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How did Johnny Brown die? 'Good Times' actor, 84, recorded songs and toured with Sam Taylor

The news of Johnny Brown’s death comes days after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21

Veteran actor, comedian, and singer Johnny Brown, who was best known for portraying the role of the housing project superintendent Nathan Bookman on CBS ‘Good Times’ died on Wednesday, March 2. He was 84. The unfortunate news of his demise was shared by her daughter actress Sharon Catherine Brown on Instagram. In an official statement, she stated that the family was “devastated, beyond heartbroken” and “barely able to breathe.”  Johnny Brown is survived by his wife June Brown, daughter Sharon and son John Jr.
 
The news of Johnny Brown’s death comes days after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21. He was admitted to the hospital days earlier after being diagnosed with cancer but sadly could not make it. Bob Saget is another icon that Hollywood lost on January 9. Speaking of celebrity deaths, Betty White died at 99 of natural causes on December 31, 2021. Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, and Jeanette Maus are other public figures who passed away last year leaving their loyal fans devastated.
 
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How did Johnny Brown die?

According to TMZ, Johnny Brown’s actress daughter Sharon Catherine Brown told the publication that the actor was visiting his doctor's office in LA in order to check out his pacemaker. He went into cardiac arrest and collapsed shortly after leaving the place. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he passed away. Sharon revealed that the appointment was routine and therefore, the sudden death came as a shock.
 
On Instagram, Sharon wrote, “We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable. To articulate the depths of profound sadness. 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.” She added, “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.”
 
Johnny Brown was born in June 1937 in Florida and was raised in Harlem. Apart from his notable role in ‘Good Times’ he also got noticed for his work on 'Laugh In,' 'Julia,' 'Maude,' ‘The Jeffersons,’ ‘Archie Bunker's Place,’ ‘Family Matters,’ ‘Sister, Sister,’ ‘Moonlighting’, and "Martin’. Johnny Brown, who was an equally gifted singer, began recording songs in the ’60s and even toured with Sam “The Man” Taylor from 1958 onwards.

‘You were full of laughter and forever smiling’

A host of social media users who knew Johnny personally took to Twitter to bid him an emotional farewell. “Such loving memories of our time together. You were full of laughter and forever smiling. Always so sweet and so kind to me. I love you and will miss you”, said one as another posted, “It really saddens me to see and hear so many of our legends passing.  Johnny Brown aka #Bookman from the hit show #Goodtimes.  I did my first Broadway Show Maggie Flynn with his daughter.  I want to give prayers and love and strength to the family.”  One added, “Absolute GEM. Mega Talent Iconic Smile. Tremendous Love. Deeply grateful 4the decades I knew Johnny Brown. Working w/him when I was a kid&an adult,on both sides of the camera was magical.His talent/spirit were illuminating.I treasure this moment in 2018.”
 
The next one shared, “Saying goodbye to the man with the 1,000 watt smile. Comedian Johnny Brown, best known for “Good Times,” has died at 84. Cardiac arrest. His daughter, Sharon, told me tonight her dad loved showbiz and people loved her dad! I know I did. May he R.I.P.”  Meanwhile, one tweeted, “Johnny Brown, star of #GoodTimes has died at 84. If you know me, you know I love me some “Good Times!” I’ve spent many Saturday afternoons watching the repeats on @TVOneTV, #RestInPeace to the man of many voices best known as Nathan Bookman!” And, one concluded, “RIP Bookman. Johnny Brown gave us lots of laughs and made his mark on American entertainment. God bless his memory and his family.”