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90 Good Times Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Good Times? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Good Times (Television). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
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1 In what year did "Good Times" make its debut on television?
Answer: 1974

The show centered around a lower class African-American family residing in a housing projects in Chicago, Illinois.
  From Quiz: Let the "Good Times" Roll!
2 During "The Lunch Money Ripoff" episode, Florida and James wondered why Michael was always so hungry after school. It turns out that he was giving his lunch money to a bully. What was the name of this bully?
Answer: Eddie

The pint-sized bully, played by Douglas Grant, was named "Eddie." When Michael took it upon himself to handle the situation, he brought Eddie home for the weekend. Eddie was amazed to learn that Michael had a live-in father. The boy however, didn't impress James at all. In fact Eddie's rudeness and insolence caused James to deal with him the same way he did with his kids. Uh huh! He took him in the back room and off came the belt.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part Two
3 This show had many writers, one was a regular from another of Norman Lear's hit shows, "The Jeffersons." What was this writer's name?
Answer: Mike Evans

Mike Evans, who played "Lionel" on "The Jeffersons" and "All In The Family," was one of the principle writers of this show. His work comprised forty-six episodes of "Good Times."

*Allow me to say this please. Although the opening and closing scenes for "Good Times," show the infamous Chicago housing project known as, Cabrini-Green; The name was never mentioned on the show as the project where "Good Times" was set.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part One
4 In "Florida Goes to School", what grade do we find out Florida dropped out of when she was a teenager?
Answer: 10th

Florida dropped out in the 10th grade, and James dropped out in the 6th grade. During a discussion on who had it worse when it came to looking for work, Florida told James she had it worse because she was female, black, and had an incomplete high school education. James wasn't too fond of her going back to school, but after hearing about a friend who carried a similar attitude and lost his wife, he decided to support Florida's wishes for a better education, and he went back to school with her.
  From Quiz: Scratching and Surviving
5 "Good Times" is set in what city?
Answer: Chicago

The Evans family lives in an apartment in Chicago.
  From Quiz: Ain't We Lucky We Got Em?
6 In the first episode, how did the Evans family come up with the $104.50 to pay their rent?
Answer: James got the money by hustling pool

The family was on the verge of eviction because Florida just had surgery and James was laid off from his job. J.J. schemed to get the money, despite a strong warning by Florida. Willona brought her down to the welfare office, but they were turned down. James hustled the money by playing pool. Just as the rent collectore were about to repossess their stuff, James came home with the money and they got to keep the apartment.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" with J.J. and the Evans family
7 The name of the main family in the series was:
Answer: Evans

James, Florida, and their three children JJ, Thelma and Michael were the Evans family members.
    Your options: [ Edgers ] [ Ellis ] [ Evans ] [ Evers ]
  From Quiz: "Good Times"
8 Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared as J.J.'s former girlfriend visiting Chicago. What was her character's name?
Answer: Vanessa

J.J.'s and his former girlfriend, Vanessa Blake, go on a date while she is in town visiting. Vanessa leaves J.J. alone in the restaurant after finding out the he is unemployed.
  From Quiz: For the Real "Good Times" Fans
9 When James' friend Ernie Harris stays at the Evans' home, what prized possession did Ernie take in order to pay back loan sharks?
Answer: silver salt and pepper shakers
  From Quiz: Let's have more "Good Times"
10 James Evans Sr. was the strong minded patriarch of the family. Which talented actor played this role?
Answer: John Amos

The character was written out of the series after John Amos' contract was not renewed for the fourth season. Mr. Amos had constant difficulties with the writing of the show. To explain his departure, James Evans Sr. was killed in an automobile accident in Mississippi.
    Your options: [ Jimmie Walker ] [ Ossie Davis ] [ Louis Gossett Jr. ] [ John Amos ]
  From Quiz: Let the "Good Times" Roll!
11 When did Thelma say she'd date Poppo?
Answer: When a statue of President Carter was in the park.

J.J.'s friend Poppo fancied himself a ladies man and was always lusting after Thelma. Unable to take no for an answer, Thelma finally told him, she'd date him when there was a statue of President Carter in the park. I don't think a statue of President Carter would ever be going up in the park of such a neighborhood.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part Two
12 Another of the "Good Times" writers was this comic known for his face. What is the name of this funny man?
Answer: Jay Leno

Jay Leno wrote one episode of "Good Times." He also appeared in one, "J.J. in Trouble." This episode had J.J. visiting the free clinic with a possible std. While in the clinic he had a short conversation with the then 25 year old, Leno. Leno is best known for his huge chin, but he is also well-known for his collection of vehicles. He replaced Johnny Carson as host of NBC's, "The Tonight Show."
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part One
13 Florida and Willona took their first trip to the jail's lockup in "Florida's Protest" when they found out the store was selling expired food. In jail, they met an elderly lady who was also thrown in lockup for causing trouble. What was she in for?
Answer: Street walking

She explains to Florida and Willona that she was crossing the street and saw her husband with another woman, so she went over to the other woman, threw her down on the ground and walked up and down on her.
  From Quiz: Scratching and Surviving
14 How would JJ describe Thelma?
Answer: A horrible cook

Throughout the show, JJ would constantly nag Thelma about her horrid meals.
  From Quiz: Ain't We Lucky We Got Em?
15 Why was Michael suspended from school?
Answer: He called George Washington a racist

Florida and James tried to get him reinstated by getting him to apologize and retract his remark, Michael refused but eventually James got him to change his mind.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" with J.J. and the Evans family
16 Florida's best friend Willona also lived in the same building. What was her last name?
Answer: Woods
  From Quiz: "Good Times"
17 What did Florida buy at Borgen's market that made the Evans' family and Wilona sick after consuming it?
Answer: roast beef

The only person that didn't get sick was JJ who requested to huge breakfast the morning after.
  From Quiz: Let's have more "Good Times"
18 James and Florida Evans had three children. What were their names?
Answer: J.J., Thelma, and Michael

J.J. is the eldest child and a talented artist. Thelma, the only daughter, enjoys dancing and acting. Michael, the youngest child, hoped to one day become a judge on the Supreme Court.
  From Quiz: Let the "Good Times" Roll!
19 In "The Big Move," the Evans family was finally leaving the Midwest and heading down south. What state were they moving to?
Answer: Mississippi

Finally the Evans family could say good-bye to the projects. James was in Jackson, Mississippi, and had secured a good job. While the family is having a party to celebrate, and to say good-bye to old and dear friends, they are suddenly stunned. While reading telegrams from well-wishers, Florida opens and reads one from Mississippi. It is to inform Mrs. James Evans, that her husband had been killed in an automobile accident. How sad, no one saw this one coming. I'm sure all viewers were as stunned as Florida.

In an interview with John Amos, he said he received a phone call from the show stating that his contract would not be renewed. He had been fired. Amos, as well as Rolle, were vehement about the writing on the show. They felt it didn't portray what they had hoped it would. The show had become a vehicle for Jimmie Walker and his antics. It didn't portray any positives of a Black core family. Not even one living in the projects.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part Two
20 One of the characters on the show was Lenny, a walking department store. If you needed it, Lenny had it in his coat store. If not, he was happy to push it at you anyway. Who played Lenny?
Answer: Dap Sugar Willie

Dap Sugar Willie played the role of Lenny, the guy who would open his coat in a flasher type manner to show you his wares. Usually a travelling jewelry store, he was not above having access to whatever you needed.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part One
21 What does JJ Evans want to be?
Answer: An artist

JJ's paintings can be seen in many episodes all around the house.
  From Quiz: Ain't We Lucky We Got Em?
22 Why was J.J. arrested on his 18th birthday?
Answer: He was accused of robbing a liquor store

J.J. was on his way to a date and stopped at the liquor store to buy Certs. Eventually, they found the other guy but J.J. still had it on his record.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" with J.J. and the Evans family
23 At the beginning of season four, Florida's husband James died and was no longer a part of the show. How did he die?
Answer: he was killed in an auto accident

Florida recieved the news that James died by a telegram delivered the day before they were to move to another city so James could start a new job.
  From Quiz: "Good Times"
24 What grade did James Evans have to drop out of school in order to support his family?
Answer: sixth grade
  From Quiz: Let's have more "Good Times"
25 What talented actress played the role of loving mother Florida Evans?
Answer: Esther Rolle

The Emmy Award-winning Esther Rolle first appeared as Florida Evans on the hit comedy series "Maude." Eventually, the character of Florida was given her own television show. As "Good Times" progressed, Ms. Rolle became unhappy with the direction of the J.J. character, so she left the show after the fourth season. She later returned for the sixth and final season. Esther Rolle died in 1998.
  From Quiz: Let the "Good Times" Roll!
26 After James' death, Florida remarried. She married the man that Michael was working for. What was his name?
Answer: Carl

After the devastating loss of James, Florida finds love again with Carl Dixon, played by Moses Gunn. Carl owned a repair shop and Michael worked for him. He has taken Michael under his wing and eventually, Florida's heart. However, he has obstacles to overcome with the entire family. Carl and Florida butted heads over religious differences. Carl was an atheist. A resolution was reached enough for Florida to accept Carl as more than Michael's boss and they married. After the wedding the couple was off to Arizona for their honeymoon. Carl, diagnosed with cancer, and his bride remained in Arizona for the climate. Although they were never seen again as a couple, ratings on the show will see Esther Rolle reprising her role some time later. However, the show is on a downward skid by then.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part Two
27 The Evans family had three children. The oldest child was named James Evans Jr., portrayed by Jimmie Walker. How old was Walker when he began this role?
Answer: 26

J.J. was portrayed by comic Jimmie Walker, by all accounts, a "beanpole." Walker was no doubt cast after being spotted on "The Jack Paar Show." Though he was cast to play a teenager on "Good Times," Walker was actually 26 years old when he began the role that made him famous. Walker will always be known for his famous catchphrase, "Dyn-o-mite."
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part One
28 Who is Willona Woods?
Answer: a nosy neighbor

Willona Woods is always coming in to tell the Evans family new gossip around town.
  From Quiz: Ain't We Lucky We Got Em?
29 When Mad Dog, leader of the Satan Knights, shot J.J., what consequence did he face?
Answer: He was put on probation

James went down to the courtroom to testify and to even up the score with Mad Dog. The reform schools were all filled and he was too young for the penetentiary. His mother, however, told him she was disowning him so James took pity on the thug and let him go.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" with J.J. and the Evans family
30 Willona adopted an abused little girl named Penny Gordon. What now famous singer played Penny?
Answer: Janet Jackson

Yes, Michael Jackson's sister played Penny.
  From Quiz: "Good Times"
31 After James' death, Florida and Willona go to a nightclub to have a few drinks. What is the name of the male character who joined Florida for a drink?
Answer: Ben

When Willona ditches Florida to dance with a suave dude, Ben joins Florida at her table for a drink. They had both recently lost their spouses and shared pictures of their children.
  From Quiz: For the Real "Good Times" Fans
32 What happened to James' father?
Answer: his father abandoned the family
  From Quiz: Let's have more "Good Times"
33 The character of Michael often voiced his views on civil rights. What nickname did his father often call him?
Answer: Militant Midget

Ralph Carter was acting in theatre when he was offered the role of Michael Evans. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway musical, "Raisin."
  From Quiz: Let the "Good Times" Roll!
34 Florida goes back to school to get her GED. James can't take it. He feels Florida's home life is suffering. When he understands her need to get the GED, what does he give Florida?
Answer: A book bag

James was afraid of getting left behind because he hadn't completed high school elther. He used the excuse that the Evans household was falling apart with Florida dividing her time between home and school. Finally he got that Florida needed to set an example for other women as well as do something positive for herself. James not only brought Florida a book bag, he brought one for himself as well.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part Two
35 In "The TV Commercial," Florida turns down the chance to make money from a health drink commercial. Why does she decline the commercial?
Answer: The health drink contains a lot of alcohol

Florida is excited at the prospect of making money for the family until she reads the label and sees that the health tonic contains 35% alcohol.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" Part One
36 Also in "J.J.'s Fiancee", when the parents found out Diane was a drug addict, James told her father, Fred, if he was going to blame anyone, to blame the ____________.
Answer: pushers

James told Fred that the pushers in the streets got to the kids real easy by first slipping them free pills, then while they were whacked out, switching them on the hard stuff. At first at the revelation of Diane's drug problem, James seemed to think they were fighting the battle on the losing end, he explained to Florida that the drug business couldn't be stopped when it was going as well as it was.

However James' attitude seemed to shift when a few minutes later he turned around and said, "In 1961, John F. Kennedy said we'd put a man on the moon by '70 and we did it! Now you can't tell me that a country that can put a man on the moon can't stop dope traffic!"
  From Quiz: Scratching and Surviving
37 What member of the Evans family dies while in Mississippi?
Answer: James

Right when the Evans were moving to a better life, James was killed in a car accident.
  From Quiz: Ain't We Lucky We Got Em?
38 Why did James turn down a $500 a week construction job?
Answer: It was in Alaska

The job was for one year in Alaska and only James can go. He changed his mind after Michael and his friends got beat up by a gang. He felt the family needed him around.
  From Quiz: "Good Times" with J.J. and the Evans family
39 Thelma gets engaged and marries Keith. What was Keith's last name?
Answer: Anderson

Thelma telephoned her mother to get her permission before giving Keith her answer.
  From Quiz: "Good Times"
40 Thelma found James' father while researching her family tree for a school assignment. Where did she find him?
Answer: working as cook on a ship

Everyone is excited about the discovery except James. He refuses to see him.
  From Quiz: Let's have more "Good Times"
The rest of the questions and answers can be found in our quizzes here:
Good Times Quizzes