Larry From Good Times - Unpacking Familiar Faces

Now, it's a bit funny, but there wasn't just one "Larry" who graced the screen during the years "Good Times" was on the air, from 1974 right up to 1979. We're talking about a few different individuals who, in various ways, interacted with the Evans family and their world. These characters, in their own unique ways, helped shape some of the stories and, you know, just added to the overall picture of life in that Chicago housing setup.

So, whether it was a student on a school bus, a young man who captured Thelma's affections, or even a rather imposing figure, the name "Larry" certainly made its mark. We're going to take a closer look at these different "Larrys" from "Good Times," trying to piece together what we know about their moments on the show and the actors who brought them to life. It's almost like a little trip down memory lane, just to see who these folks were and how they fit into the show's big picture.

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Table of Contents

• Who Was Larry on Good Times Anyway?
• Getting to Know Derek Wells - The School Bus Larry from Good Times
• Personal Details - Derek Wells
• Thelma's Larry - A Love Story with a Twist?
• What Happened in The Breakup Episode?
• Larry Greene - The Uncredited Presence
• Why Did Good Times Resonate So Much?
• Where Can We See the Cast Now?

Who Was Larry on Good Times Anyway?

When we talk about a character named "Larry" from "Good Times," it's not always about just one person, you know? It's kind of interesting how a single name can belong to a few different folks who appeared on a show that ran for six seasons. This sitcom, which first came on in February of 1974 and continued until August of 1979, was, in a way, a significant part of television history, bringing the story of the Evans family into homes across the country. And within that story, a few characters named Larry popped up, each playing a rather distinct part in the lives of Florida, James, Thelma, J.J., and Michael. It's almost like the name was just a little popular at the time, or something like that, for background characters. We're going to explore these different appearances, trying to sort out who was who and what their contributions were to the unfolding tales of the Chicago housing setting.

One of the most notable "Larrys" that comes to mind for many who remember the show is a young fellow who had a connection to Florida Evans through her job. This particular "Larry" was one of the students she drove around, which, you know, gave him a direct link to one of the show's central figures. Then there's the "Larry" who became very important to Thelma, James and Florida's daughter. Their relationship, it seems, was a rather significant plot point for a spell, showing some of the everyday trials and joys of young love in that particular setting. And, you know, there was even another "Larry" who had a more imposing, albeit less central, role, usually seen alongside a rather well-known character from the neighborhood. So, as you can see, the name "Larry" got around a bit on "Good Times," appearing in different forms and situations.

It's pretty neat, in some respects, how these smaller characters, even if they weren't always in the spotlight, still helped build the world of "Good Times." They added layers to the community the Evans family lived in, showing the various people they might encounter in their daily lives. From school interactions to personal relationships, and even just the presence of certain figures in the background, these "Larrys" contributed to the show's overall texture. We'll go through each of these individuals, trying to bring their brief, but perhaps memorable, moments back into focus, just a little bit, to appreciate their part in this beloved television program.

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Getting to Know Derek Wells - The School Bus Larry from Good Times

One of the "Larrys" we encounter when looking back at "Good Times" is a young man named Larry Baker, who was portrayed by an actor named Derek Wells. This particular Larry, it turns out, was one of the students who regularly rode the school bus, which was, you know, driven by none other than Florida Evans herself. So, in a way, his connection to the main family was through Florida's daily work, giving him a consistent, if sometimes quiet, presence in certain scenes. It's almost like he was just a regular part of her route, a familiar face she saw each day.

The information we have about Larry Baker, as played by Derek Wells, suggests that Florida, the bus driver, had some suspicions about him. The text mentions that Florida "also suspects has a..." and that she "tries to get larry's..." Now, what exactly she suspected or what she was trying to get from him isn't fully detailed in the information provided. But it does paint a picture of Florida, ever the watchful and caring figure, being attuned to the well-being and perhaps the actions of the young people in her charge. It's pretty typical of her character, honestly, to be so observant and involved with the kids.

Derek Wells, the actor who brought Larry Baker to the screen, was born on a summer day, August 2, 1967. This little piece of personal data gives us a tiny glimpse into the life of the person behind the character. While Larry Baker might not have been a central figure in every episode, his appearance as a student on Florida's bus certainly placed him within the everyday fabric of the show's world. It's these kinds of smaller roles, you know, that often help to make a fictional world feel more real and lived-in, by showing the various people who populate it.

Personal Details - Derek Wells

Here's a quick look at some of the known personal information for Derek Wells, the actor who played Larry Baker, one of the "Larrys" from "Good Times":

It's not a lot of detail, to be honest, but it gives us a starting point for the person who helped bring this particular "Larry" to life on screen. Knowing a bit about the actors, even for smaller parts, can sometimes make the characters feel a little more connected to the real world, you know? It’s a way of appreciating the people who contributed to the show’s enduring legacy.

Thelma's Larry - A Love Story with a Twist?

Beyond the school bus, there was another very significant "Larry" who played a rather important role in the life of Thelma Evans, the daughter of Florida and James. This "Larry" was her boyfriend, and their relationship, it seems, was a focal point for some of the show's storylines. The text tells us that Thelma had "mixed feelings" when her boyfriend Larry... which suggests their relationship wasn't always smooth sailing, as is pretty typical with young love, you know? It's almost like they were navigating the usual ups and downs that come with being a couple.

The information also makes it clear that Thelma and Larry "love each other," which, you know, sets the stage for a heartfelt connection between them. However, a "problem arises" when Larry asks her to go to California with him. This kind of situation, where one person wants to move and the other has to make a big decision, is a pretty classic romantic dilemma. It creates a moment of choice and, in a way, tests the strength of their feelings for one another. It's a very human situation, honestly, that many people can relate to.

This particular storyline involving Thelma and her boyfriend Larry culminated in an episode titled "The Breakup." This episode was the 23rd installment of the third season and, overall, the 60th episode of "Good Times." The fact that their relationship was significant enough to warrant an episode named "The Breakup" really shows how much of an impact this "Larry" had on Thelma's personal story arc. It's a big moment for a character, to have a relationship that gets this kind of focus, and it probably resonated with many viewers, too.

What Happened in The Breakup Episode?

The episode called "The Breakup" is, as we've mentioned, the 23rd episode of season three and the 60th episode overall for "Good Times." This particular installment, it seems, centered around the difficult situation that arose between Thelma and her boyfriend, Larry, when he proposed the idea of moving to California. The information we have indicates that Thelma and Larry truly cared for one another, but this request to relocate created a significant hurdle for their future together. It's a classic example of how outside circumstances can, you know, put pressure on a relationship.

The actors involved in this particular storyline included Carl Franklin, who played Larry Walters (presumably Thelma's boyfriend), Debbi Morgan, who appeared as Samantha, and Alan Brasington, who took on the role of a waiter. While the full details of the episode's events are not laid out, the title "The Breakup" pretty much tells you the direction things went for Thelma and Larry. It suggests a moment of parting ways, or at least a significant shift in their relationship, which, you know, can be a tough thing for anyone to go through, especially when young love is involved.

This kind of personal drama was a very real aspect of "Good Times," showing the characters dealing with situations that many families and young people face in their own lives. The mixed feelings Thelma experienced, the love she shared with Larry, and the big decision about California all point to a storyline that aimed to be relatable and, in a way, emotionally resonant. It's a good example of how the show explored not just the bigger societal issues, but also the very personal, day-to-day challenges and heartbreaks that come with growing up and, you know, finding your way in the world.

Larry Greene - The Uncredited Presence

Beyond the more directly involved "Larrys" like the school bus student and Thelma's boyfriend, there was another "Larry" who made an appearance on "Good Times," though his role was a bit different. This was Larry Greene, who appeared in what's described as an uncredited role. He was one of two rather large, imposing figures, sort of like bodyguards or goons, who consistently accompanied Sweet Daddy Williams. Sweet Daddy Williams was, you know, a character known for his flamboyant style and his presence in the Chicago neighborhood where the Evans family lived.

Larry Greene's character, as Bruno, was always seen with Sweet Daddy Williams, following him around Chicago, and this included visits to the Evans' apartment. So, while he might not have had many lines or a central plot, his consistent presence as part of Sweet Daddy's entourage added a certain flavor to the scenes. It's almost like he was part of the furniture, in a way, for Sweet Daddy's appearances, just always there in the background, providing a visual element to the character's status and, you know, his overall vibe.

The fact that his role was uncredited means that his name might not have appeared in the show's closing credits, which was pretty common for smaller, non-speaking parts at the time. Nevertheless, his visual presence as one of Sweet Daddy Williams' companions certainly contributed to the show's depiction of the wider community. It showed that the Evans family's world wasn't just limited to their apartment, but extended to the various personalities and, you know, the different kinds of people who lived and moved about in their neighborhood, adding a touch of realism to the setting.

Why Did Good Times Resonate So Much?

It's pretty clear that "Good Times" wasn't just another sitcom; it truly struck a chord with viewers, airing for six seasons and remaining a beloved show for many years afterward. The program, which came to be thanks to creators Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and was developed by the executive producer Norman Lear, was, in a way, a pioneering effort in television. It focused on a less fortunate family, the Evanses, who were constantly trying to make life better for themselves while living in the Chicago housing projects. This setting and their struggles were, you know, very real for a lot of people watching.

The show's ability to mix humor with serious social issues was a big part of its appeal. It didn't shy away from showing the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and discrimination, but it also celebrated the strength of family bonds, community spirit, and, you know, the power of hope. The characters, from Florida's unwavering faith to James's determination, Thelma's aspirations, J.J.'s artistic flair, and Michael's youthful wisdom, felt very genuine and relatable to a wide audience. It was like watching people you knew, or could imagine knowing, trying their best every single day.

The enduring popularity of "Good Times" also comes from its memorable cast and the way they brought these characters to life. Actors like Esther Rolle, Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, and BernNadette Stanis, among others, created performances that are still remembered and cherished today. Even the smaller roles, like the various "Larrys" we've discussed, contributed to the show's rich tapestry, helping to build a believable world where laughter and tears often went hand in hand. It’s almost as if every character, big or small, played a part in making the show feel so authentic and, you know, so deeply impactful for so many viewers.

Where Can We See the Cast Now?

For those who grew up watching "Good Times," there's often a natural curiosity about what happened to the actors after the show ended its run in 1979. While the information provided doesn't detail the current activities of every single cast member, it does offer a glimpse into the continued work of some. For instance, John Amos, who played James Evans, despite his unfortunate departure from "Good Times" during its run, continued to have a rather successful career. He acted in some very memorable films, like "Uncut Gems," "The Beastmaster," and "Coming to America." It's pretty neat, honestly, to see how his career kept going strong.

The show's main cast, including Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, and BernNadette Stanis, also went on to various projects after their time on "Good Times." While specific details about their individual paths aren't fully laid out, the general idea is that many of the actors from the show continued to work in entertainment. There are, you know, resources that put together lists of the most recent movies and TV shows for these actors, allowing fans to keep up with their work. It's almost like a way to stay connected to the people who brought those beloved characters to life.

The legacy of "Good Times" is not just in the show itself, but also in the careers it launched or sustained for its cast members. Even those who had smaller parts, like Derek Wells or Larry Greene, were part of something truly special that resonated with a huge audience. It goes to show that every contribution, no matter how big or small, plays a part in creating a piece of television history that, you know, continues to be remembered and appreciated by generations of viewers.

This article has explored the various individuals named "Larry" who appeared in the classic television sitcom "Good Times." We looked at Derek Wells, who portrayed Larry Baker, a student on Florida Evans' school bus, and touched upon Florida's suspicions concerning him. We also delved into the storyline of Thelma's boyfriend, Larry, including his love for Thelma, the problem that arose when he asked her to move to California, and the specific episode titled "The Breakup" which focused on their relationship. Additionally, we covered Larry Greene, who appeared as Bruno, an uncredited bodyguard accompanying Sweet Daddy Williams. The piece also reflected on the enduring appeal of "Good Times" and briefly mentioned the continued careers of some of its cast members.