11 TV Characters Punished By Death For Their Actor’s Behaviour

8. James Evans - Good Times

Good Times
CBS

A spin-off from Maude, which itself was a spin-off of All In The Family, Good Times may have generated strong ratings, but there certainly weren't good times on set.

Lead actors John Amos and Esther Rolle had expected the show to deal with serious topics, especially those pertaining to race in a comedic way. However, the character of J.J. quickly became the breakout - thanks in part to his catchphrase 'Dy-no-mite' - which led to their growing dissatisfaction with the show.

Both publicly and privately expressed their annoyance at the direction it was going in, which ultimately led to Amos' James Evans Sr being killed off. The character was actually killed off screen, with his wife, Florida (Rolle), receiving a letter informing her of his death. Amos later explained that he was called up by the producer and told he wouldn't be back for the show's fourth season, which came as a result of his outspokenness and perceived disruptiveness.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.