Early Career and Income Sources
Johnny Brown began his career as a nightclub promoter and performer. He honed his talents by winning an Apollo Theater amateur night contest and performing in various nightlife shows with his wife, June. During this time, he also recorded songs for Columbia and Atlantic Records, which contributed to his early income. Brown’s multifaceted talents quickly established him in the entertainment industry.Television Career and Earnings
Brown’s television career began with a regular role on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” where he made nearly 50 appearances from 1970 to 1972. This role significantly increased his exposure and income. However, it was his role as Nathan Bookman on “Good Times” from 1975 to 1979 that brought him widespread recognition. Although specific salary details for “Good Times” are not publicly available, it’s clear that his role as a series regular significantly contributed to his net worth. He became a series regular at the beginning of the fifth season and was included in the opening credits.Additional Roles and Income
In addition to his prominent roles, Brown made guest appearances on numerous other television series, including “The Jeffersons,” “Sister, Sister,” “Family Matters,” “Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “The Wayans Bros”, “Punky Brewster”, “Julia”, and “The Flip Wilson Show.” He also had a small role in the 1970 film “The Out-of-Towners.” Brown also appeared in television commercials, including ads for Hunt’s Manwich and the Write Brothers pen, adding to his income through endorsements. These diverse roles helped him maintain a steady income stream throughout his career.Later Career and Final Years
Even after “Good Times” ended, Brown continued to work in television and film. He provided voice work for the TV series “Alvin & the Chipmunks.” He appeared in the movies “Man in the Mirror” in 2008, “In Da Cut the Movie” in 2012, and “In Da Cut” in 2013. These later projects, while perhaps not as high-profile as his earlier work, still contributed to his overall net worth and kept him active in the entertainment industry until 2013. Johnny Brown died on March 2, 2022, at the age of 84.