Just over two months after she wowed the crowd at ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family & Good Times, Ja’net DuBois died suddenly today. She was 74.
As confirmed by her family and those close to the two-time Emmy winner, the seemingly healthy DuBois died early Tuesday in her sleep at her home in Glendale, CA.
She was known for making some of the greatest entrances in sitcom history week after week as neighbour Willona Woods on Good Times, the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom starring Esther Rolle, John Amos, Jimmie Walker and Janet Jackson.
Back in December of last year, DuBois joined Walker and co-star Bern Nadette Stanis for an appearance on the latest live retelling of one of Norman Lear’s classic TV shows – and she stole the star-studded show with pure pizzazz.
Emmy Award-winning actress will additionally be remembered for co-writing as well as singing the theme song (“Movin’ On Up”) to another popular 1970s sitcom, The Jeffersons.
TMZ reports that DuBois passed away in her sleep at the actress’ Glendale, California residence on Tuesday. Although details are still emerging, DuBois’ death reportedly came as a surprise to loved ones, who notified the publication.
Like Good Times cast-mate John Amos, DuBois experienced a busy and successful career in the decades that followed the CBS series. She won two Emmy Awards for “Best Voice-Over Performance” in 1999, and 2000 respectively. This came from work on The PJ’s (created by Eddie Murphy, Larry Wilmore, and Steve Tompkins). DuBois also appeared in Good Times co-star Janet Jackson’s “Control” music video, playing her mother. Work on I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, The Wayans Bros., and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle continued well into the 2000s.
Last year, Ja’Net reprised the “Willona Woods” portrayal for ABC’s Live In Front Of A Studio Audience special. That December moment also brought back Amos (“James Evans”) to the character who was written off of the show following Amos’ real-life firing. DuBois was also a guest star on many popular 1980s and ’90s television shows. DuBois also recorded several albums during her entertainment career.
