Rising from the streets of New York's ghettos to television superstardom, Jimmie Walker personifies the great American success story. His catchphrase "Dyn-o-mite!" has become a part of modern vernacular, and he was such a major celebrity in the 1970s that Time Magazine named him "Comedian of the Decade." Walker was born on June 25, 1947, in the South Bronx, a poverty-ridden area notorious for its burned-out buildings, graffiti, and crime. Despite these challenging surroundings, Jimmie viewed it simply as "the neighborhood." His life in the Projects revolved around the basketball courts, though he had little interest in school. Standing at six feet tall and weighing only 129 pounds, professional basketball was not in his future. He left high school before graduating and held various odd jobs, including working as a vendor at Yankee Stadium. Walker eventually secured a delivery job at the Grand Union Market, earning $47 per week before taxes. Despite working full-time, Jimmie wanted to continue his education. He arranged with his employer to finish his shift early so he could attend Theodore Roosevelt High School at night. He joined the federally funded SEEK program, focusing on mathematics and literature. At age 19, Jimmie had some catching up to do, but his writing improved significantly in a class on Oral Interpretation, where he discovered his comedic talent. When his classmates laughed at his writing, he realized he might have a future in comedy. Upon completing the SEEK program, Jimmie pursued an interest in radio at the RCA Technical Institute, training to be an engineer and eventually earning a position at WRVR. By 1967, he had moved to WMCA radio, earning $250 a week. Though radio was a stable job, his passion for comedy continued to grow. A mutual friend introduced him to The Last Poets, a group known for their militant poetry. They needed an opening act, and after a successful audition, Walker began with them, honing his act and gaining confidence over 18 months. In 1969, Jimmie was performing at venues like the African Room in Manhattan alongside talents like Bette Midler and David Brenner. Brenner’s influence moved Walker and others to prominent stages like Budd Friedman's Improv in New York. Jimmie spent a year as the youngest MC at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Despite growing success, his big break came only after his fellow performers insisted he join them on the "Jack Paar Show," leading to further opportunities on "Laugh In" and a warm-up gig for the CBS sitcom "Carlucci's Department." His increasing popularity led to a contract with CBS, and he became a headliner at top comedy clubs. It wasn’t long before Norman Lear's casting director spotted him, offering him the iconic role of J.J. Evans on "Good Times." The show, featuring Walker's trademark "Dyn-o-mite!" catchphrase, launched him into television superstardom. He became the first winner of the NAACP Image Award and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. During the six-year run of "Good Times," Walker appeared on numerous talk shows and game shows, while T-shirts and talking dolls featuring his catchphrase flew off store shelves. He continued to perform stand-up comedy, working with writers like David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Byron Allen. His career extended into films, including roles alongside Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby in "Let's Do It Again," and a comedy album, "Dyn-o-mite!" which went gold. After "Good Times" ended, Walker transitioned to more television roles, with appearances in shows like "B.A.D. Cats" and "At Ease," as well as films such as "Airplane!" and "Airport '79." In later years, he made scene-stealing appearances on "The George Lopez Show," "Everybody Hates Chris," and "Scrubs." Despite his success on screen, stand-up comedy remained his first love. Walker continues to tour 35 to 45 weeks a year, guesting on game shows and late-night television, while also indulging in scriptwriting. His comedy career, now approaching five decades, remains a testament to his enduring talent and passion for entertainment.