Anecdotes

As co-creator of Good Times (1974), his job duties increased, forcing him to leave The Jeffersons (1975). He was temporarily replaced by Damon Evans.

Had been a real estate investor prior to his death. He received his real estate license in 1986.

Both he and his writing partner Eric Monte drifted into entertainment oblivion after the demise of Good Times (1974) in 1979. While Evans stayed afloat for a time, returning to his Lionel Jefferson acting role until 1981, Monte, who also wrote the film Cool (1975), subsequently developed a crack addiction and had a series of strokes before being discovered living in an East L.A. homeless shelter in 2006. He has since recovered and trying to write again and get back into the business.

Appeared on five episodes of Match Game (1973), all shot on the same day, in which he announced that the Jefferson family was about to leave All in the Family (1971) and spin-off onto their own series.

Born one day before Berlinda Tolbert, who played his television wife Jenny Willis on The Jeffersons (1975). He was born 11/3/49 in Salisbury, NC; she was born 11/4/49 in Charlotte, NC. Salisbury is approximately 45 minutes from Charlotte.

Survived by his daughters, Carlena and Tammie; his mother Annie Sue; his brother Thomas; his cousin Harold; and his niece Chrystal.

Studied acting at Los Angeles City College.