Good Times actor, comic and singer Johnny Brown has sadly died aged 84.
His family announced the news on social media, describing it as a “tough loss” and saying Johnny was “snatched out of our lives”.
Born in St Petersberg, Florida in 1937, Johnny had an illustrious onscreen career.
He was best known for portraying Nathan Bookman in CBS’ Good Times, starring from 1974 until the show’s cancellation in 1979.
Johnny’s daughter, Broadway actress Sharon Catherine Brown, shared the news alongside a photo of her dad on Instagram.
The caption read: “Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. Barely able to breathe.
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
“We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable.
“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.
“It’s too terrible. It will never not be. It’s a shock. He was literally snatched out of our lives. It’s not real for us yet. So there will be more to say but not now.
“Dad was the absolute best. We love him so very much.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Good Times was the first ever African American two-parent family sitcom.
It was actually a spin-off from Maude, which was a spin-off from All in the Family, making it also the first spin-off from a spin-off.
In 2020 it was announced that Netflix would be creating an animated version of the series, produced by Family Guy mastermind Seth MacFarlane, basketball player Steph Curry and executive producer Norman Lear.
(Image: Getty Images North America)
His other TV credits include The Flip Wilson Show, The Jeffersons, Family Matters, Sister Sister, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros and Martin.
He also appeared in 1970 film The Out-of-Towers.
Fans shared tributes to Johnny on his daughter’s Instagram post.
One wrote: “All love & condolences to you & your family Sharon.”
Another said: “Sharon. I am sooooo sorry to hear this news about your iconic Dad. Praying for you and your family sis.”
A third added: “My deepest condolences to the whole Brown family.
“Your father is a legend and a gentleman. Getting to meet him was truly an honour.
(Image: Getty Images North America)
“I remember the way he beamed watching you perform was the same way he beamed sitting in your dressing room, talking and laughing: Just pure pride and love.
“I’m sending all the strength, love, and healing energy as I hold you in my thoughts and prayers.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
