' Actress, Dies at 74. Written as a teleplay by Richard Frieman and Sid Dorfman from an original story wrtitten by Frieman, the episode, which was directed by Gerren Keith, premiered on CBS-TV, originally airing on October 19, 1977. The cause of death has yet to be revealed, and, according to TMZ, Dubois, who reportedly was 74, didnt complain of any ailments recently. Ja'net DuBois and Janet Jackson on "Good Times" Courtesy. (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns), JaNet Dubois during Women in Film LA Present the 2007 Power Breakfast Minority Report at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States. GOOD Times star Ja'Net DuBois has sadly passed away. She's also the eventual adoptive mother of Penny Gordon Woods. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The iconic actress was best known for her role as Willona Woods on the sitcom Good Times, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). She brought so much love to the show and a whole lot of humor. She appeared in tons of movies over the years, including "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka", "Tropic Thunder" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. Willona Woods is one of the main characters on Good Times. Ja'net DuBois (2020), starred as Willona on "Good Times" By Kirk Fox February 18, 2020 1 Ja'net DuBois was best known for her role as the gossip Willona on the hit 1970s sitcom "Good. Ja'net DuBois: Willona Woods. ! and Good Times in the 1970s as an extra. A Matter of Mothers: Directed by Gerren Keith. According to TMZ, Ja'net DuBois has died at age 74. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. May she rest Rest In Peace., oooooooooooooo. But the singer-songwriter is also known for co-writing and singing the theme song, Movin' on Up for The Jeffersons. Dubios was living in Glendale, California and died naturally on 18th February 2020. By The Associated Press. . A performance in "The Hot l Baltimore" in Los Angeles caught the eye of Norman Lear, who developed "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons. Ms. DuBois is credited as the first African-American woman to appear regularly on a daytime soap, Her first assignment as a professional model was the cover of. According to her family members, she died in her sleep unexpectedly and naturally. 633K views, 1.8K likes, 687 loves, 31 comments, 211 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Good Times: It's official: Penny (Janet Jackson) is moving in with Willona (Ja'Net DuBois). She noted that Dubois kept to herself and no one knew exactly how old she was. "Good Times" is an iconic American sitcom which many still remember for its ability to get everyone watching hooting in laughter. I pray for comfort for all her family and friends.Thank you JaNet, Ill miss you. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Ray suddenly returns on "proverbial doorstep" after six years, just in time for Willona's birthday, and both she and Florida are very distrustful of his motives - especially since Ray had a mistress - and was . GOOD Times star Ja'Net DuBois has sadly passed away. She even made an appearance at a fan event in Hollywood a few weeks ago. Ja'Net DuBois -- one of the main characters on "Good Times" -- died Monday . I love her so much, wrote someone else. February 18, 2020 Sonny Television. Willona . Ja'net DuBois, who is remembered for her six-season stint on CBS sitcom Good Times, was found dead in her Glendale, California home on Tuesday. Her other TV credits include guest-starring roles on episodes of ER, The Love Boat, Everybody Loves Raymond, A Different World, The Facts of Life, Home Improvement, Moesha, Touched by an Angel and Cold Case.. Willona's new boyfriend is trying to buy her and Penny's love by giving expensive gifts. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Right: Directed by Gerren Keith. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. She composed and sang the theme song Movin On Up for another hit show, The Jeffersons, which ran from 1975 to 1985. What do you think of Janet and Rani handling their roles? 11 more photos Quotes . (Photo by Mike FANOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images), HOLLYWOOD, CA FEBRUARY 09: Janet DuBois arrives at the Think Like A Man Los Angeles Premiere at ArcLight Cinemas on February 9, 2012 in Hollywood, California. Although the show came to a halt decades ago, the award-winning star is still fondly described as the woman that played Willona on " Good Times. According to, passed away a couple of days after suffering a heart attack last Tuesday. And Rani looks so much like her famous mom! Menu. She has been accumulating her net worth through a successful career in the entertainment industry as a professional actress. TV Land remembers "Good Times" star Ja'net Dubois. She most recently played the role of Bridget, one of Nat Turners relatives, in the 2016 flick Birth of a Nation. shows going back to the 80s. But she was extraordinary with her roles. Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)as Momma Bosley, Your email address will not be published. The woman who played iconic Willona and wrote the theme to 'The Jeffersons' died Monday Nobody made an entrance like Ja'Net DuBois. Always a star in my eyes, and I also dont hear about my uncle private. DuBois famously played Willona Woods, the beloved next-door neighbor to the Evans family on the seminal 1970s sitcom "Good Times . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That would have been difficult to guess, especially with their roles on Good Times.. Willona's Surprise: Directed by Gerren Keith. (She and Haggard were married between 1978 and 1983.) Willona's ex-husband returns to town to help celebrate her birthday. The following year she was selected for the role of Willona Woods in the TV series Good Times, which aired until 1979, increasing her net worth by a large margin, and also boosting her popularity. Willona is a close family friend and neighbor to the Evans family who's always up on the gossip of others who live in the project building. She was a beautiful actress and lovely lady May she Rest In Peace God has her and only he know best. Some of the most notable roles include those in films and series such as The Sophisticated Gents (1981), The Tom Swift and Linda Craig Mystery Hour (1983), and Im Gonna Git You Sucka (1988), written and directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans. actress passing. Willona's Dilemma: Directed by Herbert Kenwith. Stanis said Dubois appeared to be in good health and they had appeared two weeks ago at a signing event. Willona's New Job: Directed by Gerren Keith. Over the course of six years as the sassy, stylish Willona. Willona's former boyfriend calls her. Working in 1960s broadways for several years, she appeared in television roles which include J.T. Police in Glendale, California, said they received a report about Dubois' death late Monday. She was, in fact, many people s crush. The Pan . She was found in her Glendale, California home on February 18, and according to her family's statement to TMZ, she passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. She had two children Rani Dubois and Raj Kristo Gupta and they both died due to cancer at age of 36. Yet another veteran actress died and this time it was 74 years old Ja'Net Dubois, a star from Good Times. Ja'net Dubois, who charmed us as Willona Woods on "Good Times," died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday February 18, according to TMZ. Her family tells us Ja'Net died unexpectedly in her sleep overnight at her home in Glendale, CA. She started her acting career in theater in the 1960s, appearing in Broadway's Golden Boy with Sammy Davis Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr. Ja'Net then moved to TV by becoming the first African-American female to be a regular cast-member on a daytime serial with her role as Loretta Allen on Love of Life. DuBois earned two Emmy Awards for her voiceover work on the Eddie Murphy animated series The PJs, which aired on FOX from 1999 to 2001. Did you get to see Good Times or Whats Happening??. She is excited about the opportunity. Yet another veteran actress died and this time it was 74 years old JaNet Dubois, a star from Good Times. He says he has changed, and is ready to be with her again. When Penny finds out, she runs away because she thinks she is ruining Willona's life. TMZ reports it is not yet clear who found the star's body and sources says the star hadn't been complaining about any specific illness before she passed. 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In case you forgot, Willona was the spunky next-door neighbor, played by Ja'Net DuBois, who kept the whole apartment building . Ja'Net Dubois, who played the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on "Good Times" and composed and sang the theme song for "The Jeffersons," has . [13] DuBois additionally cowrote and sang the theme song "Movin' on Up" for The Jeffersons, which aired from 1975 until 1985. Dubois had a prolific career beyond the 1970s hit "Good Times," winning two Emmy Awards for her voice work on the WB series "The PJs.". She was born on 5th August 1945 in Brooklyn, New York and gained so much love and fane through her role of Willona Woods in sitcom Good Times. Independent, generous, and always up for fun, Willona can also be nosy at times and a little gossipy, but as Florida's best friend, Willona is always there with a helping hand in good and bad times. DuBois is famous for her portrayal of Willona Woods on the CBS sitcom Good Times. In addition to being the Evans family's lovable neighbor, Willona, Dubois composed and sang "Movin' on Up" the iconic theme song for "The Jeffersons." Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. I saw first hand how she broke stereotypes and changed the landscape for Black women in entertainment.Im grateful in recent years I had a chance to see her and create more lasting memories. DuBois has appeared in various movies over the years, including Tropic Thunder, Im Gonna Git You Sucka and Charlies Angels: Full Throttle. Ja'Net DuBois -- one of the main characters on "Good Times" -- died Monday TMZ has learned. Ja'Net played the Evans family's sassy neighbor Willona Woods on the classic '70s TV series. Her big-screen appearances include Im Gonna Git You Sucka in 1988, Charlies Angels: Full Throttle in 2003 and Tropic Thunder in 2008. When Linella returned and tried to hurt Penny for upsetting her, Willona grabbed her arms and slammed her against the wall. Her cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but according to reports, the actress died "unexpectedly" in her sleep overnight while in her home in Glendale, California. Your email address will not be published. And who wouldnt crush on a beautiful lady who is also good at what she does? Turns out it is Penny's birth mother who is paying the bills and getting the boyfriend to give the gifts. DuBois as Willona in 'Good Times' (CBS) Iconic TV actress Ja'net DuBois, still widely acclaimed for her six-season run on the CBS sitcom 'Good Times', is dead. Ja'Net is survived by her three children. ", Her film credits included 1970's "Diary of a Mad Housewife," "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. 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Bookman's wife finds Bookman in Willona's apartment and they are caught in a compromising position. She also charted eight times on Hot Country Songs, with her only Top 40 hit . Speaking about her personal life, Janet Dubois is a single mother of three children; one of them is actress Rani Dubois. With Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Johnny Brown. And who wouldn t crush on a beautiful lady who is also good at what she does? , Stanis shared, My Dear JaNet, you were like an aunt to me, wrote Stanis. (Photo by M. Tran/FilmMagic), UNITED STATES SEPTEMBER 28: BET Comedy Awards Arrivals in Pasadena, United States on September 28, 2004 Janet Dubois arrives at the BET Comedy Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. In fact, the star appeared to be in great spirits when she attended a fan event in Hollywood at the beginning of 2020. The news of DuBois death comes only hours after news of another T.V. - Celebritist has learned from I Love Old School Music that Janet Dubois who acted Willona on CBS sitcom Good Times still maintains a beautiful look even at 72. Ja'net's family confirmed that she passed away on February 18, 2020. Like our content? She has also done voice over jobs which garnered her two Emmy awards as well. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Besides being an actress and a style icon for many, Dubois was a singer. She also attended a fan event at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel on Feb. 1 in Burbank, California. We are moving on uplove always, Kaseem k Gupta.. She is an American dancer, actress, and singer-songwriter. Willona Woods, played by DuBois, was an essential part of the comedy show. TMZ has learned. (name), Four (Rani DuBois, Burghardt Dubois, Yovanne Dubois), The Tom Swift and Linda Craig Mystery Hour. This is largely down to her work as an actress. Janet Dubois career began in the late 1960s, firstly appearing in the film A Man Called Adam (1966), and three years later in the film made for television J.T (1969). 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. View our online Press Pack. She then made appearances on the small screen in series like Sanford and Son, Kojak, and Roots: The Next Generations.. Sign up to receive The Atlanta Black Star Newsletter in your inbox. actress passing. Willona's new job goes against her morals, but she decides to put her values on the . So if you ever got to see Whats Happening! Ray Woods is Willona's lying, philandering ex-husband, who comes back into her life to try to rekindle their relationship. Rani also acted as a student, a cheerleader and took up some other roles on the popular 70s shows. TMZ has learned. According to family, DuBois died unexpectedly in her sleep at her home in Glendale, California. Ja'Net DuBois, known for her turn as Willona Woods on " Good Times ," was found dead in her Glendale, Calif. home on Tuesday. Police officials in Glendale said that due to natural cause of death, no further investigation is done. Alright! Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Having appeared on "Good Times" as dubious and disreputable local politician Fred C. Davis, Albert Reed Jr. died aged 76 in 1986 the first of the sitcom's cast to . Ja'Net Dubois, who played the nosy, wise-cracking neighbor Willona Woods on the iconic 1970s sitcom "Good Times," died Tuesday at the age of 74, according to multiple news reports. But then Frank returns and wants to marry her - and she has to give up her job. The actress was found deceased on Tuesday in her home in Glendale, California. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Ja'Net might be most famous for "Good Times," but she also composed and sang the theme song, "Movin' On Up," for "The Jeffersons" -- so, she should also be remembered for her voice. The actress was also known for co-writing and singing Movin On Up, the theme song for the long-running sitcom The Jeffersons, which aired on CBS from 1975 to 1985. Sources say DuBois hadnt complained of any particular ailments recently and she appeared to be in good health. Along with being an actress, DuBois also let her musical talents shine. With Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Johnny Brown. I loved her character, one person wrote. Her most notable role was perhaps in the Whats Happening!