Veteran actor and comedian Jimmy Walker, best known for his role as J.J. Evans on the 1970s sitcom Good Times, is opening up at 78 about decades of behind-the-scenes tensions, fame’s heavy toll, and the controversies that reshaped his career.

At 78 years old, Jimmy Walker, the beloved star of the iconic sitcom “Good Times,” has finally opened up about the personal struggles and controversies that have shadowed his life for decades.

Best known for his catchphrase “Dyn-o-mite!” and his role as J.J. Evans, Walker’s journey from a poor Bronx childhood to national fame is a tale of resilience, laughter, and the burden of expectations.

Born James Carter Walker Jr. in 1947, Walker grew up in a cramped neighborhood where the sounds of car horns drowned out sleep. His mother worked tirelessly in labor jobs while his father was absent, leaving the family to navigate the harsh realities of life in the Bronx.

“We had nothing but hope,” Walker recalled. “If you didn’t find a way out, the Bronx would swallow you whole.” This difficult upbringing fueled his dreams of becoming a comedian, a path he stumbled upon at just 17 after hearing a stand-up show on the radio.

With no formal training, Walker practiced his routines in front of a mirror, honing his unique style of self-deprecating humor. By the late 1960s, he was performing in small nightclubs across New York, where he learned the power of laughter to heal and connect.

His big break came in the early 1970s when he auditioned for the groundbreaking sitcom “Good Times.” Producer Norman Lear was captivated by Walker’s off-the-cuff style, and soon he was cast as J.J. Evans, a role that would catapult him to stardom.

“Good Times” premiered in 1974, and Walker quickly became a household name. But the fame came with its challenges.

While audiences loved J.J.’s antics, tensions brewed behind the scenes. Esther Rolle, who played his mother Florida Evans, expressed her frustration over the character’s portrayal.

“JJ isn’t a role model. He’s a clown,” she stated in an interview. This sentiment resonated with many who felt that Walker’s character undermined the show’s deeper themes of resilience and family.

As the series progressed, Walker’s popularity overshadowed the other cast members, leading to conflicts that would ultimately fracture the show’s dynamic.

John Amos, who portrayed the father, James Evans, openly clashed with the writers over the direction of the show. “I couldn’t continue to be part of a show where the son JJ was being written as a clown,” he later admitted.

His departure in 1976 stunned audiences and marked a turning point for the series. Walker, now the face of “Good Times,” found himself at the center of controversy.

After the show ended in 1979, Walker’s career took a hit. While he made occasional appearances in films and sitcoms, the shadow of J.J. Evans loomed large. He returned to stand-up comedy, touring across the country, but the industry had changed.

In the 2000s, Walker became a polarizing figure as he publicly expressed his conservative political views, a stance that alienated many in Hollywood.

“I have never voted for a Democrat in my life,” he declared during a 2012 interview, sending shockwaves through the entertainment community.

His comments about Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump only deepened the divide. While some praised him for his bravery in speaking out, others viewed him as a traitor to the African American community.

Walker’s political statements transformed him from a beloved sitcom star into a controversial figure, and many in Hollywood turned their backs on him.

“I live by what I believe. If Hollywood doesn’t like it, I’m fine with that,” he asserted, unapologetic about the price he paid for his honesty.

Despite the controversies, Walker has remained steadfast in his personal life choices as well. He has never married and has no children, a decision he stands by. “Marriage is not for me. I don’t see myself being a husband or a father,” he explained.

In a world filled with high-profile relationships and divorces, Walker’s solitary lifestyle has drawn both admiration and skepticism. Some see him as a Hollywood oddity, while others view him as a symbol of authenticity.

In recent interviews, Walker has reflected on the fractured relationships from his “Good Times” days, particularly with Rolle. “Esther didn’t hate me. She hated the way the scripts wrote the character,” he clarified, finally addressing the long-standing rumors of animosity.

“We weren’t enemies, but we were never really close.” This candid admission comes after nearly four decades of silence, shedding light on the complexities of their professional relationship.

Today, Walker continues to perform stand-up comedy, embracing his role as a veteran entertainer. His net worth is estimated to be around $800,000, a modest sum compared to many of his peers, yet enough for him to live comfortably.

He remains active in the community, participating in campaigns and even preparing a new book reflecting on his career and views on political correctness.

Though he may no longer be the dazzling star of the 1970s, Jimmy Walker’s legacy endures. Each time he steps onto the stage, he reminds audiences of the laughter he once brought to millions.

“Television can forget you,” he said, “but if I get on stage and people still laugh, then I still exist.”

As he navigates the twilight of his career, Walker remains a unique figure in American entertainment, a man who has lived life on his own terms, unafraid to challenge expectations and embrace the truth of his journey.