Ja’net DuBois.Photo: David Livingston/Getty
Actress Ja’net DuBois has died. She was 74.
The Glendale Police Department tells PEOPLE, officers responded to a call regarding DuBois “not breathing” late Monday. Officials later determined that DuBois was deceased.
Glendale Police Sgt. Dan Stubbstold the Associated Pressthat DuBois appeared to have died of natural causes and there is no ongoing investigation into her death.
According toTMZ, who was first to report the news, DuBois died in her sleep at her home.
DuBois’ friend and formerGood Timescostar Bernadette Stanis told the Associated Press she learned of the star’s death on Tuesday from DuBois’ daughter.
“She used to keep us laughing all the time,” Stanis told AP. “She was very, very talented. If she wasn’t singing… she was creating a character to make us laugh.”
A rep for DuBois did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Janet Jackson and Ja’Net DuBois onGood Times.
DuBois’ character was known for being independent, generous and always up for fun.
The show followed Florida and James Evans as they raised their children in a Chicago housing project. The series first aired in February 1974 and ended after six seasons in 1980.
In addition to her role inGood Times, DuBoisappeared in a number of television seriesincludingThe Love Boat,The Facts of Life,Beverly Hills, 90210,ERandThe PJsas Mrs. Avery.
She also famously sang and co-wroteThe Jeffersonstheme song “Movin’ On Up.”
Since news of her death broke, celebrities and fans have paid tribute to the late star on Twitter.
“I am so very saddened to hear my longtime friend Ja’Net DuBois has passed away. I saw first hand how she broke stereotypes and changed the landscape for Black women in entertainment,” Jacksonwroteon Instagram alongside a slideshow of photos of her and DuBois.
“I’m grateful in recent years I had a chance to see her and create more lasting memories. I pray for comfort for all her family and friends. Thank you Ja’Net, I’ll miss you. ?” Jackson added.
“Devastated to hear of the sudden passing of the iconic Ja’Net Dubois. We all cherished her as the beloved Willona on #GoodTimes. Got to work with her on Hanging with Mr. Cooper. I followed her around like a puppy dog. She shared so much wisdom. I loved and will miss her dearly,” Holly Robinson Peetetweetedalongside a series of photos, which includes a shot of her with Dubois.
“What a joy to have met Ja’Net Dubois, who became famous playing the role of Willona Woods on the hit 70s sitcom Good Times… Thank you for keeping this latch key kid entertained… condolences to her children #rip,” Loni Lovewroteon Twitter.
“Sadly, we have lost another legend. #RIP to the lovely #JanetDubois. Her smile and laugh were infectious,” comedian DL Hughleytweeted.
source: people.com
