Florida Evans

Good Times followed the Evans clan, an African-American family living in Chicago, as they tried to claw their way out of the ghetto. While most of this show's attention was focused on catch-phrase spewing eldest son J.J., many fans of this pioneering black sit-com consider mom Florida Evans the show's true dyn-o-mite. Florida's trademark line "Damn, damn, damn" was an emotional counterweight to J.J.'s jive while her stoicism amidst the chaos of the Chicago housing projects buoyed her family's attempts to keep their heads above water. Things might go wrong at the Evans apartment — temporary layoffs and easy credit rip-offs are minor snafus compared to dad dying, little Penny getting abused, etc. — but Florida kept her kids on track, mostly out of trouble and focused on their greater dreams.