“Good times” actress Ja’net Dubois had died at age 74.
One of her daughters says she died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Glendale, California, on Monday.
She said the death was unexpected—since she had no underlying health problems and attended a “Good times” reunion event a few weeks ago.
BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans Anderson on “Good Times” and remained close to DuBois, said she learned of her death Tuesday from the actress’ daughter.
“She used to keep us laughing all the time,” Stanis said, warmly recalling her friend. “She was very, very talented. If she wasn’t singing … she was creating a character to make us laugh.”
Police in Glendale, California, said they received a report about DuBois’ death late Monday. She appeared to have died of natural causes and no investigation is ongoing, police Sgt. Dan Stubbs said. No additional details were immediately available.
Stanis said DuBois appeared to be in good health when they appeared two weeks ago at a signing event. Her birth date was something she kept to herself, Stanis said.
Dubois was best known for her role of Willona Woods in “Good times.”
She had a prolific career beyond the 1970s hit “Good Times,” winning two Emmy Awards for her voice work on the WB series “The PJs.”
She also wrote and sang “Movin’ on up”—which is the theme song to another Norman Lear sitcom: “The Jeffersons.”
She is survived by three children and grandchildren.
The CNN Wire and The Associated Press contributed to this report
