Jimmie Walker Net Worth: Age, Wife, Kids
Jimmie Walker became a household name in the 1970s for his role as James “J.J.” Evans Jr. on the groundbreaking sitcom Good Times. Known for his infectious personality, comic timing, and the iconic catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!”, Walker left an indelible mark on American pop culture. But beyond the laughter, he has led a complex life filled with notable career highs, personal privacy, and thoughtful commentary on fame and its price.
Quick Bio of Jimmie Walker
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Carter Walker Jr. |
| Professional Name | Jimmie Walker |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1947 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 77 years old |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Stand-up Comedian, Radio Personality |
| Education | Theodore Roosevelt High School, NY |
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Children | None |
| Jimmie Walker Net Worth | $800,000 (as of 2025) |
| Notable Work | Good Times, Stand-up Comedy |
Early Life and Background
Jimmie Walker was born James Carter Walker Jr. on June 25, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in the Bronx during a time when African-American families were working hard to establish stable lives in urban America. Growing up in public housing projects, Walker faced his share of economic and societal challenges.
His upbringing in a modest, working-class household played a crucial role in shaping his comedic lens. Walker was a quiet child but found early interest in electronics and radio communication. It wasn’t until later in life that comedy found him—or perhaps, he found his way to comedy as a means of making sense of his world.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Jimmie Walker is 77 years old. He maintains a slender build, standing approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, and is immediately recognizable by his animated expressions and youthful energy, which belie his actual age. He has aged gracefully and remains active in the entertainment circuit, often appearing in comedy clubs, interviews, and nostalgic tributes to the 1970s era of television.
Though age has naturally slowed him down a bit, his voice and charisma remain as strong as ever. His fans admire his ability to stay mentally sharp and physically fit well into his seventies.
Education
Walker attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx. During his school years, he became interested in electronics and even attended a federal job training program through the government-run SEEK program. This led to a brief stint at WRVR, a radio station affiliated with the Riverside Church in New York City.
His technical background gave him a grounded perspective, and although he never attended college, his intellect and curiosity for the world were evident early on. It was while working as a radio technician that Jimmie began to explore stand-up comedy.
His Father
Jimmie Walker’s father, James Sr., played a limited role in his upbringing. The Walker family struggled with financial instability, and his father was known to be largely absent. In multiple interviews, Jimmie has spoken about the lack of a stable father figure and how it influenced his independent outlook on life. Rather than feeling bitterness, Walker channeled his personal challenges into humor and performance, using his art to process pain and life’s unpredictabilities.
His Mother
Jimmie’s mother, Lorena Walker, worked hard to support her family and was a more present figure in his life. She held various low-paying jobs to keep the household running. Walker often credits his mother for instilling resilience and a strong work ethic in him. Her sacrifices during his youth made a lasting impression on his life and career decisions.
Children
Despite being a public figure for over five decades, Jimmie Walker has no known children. In numerous interviews, he has expressed that he never saw fatherhood as a necessary component of his life journey. He has been quoted saying that he does not regret not having kids and prefers living life on his own terms. His views, often unconventional by Hollywood standards, reflect his fiercely independent nature and tendency to challenge social norms.
Who Is Jimmie Walker?
Jimmie Walker is an American actor and comedian best known for playing J.J. Evans on Good Times, a role that earned him global recognition in the 1970s. The sitcom, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and developed by Norman Lear, focused on the lives of a Black family living in a Chicago housing project. Walker’s comedic timing, physical humor, and his unforgettable catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!” made him a breakout star.
But Walker’s career is more expansive than just one role. He has performed stand-up comedy across the U.S. for decades and worked as a radio host in Los Angeles and New York. His career spans television, radio, books, and live comedy.
In 2012, he released his memoir, Dyn-o-mite!: Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times, offering a detailed look into his life in show business and his sometimes-controversial political and social views. Walker has often been described as a nonconformist, known for his conservative-leaning views, which have surprised many in his fanbase.
Current Life
Today, Jimmie Walker leads a relatively private life compared to the height of his fame in the 1970s and 1980s. He continues to perform stand-up comedy and is a frequent guest on radio shows, podcasts, and television specials related to classic sitcoms. He lives modestly, often traveling across the country to perform in comedy clubs and theaters.
Despite modern fame often being synonymous with digital presence, Walker has resisted the trend. He is not active on social media and has expressed a preference for traditional media and personal interaction. This aligns with his “old-school” persona, both in terms of humor and lifestyle.
He remains unmarried and continues to be a bachelor by choice. He’s also noted for living below his means, avoiding the financial pitfalls that have plagued many of his industry peers.
Jimmie Walker Net Worth
Jimmie Walker Net Worth As of 2025,Jimmie Walker Net Worth is approximately $800,000. While this may seem modest compared to today’s celebrity standards, it is a reflection of his consistent work ethic and steady income over decades, rather than explosive, short-term earnings.
Key Income Jimmie Walker Net Worth:
- Television Royalties – Though he reportedly did not have residuals from Good Times due to contract terms at the time, reruns still keep him in the public eye, indirectly contributing to his brand.
- Stand-up Comedy – Walker continues to tour, performing for fans across the U.S., making this a significant part of his income.
- Radio Appearances and Voice Work – His career in radio and voice-over has provided another revenue stream.
- Books and Memoirs – His autobiography remains a small but steady contributor to his finances.
- Speaking Engagements – Walker is occasionally invited to speak at colleges and entertainment panels.
Though not a millionaire by Hollywood standards, Jimmie Walker has always been known for living frugally. He has reportedly never been in debt, never married, and has maintained a minimalist lifestylethat has enabled him to sustain financial independence.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Good Times (1974–1979)
Jimmie Walker’s portrayal of J.J. Evans was pivotal to the show’s success. His comedic brilliance and improvisational skills turned him into a cultural icon.
Stand-up Comedy
Walker began performing stand-up in the late 1960s. His work was influential in shaping urban comedy, and he often performed alongside legends like Richard Pryor and David Letterman, the latter of whom even wrote jokes for him.
Guest Appearances
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he guest-starred in shows like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Scrubs, keeping him relevant across generations.
Radio Career
He worked at various radio stations in New York and Los Angeles, developing and hosting shows that kept him in the media spotlight even when he was less visible on television.
Author
In his 2012 memoir, Dyn-o-mite!, he recounted his rise to fame, the behind-the-scenes tensions on GoodTimes, and his thoughts on race, politics, and personal identity.
Views and Controversies
Jimmie Walker is known for being candid and often politically incorrect. He has expressed conservative views that have surprised many fans and critics. He’s openly criticized affirmative action, the Black Lives Matter movement, and other progressive platforms, leading to divided public reactions.
While he hasn’t sought controversy, he doesn’t shy away from voicing his opinions, even when they diverge sharply from public expectations. His views, while polarizing, are consistent with his commitment to individualism and critical thinking.
Helpful Summary
Jimmie Walker remains one of the most memorable faces of 1970s television. With a career that spans over 50 years, his contributions to comedy and entertainment are undeniable. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $800,000. Though never married and with no children, he has lived a life full of performance, personal freedom, and thought-provoking perspectives. He continues to tour as a stand-up comedian, keeping the spirit of classic television and vintage humor alive.
FAQ
What is Jimmie Walker’s net worth in 2025?
Jimmie Walker’s net worth is estimated to be around $800,000.
Is Jimmie Walker married?
No, he has never married and has remained a lifelong bachelor.
Does Jimmie Walker have children?
No, he does not have any children.
How old is Jimmie Walker?
He is 77 years old as of 2025.
