Monte, Eric (Kenneth Williams)
1943–2022 · Contribution: 1974-1977
Screenwriter & Creator
Created the characters and concepts behind 'Good Times,' 'The Jeffersons,' and 'What's Happening!!,' three landmark Black sitcoms of the 1970s, though credit and creative control were largely retained by producer Norman Lear until Monte won a lawsuit and settlement in 1977
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1943
- Active since
- 1974
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- Co-created "Good Times"Wrote "Cooley High"Created "What's Happening!!"
Impact on the world
Monte shaped several of the most important Black sitcoms of the 1970s, putting Black family life at the center of network television. His lawsuit exposed how Black creators were denied credit and wealth.
Sources
- Los Angeles Times
2 more sources and references are available to members.
Related visionaries
Evans, Michael Jonas
1949-2006
Originated the role of Lionel Jefferson on 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons'; co-created 'Good Times' with Eric Monte, already profiled in this collection, though he died believing his creative contributions had gone uncredited and uncompensated by producer Norman Lear
Foxx, Redd (John Elroy Sanford)
1922-1991
Star of 'Sanford and Son,' one of television's first sitcoms built around a predominantly Black cast; pioneered the raunchy 'party record' comedy album format and personally mentored Flip Wilson and Richard Pryor
Reid, Timothy Lee Sr.
1944-
Co-created and starred in 'Frank's Place,' a critically acclaimed 1987 dramedy; co-founded New Millennium Studios in Virginia, the first Black-owned film studio in the U.S. since the 1930s
Lawrence, Martin Fitzgerald
1965-
Co-created and starred in 'Martin,' a Fox sitcom that became Black television's flagship Thursday-night program in the 1990s; hosted HBO's groundbreaking 'Def Comedy Jam,' launching the mainstream careers of Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, and Bernie Mac