Remembering the Sweet, Humble Soul of Good Times Actress Ja’Net DuBois

By Naomi K. Bonman

Just a couple of weeks ago we loss NBA legend and MVP, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. On Tuesday, February 18, the Hollywood world is mourning the sudden death of Ja’Net Dubois. She was 74-years old and passed away peacefully in her sleep in her Glendale, California home.

According to TMZ, a cause of death was not immediately given and Dubois’ family stated that she hadn’t complained of any pain or illness in the days leading up to her death.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure to meet and photograph Ja’Net Dubois at the Pan African American Film Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles on multiple occasions. She was seen across multiple red carpets at various events. For those who do not know, Dubois co-founded PAFF in 1992. PAFF showcases “the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help destroy the negative stereotypes”.

Ms. Dubois played the role of Willona Woods on the 70s sitcom “Good Times”. She went on to become a two-time Emmy Award winner for her voice-over work on the animated series “The PJs” and in 1969 she won a Peabody Award for the CBS children’s movie “J.T.”.

Throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Dubois appeared in almost every hit TV series, which include: Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Cold Case, Everybody Loves Raymond, Touched By An Angel, The Wayans Bros. and Moesha.

The actress was also featured in big screen films, which include: Heart Condition (1990) alongside Denzel Washington, Waterproof (2000) alongside with Burt Reynolds, and recently She’s Got a Plan (2016).

In addition to her acting career, Ja’Net released an album showcasing her vocal talents in 2008 entitled, “Hidden Treasures”.

Ja’Net Dubois is survived by her three children: Rani, Burghardt, and Yovanne Dubois.