Remember the iconic J.J. Evans from the 1970s sitcom Good Times? Jimmie Walker, the man behind the unforgettable catchphrase “Dyn-o-mite!”, is still lighting up stages across the country with his comedy. In an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, the legendary comedian opens up about his journey, his timeless humor, and his relentless drive to achieve greatness. Despite being a household name, Jimmie insists he’s not a superstar just yet. “People think I’ve made it big, but I haven’t,” he shares. “Sure, they know who I am, but they also know who Charlie Manson is. I’ll let you know when I’m a real superstar. Until then, I’ll keep working!”

At 71, Jimmie Walker is far from slowing down. He continues to tour the nation as a stand-up comic, captivating audiences with his signature style. Recently, he teamed up with sound-effects maestro Michael Winslow, best known for his work on Police Academy, to release a comedy special titled We Are Still Here. Available on platforms like Amazon and iTunes, the special is a testament to their enduring careers. “The title says it all,” Jimmie explains. “In an industry that often dismisses older performers, we’re proving that we’re still relevant, still creating, and still loved by our fans.”

What keeps Jimmie’s comedy fresh? It’s his unwavering commitment to delivering clean, wholesome humor that resonates with audiences of all ages. “I guess I’m old-school,” he admits. “I don’t see many comedians doing what I do these days, and I’m proud of that. There’s always going to be a place for jokes that make people laugh without offending them.” Single and child-free by choice, Jimmie has poured his heart into his career, setting ambitious goals for himself. “I want to accomplish everything!” he exclaims. “I dream of the day when people are genuinely surprised and thrilled to have me perform for them. That’s the kind of superstar I aspire to be.” Read on for our exclusive Q&A with Jimmie Walker!

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jimmie walker good times getty images — Getty Images

How Did Comedy Find Its Way Into Your Life?

Jimmie’s journey into comedy began at City College in New York, where he had to deliver a speech in class. For most people, speaking in front of a crowd is terrifying, but not for Jimmie. “It came naturally to me,” he recalls. “I borrowed lines from Dick Gregory and Godfrey Cambridge, and the audience laughed. That’s when I realized this could be my thing.” From there, he started crafting his own material, honing the skills that would eventually make him a household name.

Did Your Family Support Your Career Choice?

Growing up in the South Bronx, Jimmie faced skepticism from those around him. “Back then, no one believed you could make a living telling jokes,” he says. “But everything changed when I performed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. It was a huge deal because, as kids, we used to go there to see legendary acts like Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. When my mom and others saw me on that stage, they were blown away. They realized this was something special.”

Moving From Comedy to Acting: A New Challenge

When Jimmie landed a role on Good Times, he faced a steep learning curve. “Acting was a completely different skill set,” he explains. “Norman Lear, the creator of the show, wasn’t into jokes. He wanted meaningful storytelling, and I was all about making people laugh. We clashed a lot, but I learned so much from him. If the show hadn’t caught on quickly in the ratings, I probably would’ve been let go.”

What Was Norman Lear’s Take on “Dyn-o-mite!”?

While audiences loved Jimmie’s signature catchphrase, Norman Lear wasn’t a fan. “He absolutely hated it,” Jimmie admits. “But the audience went wild whenever I said it. We used to do it three times per episode, and Norman would lose his mind. He’d threaten to pull the show off the air. Eventually, we compromised and limited it to once per episode.”