Ralph Carter: Celebrating the man who warmed hearts as Michael Evans on Good Times

Ralph Carter was a child star

Ralph Carter gained recognition as Michael Evans the youngest son on the 1970s sitcom Good Times. He was spunky and opinionated and his father James Evans (John Amos) referred to him as the "Militant Midget." Carter began his career on Broadway when he was only nine years old in the musical The Me Nobody Knows. After performing in Tough To Get Help, Dude, and Via Galactica, he landed his breakout role as Travis Younger in Raisin and won the 1973 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Performer. Carter won the 1974 Theatre World Award, and a nomination for the 1974 Tony Award in the category for Best Supporting or Featured Actor in a Musical.

Good Times begin for Carter

Television producer Norman Lear was enjoying major success in the 1970s, with three hit televisions series. They were Maude, All in the Family, and Sanford and Son. In February 1974, Florida Evans (portrayed by Esther Rolle), who was Maude's housekeeper, was given her own spin-off series, titled Good Times. John Amos, who had appeared on Maude as Florida's husband, Henry, was renamed James and hired for Good Times.

Raisin, which was based on the Lorraine Hansberry drama A Raisin in the Sun brought Carter to the attention of Lear. He was so impressed he bought out the remainder of Carter's Broadway contract to cast him as the first original character of Good Times. BernNadette Stanis, and Jimmie Walker, were later hired for the roles of the older Evans siblings James Jr. (JJ) and Thelma.

Good Times star embarks on a musical career

In 1975, Carter recorded an album called Young and in Love, and performed the song "When You're Young and in Love" on Soul Train. His TV character Michael also sang this song on an episode of Good Times. That song, along with another recording by Ralph called "Extra, Extra (Read All About It)", (1976) charted at No. 10 and No. 12 respectively. In 1985 the young actor released a single called "Get it Right."

Beyond Good Times

In 2005, Carter appeared in the cast of "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" for the Classical Theatre of Harlem. After leaving television, Ralph Carter went back to the theatre. He now serves as a vice president of the Audience Development Committee (AUDELCO).

This is an organization that is dedicated to celebrating the contribution of African Americans to the world of theatre. Carter was quoted as saying that Good Times "would always be a part of his life". He also added the following: "I was fortunate to be in the explosion, not only of the African American theater in the 1970s but into that wave of consciousness and beautiful television productions that featured African American artists. I’m very grateful for the people who taught me along the way".

Ralph Carter personal life

Carter has been married twice. The name of his first wife is Lisa Parks. whom he met in 1982 at a Christmas party. She was the sister of his best friend and after dating for a few years the couple married in February 1987. After five years of marriage, they broke up in 1992. A few years later, he met River York, and they became engaged on December 2, 1994. The wedding took place a few weeks later on December 20.

Carter has five children. Two with his ex-wife Lisa Parks: A son Michael. who was born on 10 March 1988 and a son James who was born on September 8, 1989. Ralph and River had three children together: A son Phoenix born on September 5, 1995, a daughter Jessica born on April 23, 1997) and a daughter Vivica born on July 5, 1999.

Ralph Carter currently resides in New York with his wife and children and remains private. He does not have any social media profiles but one thing about his adult life is constant. He continues to battle rumors about his sexuality and insists he is not gay. This is even stated on web pages dedicated to the actor. For many fans, Carter will always be fondly remembered as Michael Evans. Good Times continues in syndication so check your local listings. You can enjoy a photo gallery of Good Times images by clicking on the above link.