All Rights Reserved. TMZ has learned. View our online Press Pack. With Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Johnny Brown. Ja'net's family confirmed that she passed away on February 18, 2020. 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). 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. But the singer-songwriter is also known for co-writing and singing the theme song, Movin' on Up for The. ! and Good Times in the 1970s as an extra. JaNet Dubois, who became a household name from playing the character Willona Woods on the 70s sitcom Good Times, has passed away. We publish narratives intentionally and specifically to enlighten and transform the world. She was believed to be 74. Willona's Dilemma: Directed by Herbert Kenwith. Willona's new job goes against her morals, but she decides to put her values on the . 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. Ja'Net played the Evans family's sassy neighbor Willona Woods on the classic '70s TV. She turns him down because she now has Penny to consider. 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. Janet Dubois net worth: Working as an American regular television as well film actress, she had earned lot of love and respect. Of course, on Good Times, as Willona, she played the neighbor of the Evans family and eventually adopted the character Penny, played by Janet Jackson. Tom Sizemores ex reveals harrowing final text actor sent before tragic death, Teen Mom fans are convinced Kail's son leaked news of star's 'secret 5th baby', Kim Kardashian shows off her real hips and butt in unedited new pics, Inside Josh Duggar's lonely 35th birthday in prison solitary confinement, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, The iconic actress was best known for her role as Willona Woods on the sitcom Good Times. Required fields are marked *. She is also recognized as the co-founder of Pan African Film & Arts Festival. One fun fact about Janet is that she is only 2 years older than Jimmie JJ Walker. Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Best-known for her portrayal of the sassy, energetic busybody and neighbor, "Willona Woods", on the classic 70s TV series, The Tom Swift and Linda Craig Mystery Hour, Documentary performer: "Movin' On Up Theme for The Jeffersons" written by nm0058033 & nm0238840, performer: "Whoa Now" - as Ja'net Du Bois / writer: "Whoa Now" - as Janet Dubois, performer: "Movin' On Up" 1975 - as Janet Dubois / writer: "Movin' On Up" 1975 - as Janet Dubois, performer: "Movin' On Up" 1975 - as Ja'Net DuBois / writer: "Movin' On Up" 1975 - as Jeannette DuBois, performer: "Whoa Now" / writer: "Whoa Now", TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2004 writer - 1 episode, 2004, TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2002 writer - 1 episode, 2002, Documentary writer: "Movin' On Up" - as Janet Dubois, performer: "Movin' On Up" / writer: "Movin' On Up", performer: "Movin' on Up" - as Janet' DuBois / writer: "Movin' on Up" - as Janet' DuBois, TV Series performer - 3 episodes, 1976 - 1978 lyrics - 1 episode, 1976 music - 1 episode, 1976 writer - 1 episode, 1976, TV Series performer: "Movin' On Up" / writer: "Movin' On Up", TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV, TV's Illest Minority Moments Presented by Ego Trip, Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. This is a lady that will be truly missed by many read another comment. Have you ever wondered how rich Janet Dubois is, as of mid- 2016? 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. | The Norman Lear Effect The Norman Lear Effect 103K subscribers Subscribe 526 54K views 1 year ago Bookman's wife (Marylin Coleman) thinks that. Willona is one of the neighbors of the Evans family, and a close family friend. She was a beautiful actress and lovely lady May she Rest In Peace God has her and only he know best. Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)as Momma Bosley, Your email address will not be published. She was 74. But the singer-songwriter is also known for co-writing and singing the theme song, Movin' on Up for The Jeffersons. In the late 70s she also featured in the film A Piece of the Action (1977). She was, in fact, many people s crush. Willona Woods is one of the main characters on Good Times. 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. TMZ has learned. We shared so many things, from my early days on Good Times to just two weeks ago at the Hollywood Show. All Rights Reserved. Devastated, Linella respected Penny's decision and left, and was never seen again. 8,435 talking about this. !, Janet DuBois and Janet Jackson on Good Times, Ralph Carter, JaNet DuBois, Jimmie Walker, BernNadette Stanis and Johnny Brown on Feb. 1. And Rani looks so much like her famous mom! GOOD Times star Ja'Net DuBois has sadly passed away. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. And who wouldnt crush on a beautiful lady who is also good at what she does? She most recently played the role of Bridget, one of Nat Turners relatives, in the 2016 flick Birth of a Nation. Willona Woods is one of the main characters on Good Times. She was born in Brooklyn, New York while raised in Amityville. It means better pay and more prestige. She appeared to have died of natural causes and no investigation is ongoing, police Sgt. Age has not diminished their beauty. When Penny finds out, she runs away because she thinks she is ruining Willona's life. But the singer-songwriter is also known for co-writing and singing the theme song, Movin' on Up for The Jeffersons. Her family told TMZ the actress died. "Good Times" is an iconic American sitcom which many still remember for its ability to get everyone watching hooting in laughter. 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. She noted that Dubois kept to herself and no one knew exactly how old she was. DuBois famously played Willona Woods, the beloved next-door neighbor to the Evans family on the seminal 1970s sitcom "Good Times . But then Frank returns and wants to marry her - and she has to give up her job. In case you forgot, Willona was the spunky next-door neighbor, played by Ja'Net DuBois, who kept the whole apartment building . ", She was credited in numerous other films as varied as "Basic Instinct," "Next Friday" and "Tropic Thunder," which included "Movin' on Up.". I love her so much, wrote someone else. (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. Ja'net's family confirmed that she passed away on February 18, 2020. Dubois and Jackson reunited many years later in the video for the singers 1986 single Control, where the actress played her mother. She was 74 and will be missed.: @GettyImages pic.twitter.com/j1TdcuA0q9, Dubois' career started in theater, where she appeared in Broadway productions of "Golden Boy" and "A Raisin in the Sun," according to a biography on her website. Working in 1960s broadways for several years, she appeared in television roles which include J.T. Ja'Net is survived by her three children. 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. On Tuesday, Janet Jackson and Bernnadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans on Good Times, acknowledged Dubois death on Instagram. Dubois played the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on "Good Times" and composed and sang "Movin' on Up," the theme song for "The Jeffersons.". Besides being an actress and a style icon for many, Dubois was a singer. Ja'Net DuBois, 'Good Times' Actress, Dies at 74. The actress was found deceased on Tuesday in her home in Glendale, California. Ja'Net Dubois, who became a household name from playing the character Willona Woods on the '70s sitcom "Good Times," has passed away.The actress was found deceased on Tuesday in her home . 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. February 18, 2020 Sonny Television. In addition to acting, she was also featured in a music video of her good friend and co-star from Good Times, Janet Jacksons Control. after moving into a new apartment building. And who wouldn t crush on a beautiful lady who is also good at what she does? 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. , Stanis shared, My Dear JaNet, you were like an aunt to me, wrote Stanis. She was best known for her portrayal of Willona Woods, the neighborhood gossip maven and a friend of the Evans family on the CBS sitcom Good Times, which aired from 1974 to 1979. Express yourself in the comments section. Jeannette Dubois was born on the 5th August 1945, in Brooklyn, New York City, USA of African and American ancestry. Ja'net DuBois, who played Willona Woods on the classic Norman Lear sitcom "Good Times," was found dead Tuesday. Her net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans Anderson on "Good Times," said she learned of Dubois' death Tuesday from the actress' daughter. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Ja'net DuBois, best known for her role as Good Times ' Willona Woods, died on Tuesday at the age of 74, TMZ reports. (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. 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 . She was 74. A Matter of Mothers: Directed by Gerren Keith. Dubois' song "Movin' on Up" provided a joyous intro to "The Jeffersons" during the show's 10-season run. She appeared in tons of movies over the years, including "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka", "Tropic Thunder" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. For other inquiries, Contact Us. DuBois famously played Willona Woods, the beloved next-door neighbor to the Evans family on the seminal 1970s sitcom Good Times. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that the total size of Janets net worth is as high as $2 million. - 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. Jackson wrote, I am so very saddened to hear my longtime friend JaNet DuBois has passed away. According to TMZ, Ja'net DuBois has died at age 74. Biography, Net Worth, Hus Where is Dee Jay Daniels from 'Sky High' today? scene involved her rushing upstairs with a butcher knife to come after Tre in his daughters room. Stanis said Dubois appeared to be in good health and they had appeared two weeks ago at a signing event. According to, passed away a couple of days after suffering a heart attack last Tuesday. She also co-wrote and sang the sitcom The Jeffersons' theme song that originally aired from 1975 until . In the days of Ja net as Willona Woods on Good Times , she was a very funny actress. Rani and her mom Janet still look as beautiful as ever. I loved her character, one person wrote. 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. Its not revealed who discovered her body on Tuesday morning. 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. The cause of death has yet to be revealed, and, according to TMZ, Dubois, who reportedly was 74, didnt complain of any ailments recently. She is an American dancer, actress, and singer-songwriter. Her film credits includes Im Gonna Git You Sucka in the role of tough and caring mother and co starred in action comedy Charlies Angels: Full Throttle as Jimmys mother. Appeared as a centerfold in Jet Magazine's March 24, 1960 issue. 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. A performance in "The Hot l Baltimore" in Los Angeles caught the eye of Norman Lear, who developed "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons. With Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis, Johnny Brown. She had two children Rani Dubois and Raj Kristo Gupta and they both died due to cancer at age of 36. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. and The Blue Knight (1973), with William Holden and Lee Remick. Ja'Net is survived by her three children. With the beginning of the next decade, little by little her career began to improve, and she featured in the soap opera Love of Life (1970-1972), in the film Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970), with Richard Benjamin and Carrie Snodgress in lead roles, Five on the Black Hand Side (1973). She starts to accept him, but then Ray starts flirting with Thelma, proving he is still the same sleaze. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Ray Woods is Willona's lying, philandering ex-husband, who comes back into her life to try to rekindle their relationship.