logo
YouTube/Good Times Full Episodes
YouTube/Good Times Full Episodes

Ralph Carter Is Now 58 — a Glimpse into His Life after 'Good Times'

Aby Rivas
Mar 21, 2020
12:00 P.M.

Actor Ralph Carter, better known for his role as Michael Evans on the ’70s sitcom “Good Times,” is now retired from the spotlight. He’s currently working with an organization that honors Black Theater in NYC.

Advertisement

It’s been more than four decades since Ralph Carter became an icon of African American television playing the role of Michael, the youngest son of the Evans family on “Good Times.”

Ralph Carter on Steve Harvey's show in 2016 | Source: YouTube/Steve TV Show

Ralph Carter on Steve Harvey's show in 2016 | Source: YouTube/Steve TV Show

Back then, Ralph was still a teenager, but Norman Lear—the producer of the show—saw something so unique in him that he gave him the chance to share the screen with Esther Rolle and John Amos.

THEATER WAS HIS FIRST LOVE

Although “Good Times” was Ralph’s debut on television, he was no stranger to acting and being under the spotlight. At 9 years old, he made his Broadway debut in the musical “The Me Nobody Knows.”

Carter is the vice-president, and he believes that it’s important for people to support local and black theater.

Advertisement
 Jimmie Walker, BernNadette Stanis, Janet Jackson and actor Ralph Carter present an award onstage at the 2006 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: GettyImages

Jimmie Walker, BernNadette Stanis, Janet Jackson and actor Ralph Carter present an award onstage at the 2006 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: GettyImages

Then, Carter went on to appear in other Broadway productions like “Tough to Get Help,” “Dude,” “Via Galactica,” and “Raisin,” for which he earned a Tony Award nomination as Best Supporting or Featured Actor in a musical in 1974.

It was his performance in “Raisin” as Travis Younger that caught Norman Lear’s attention, and he ended up buying Ralph’s entire Broadway contract so he could be in the show.

On Good Times (1974), L-R: Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Jimmie Walker, Esther Rolle, and John Amos. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images

On Good Times (1974), L-R: Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Jimmie Walker, Esther Rolle, and John Amos. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images

Advertisement

THOSE WERE THE GOOD TIMES

“Good Times” ran for six episodes from 1974 to 1979, and it was the first series to show an African American two-parent family raising their kids together.

Reflecting about those days, Carter recently told ABC 7 that he was fortunate to be part not only of the explosion of African American theater in the 1970s, but also of:

“That wave of consciousness and beautiful television productions that featured African American artists.”

Portrait of the cast of the television show 'Good Times,' Los Angeles, California, September 29, 1977 | Photo: GettyImages

Portrait of the cast of the television show 'Good Times,' Los Angeles, California, September 29, 1977 | Photo: GettyImages

“I’m very grateful for the people who taught me along the way,” he added, calling Norman Lear a genius.

Advertisement

During his time on the series, Carter became interested in music and released the album “When You’re Young and in Love” in 1975.

He released two singles, “Extra Extra (Read All About It)” and “When You’re Young And In Love,” and even appeared on “Soul Train” to promote the album.

Carter pretty much disappeared from TV after that to focus on his family.

He’s a father of five kids from two different marriages, although there’s little information about his family available, as he has kept them away from the spotlight.

BACK TO HIS ROOTS

After years away from the spotlight, Carter has been making the rounds on TV again in the past few years.

Ralph Carter in an interview with Eyewitness News ABC7NY | Source: YouTube/Eyewitness News ABC7NY

Ralph Carter in an interview with Eyewitness News ABC7NY | Source: YouTube/Eyewitness News ABC7NY

Advertisement

In 2016, he joined John Amos, BernNadette Stanis, and Jimmie Walker to celebrate “Good Times” and its longevity after 40 years. They did some press rounds, including Extra TV and Steve Harvey's show.

On the other hand, Carter is now the face of the AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.), an organization created in the ’70s by actress Vivian Robinson which honors black theatre in the tri-state area.

Carter is the vice-president, and he believes that it’s important for people to support local and black theater not only for the actors but for the village it takes to get a play running.

“The relevancy is not only to celebrate the black actor and black actress,” he said. And continued:

“We cover the whole gauntlet of all those talents who come together to make a production possible.”

Every year, AUDELCO host “The VIV Awards” to recognize the work of dozens of people in the theater, they also offer seminars, lectures, forums, and other theater activities focused on the young generation.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Ben Stiller's Son, 18, Continues Family Acting Tradition & 'Looks Like His Grandpa Stiller'

November 13, 2023

‘The Jeffersons’ Star Marla Gibbs Defies Age as She Slays in Sparkling Black Velvet Gown with Train

January 16, 2024

'All in the Family' Star Sally Struthers Reveals How Her Life 'Turned Upside Down' after Starring on the Show

February 05, 2024

Is Reginald VelJohnson Gay? His 'Family Matters' Co-Star Once Was Asked about Carl Winslow's Sexuality

November 28, 2023

Friend Said Jimmy Carter's Diet Is Key of His Longevity: Here's Specific Food He Ate His Whole Life

November 20, 2023

Lynda Carter's 40th Anniversary Tribute to Late Husband: 'Wait for Me'

January 30, 2024

Dolores Rice: Andrew McCarthy's Wife Is a Writer & Director Like Him

November 28, 2023

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Make Rare Appearance with Their 2 Grown-Up Handsome Sons in Elegant Outfits

January 12, 2024

5 Celebrity Couples Whose Marriages Have Lasted for 40 Years and More

January 24, 2024

Why Michael Jackson Wore a White Glove on His Right Hand – Pics Where We Saw His Bare Arm

February 23, 2024

‘Wonder Woman’ Star Lynda Carter Shares Pain Following Husband’s Death – His Request Saved Their Marriage & Family

December 19, 2023

15 Years after Divorce, Man Sees His Ex Mother-In-Law Digging through a Dumpster – Story of the Day

February 28, 2024

Doughtry Long Was Nia Long’s Father Known as a Book Author

December 21, 2023

Three Out of 5 Siblings Died Abruptly before 43: Tragic Story of the Carter Family

December 27, 2023