Janet Jackson aka Penny is one of many paying tribute to Ja’net Dubois. Ja’net Dubois aka Wilona played the good neighbor who adopted Penny. Dubois recently passed away in her sleep at the age of 74.
Janet Jackson said, “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,” Jackson, 53, wrote alongside a series of photos of the pair.
“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.
Holly Robinson Peete, Loni Love, Kelly Ripa and DL Hughley also paid tribute to Ja’net Dubois. Holly Robinson Pete wrote, “We Love You, Ja’Net Dubois!! Nooobody made an entrance like WILLONA!!
It’s another sad day in 2020. We lost this beautiful talented and loving person. Rest in Power , Ms. Ja’Net!! ?????????#janetdubois#goodtimes “.
Ja’net DuBois appeared in a number of television series including The Love Boat, The Facts of Life, Beverly Hills, 90210, ER and The PJs, where she starred as Mrs. Avery.
DuBois’ Hollywood career was honored with a TV Land Impact Icon Award for Good Times in 2006 and an Emmy Award for outstanding voice-over performance for The PJs.
She also famously sang and co-wrote The Jeffersons theme song, “Movin’ On Up.”
DuBois is survived by her three children Rani, Yovanne and Burghardt DuBois. Her son, Raj Kristo Gupta, died in 1987 after a three-year battle with cancer, according to EW.
Ja’net Dubois was also present for Good Times Live in which Tiffany Haddish snagged a role in.
