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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Seamus Duff

Johnny Brown dead: Comedian, singer and Good Times actor dies aged 84

American singer and actor Johnny Brown has passed away, his family have confirmed.

The US TV star – who played building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the 1970s CBS sitcom, Good Times – was aged 84.

His heartbroken family confirmed the sad news on Friday with a social media post which expressed their grief as they broke the news to fans, revealing he had passed away on Wednesday 2 March.

Johnny's daughter and Broadway actress Sharon Catherine Brown shared the sad news via her Instagram along side a photograph of her TV star father.

Johnny had a long career in music and acting that stretched back to the '50s (Getty Images North America)

She wrote: “Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. Barely able to breathe.

"We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable."

She added: "This is my mom’s husband for sixty one years, mine and JJ’s dad, Elijah and Levi’s Pop Pop, older brother to George and brother in law to Pat and extended family to Chris, Hihat, Damian and Derell.

"It’s too terrible. It will never not be. It’s a shock. He was literally snatched out of our lives.

"It’s not real for us yet. So there will be more to say but not now. Dad was the absolute best. We love him so very much."

American entertainer Johnny Brown has died aged 84 (Getty Images)

Fans offered their support and condolences in the comments section of the post, with one writing: "I am so sorry for your loss. I absolutely adored him."

Another fan wrote: "Noooooo! My condolences to you & your family."

A further fan typed: "I love you so" – while another added: "Wrapping you in so much love."

Johnny had a long career, with his first credit being back in 1966 where he featured in a film called A Man Called Adam.

The cast of Goot Times which aired in the 1970s (CBS via Getty Images)

He was best known for his role as Nathan Bookman in the comedy series Good Times, featuring in 58 episodes between 1975 and 1979.

Other appearances by the star included roles in popular shows including The Flip Wilson Show, The Jeffersons, Family Matters, Sister, Sister, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros. and Martin.

While in terms of music, Johnny started his recording career in the 1960s after previously touring with Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor from 1958.

His debut single, Walkin', Talkin', Kissin' Doll was released in February 1961.

The performer married his wife, June Russell, in 1961 and they welcomed two children together; daughter Sharon and a son named John Brown Jr.

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