What Is Jimmie Walker’s Net Worth?
Jimmie Walker, the American actor and comedian best known for his role as James Evans Jr. (“J.J.”) on the CBS sitcom “Good Times,” has accumulated a net worth of $800,000. This figure represents the culmination of his earnings from a career spanning several decades, encompassing stand-up comedy, acting roles in television and film, and other ventures. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his net worth across various assets are not publicly available, an analysis of his career provides insight into its composition.
Early Career and “Good Times” Salary
Jimmie Walker’s journey to financial stability began with his early experiences in New York City. Born James Carter Walker Jr. on June 25, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in The Bronx. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. His early exposure to radio engineering through the SEEK program and his work as a vendor at Yankee Stadium provided him with foundational skills and income. He earned some money when he was a teenager selling items at Yankee Stadium. Jimmie started his stand-up comedy career in 1969, eventually landing him the role of James “J.J.” Evans Jr. on “Good Times.”
While specific salary details from his “Good Times” era are not publicly documented, it’s known that the show aired 133 episodes over six seasons. Walker’s role as J.J., with his signature catchphrase “Dyn-O-Mite!,” quickly made him a fan favorite, contributing significantly to the show’s success. Although the exact figures are not available, the show’s popularity and Walker’s central role likely translated into substantial earnings during the show’s run. It’s important to note that while starring on “Good Times,” Jimmie released the stand-up comedy album “Dyn-o-mite” (1975), which would have added to his income.
Post-“Good Times” Acting Roles and Appearances
Following “Good Times,” Jimmie Walker continued to pursue acting opportunities in both film and television. In 1975, Walker appeared in the Sidney Poitier-directed film “Let’s Do It Again,” followed by 1978s “Rabbit Test” and 1979’s “The Concorde … Airport ’79.” He co-starred with James Earl Jones and Debbie Allen in the 1977 television film “The Greatest Thing That Almost Happened,” and that year, he guest-starred on “The Love Boat” for the first time. In 1980, Jimmie appeared in the parody film “Airplane!,” which grossed $171 million at the box office, and the TV movie “Murder Can Hurt You,” then he guest-starred on “Fantasy Island” (1982) and “Cagney & Lacey” (1983). The specific financial compensation for these roles is not publicly accessible; however, these roles contributed to his income stream. Some of his roles includes Sgt. Val Valentine on the ABC sitcom “At Ease” in 1983, and from 1987 to 1988, he played Sonny Barnes on the syndicated series “Bustin’ Loose.” Walker starred in the 1987 film “Going Bananas” alongside Dom DeLuise, and he appeared in the 1991 science-fiction movie “The Guyver.” He guest-starred on “The Larry Sanders Show” (1994), “In the House” (1995), “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” (1996), “Scrubs” (2001; 2002), and “Everybody Hates Chris” (2006; 2008). In 2010, he had a cameo in the film “Big Money Rustlas,” then he appeared in the Syfy movie “Super Shark” (2011) and the comedy “What Goes Around Comes Around” (2012). In 2015, he appeared in the film “Sweet Lorraine,” and in 2016, he co-starred with Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann, Harvey Keitel, Edie Falco, and Danny DeVito in “The Comedian.” In 2019, Walker appeared as himself on “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Good Times,” which recreated the 1975 episode “The Politicians” with Jay Pharoah playing the role of J.J. The financial specifics of these roles are not publicly detailed; however, each appearance would have contributed to his overall earnings.
Walker’s presence on various television shows and films indicates a consistent demand for his comedic talents, which would have translated into steady income over the years. It is important to note that these acting roles contribute to his net worth.
Stand-Up Comedy and Other Ventures
Beyond acting, Jimmie Walker has maintained a presence in the stand-up comedy circuit, which has contributed to his earnings. Unfortunately, specific revenue figures from his stand-up performances are not publicly available. In the ’90s, he hosted radio shows on WOAI, WHIO, KKAR, and WLS. The financial details of these shows aren’t available, but these shows do contribute to his income.
In 2012, Walker also published the book “Dynomite!: Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times–A Memoir,” adding another dimension to his income streams. The sales figures for this book are not publicly accessible, making it difficult to assess its financial contribution to his net worth. The success of Walker’s book would likely have impacted his overall net worth positively.
Real Estate and Assets
Information regarding Jimmie Walker’s real estate holdings and other significant assets is not widely available in the public domain. While it is common for celebrities to invest in real estate, cars, and other valuable assets, there is no verifiable data on the specifics of Walker’s holdings. Therefore, it is not possible to include any details about property addresses, car models, or investment portfolios in this analysis of his net worth.
Expenses and Financial Considerations
It’s important to recognize that net worth is calculated by subtracting liabilities (debts and financial obligations) from assets. While Jimmie Walker’s career earnings have been substantial, his net worth of $800,000 reflects the impact of expenses, taxes, and financial decisions over the years. Without detailed information on his financial management, it is challenging to provide a precise analysis of how these factors have shaped his current net worth.
Jimmie Walker’s statement on “The Wendy Williams Show” that he has never married or had children is a relevant factor in assessing his financial situation. The absence of these significant life expenses may have influenced his ability to accumulate wealth over time.
Political Views and Brand Associations
Jimmie Walker’s political views, as a “realist independent” who opposes affirmative action, and his support for Donald Trump, are relevant in the context of his brand associations. These views may have influenced his career opportunities and endorsement deals, although it is difficult to quantify the financial impact of these factors. His association with conservative pundit Ann Coulter, described as “Best of friends, love him, no romance,” also contributes to his public image.
Awards and Recognition
Jimmie Walker’s achievements, including the Impact Award at the TV Land Awards in 2006, along with his “Good Times” co-stars John Amos, Ralph Carter, Ja’net DuBois, and BernNadette Stanis, and his Golden Globe nominations in 1975 and 1976, acknowledge his contributions to the entertainment industry. While these accolades do not directly translate into monetary gains, they enhance his reputation and potentially increase his marketability for future projects.
The Impact of “Good Times” on Jimmie Walker’s Jimmie Walker Net Worth
The sitcom “Good Times” significantly impacted Jimmie Walker’s career and, by extension, his net worth. As James “J.J.” Evans Jr., Walker became a household name. The show, which aired for six seasons, provided him with a consistent income and a platform to showcase his comedic talents. The show’s popularity and cultural impact also opened doors for other opportunities in television and film. His portrayal of J.J. Evans is still recognized and celebrated, ensuring Walker remains a relevant figure in the entertainment industry. The show’s enduring legacy continues to contribute to Walker’s appeal and potential earnings from reruns, merchandise, and other ventures associated with “Good Times.” While the precise financial gains from these sources are not publicly available, their contribution to Walker’s overall net worth cannot be ignored.
While John Amos and Esther Rolle were frustrated with the direction of the show and how J.J.’s popularity was affecting it, this popularity likely contributed to the show’s success. The success of the show would have also played a role in Walker’s future job opportunities.
Later Career Ventures and Continued Relevance
After “Good Times,” Jimmie Walker continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in various films, television shows, and stand-up comedy performances. These ventures, while not always as high-profile as his role in “Good Times,” allowed him to maintain a steady income and continue building his career. Walker’s ability to stay relevant in the entertainment industry for several decades demonstrates his versatility and appeal to different audiences. His later career ventures added to his overall financial portfolio.
While the specific financial details of each project are not publicly available, these ventures collectively contributed to his financial stability. His continued presence in the industry also allowed him to leverage his fame and experience into new opportunities, such as speaking engagements and appearances at various events, adding to his overall earnings and Jimmie Walker Net Worth. It’s also important to note that Walker’s work in radio also helped him maintain his presence.
Jimmie Walker’s Net Worth Over Time
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available data that tracks Jimmie Walker’s net worth over time. It is not possible to provide a year-by-year breakdown of his financial growth or decline. However, it is reasonable to assume that his net worth fluctuated based on the success of his various projects, his expenses, and his financial decisions.
Factors that could have influenced his net worth over time include:
- The success of “Good Times” and his subsequent roles in television and film
- His income from stand-up comedy performances and other ventures
- His expenses, including taxes, living expenses, and investments
- His financial decisions, such as investments in real estate or other assets
Jimmie Walker’s Philanthropy
Information regarding Jimmie Walker’s philanthropic activities and charitable donations is not widely available in the public domain. His charitable donations would affect his net worth, but this is unknown.
Future Prospects and Potential Earnings
As of 2025, Jimmie Walker continues to be an active figure in the entertainment industry. His future prospects and potential earnings will depend on the types of projects he chooses to pursue and the success of those projects. His established reputation and fan base provide him with a solid foundation for continued success.
Potential sources of future earnings for Walker could include:
- Roles in television shows and films
- Stand-up comedy performances
- Speaking engagements and appearances at events
- Endorsements and partnerships
- Other ventures, such as writing or producing
Summary of Jimmie Walker’s Net Worth
In summary, Jimmie Walker’s net worth of $800,000 is the result of his long and varied career in the entertainment industry. While specific details regarding his assets and liabilities are not publicly available, his career earnings from “Good Times,” other acting roles, stand-up comedy, and other ventures have contributed to his financial standing. Jimmie Walker’s Net Worth reflects the culmination of his professional achievements.