James Evans, Jr., the character portrayed by Jimmie Walker in the popular sitcom Good Times, was 16 years old when the show premiered in 1974. Throughout the show's run, James' age remained consistent, even though the actors playing his siblings, J.J. and Thelma, were older than him in real life.
The show's creators chose to keep James' age static, likely to maintain the dynamic of a young, rebellious character, navigating adolescence within a struggling family in Chicago.
The show's popularity and James' iconic catchphrase, "Dyn-o-mite!", cemented his place in television history. While the show's portrayal of African American life has been criticized for its sometimes stereotypical depictions, it remains a significant cultural touchstone and a reflection of the social and economic realities of the 1970s.
