Richard Ward Video | Celebrity Interview and Paparazzi

Richard Ward, (March 15, 1915 – July 1, 1979) was a gravel-voiced African American actor in films and television and the stage from the late 1950s onwards until his death. He made three guest appearances on Good Times as James's dad Henry (the name that James was known by on Maude), who had walked out on James' mom and siblings when he was younger. The first episode he appeared on, Henry was discovered by Thelma at ship port where he was working and she brought him home to surprise James for his birthday. At first, James didn't want to see him, but after a deep conversation, Henry was... MORE

Richard Ward, (March 15, 1915 – July 1, 1979) was a gravel-voiced African American actor in films and television and the stage from the late 1950s onwards until his death. He made three guest appearances on Good Times as James's dad Henry (the name that James was known by on Maude), who had walked out on James' mom and siblings when he was younger. The first episode he appeared on, Henry was discovered by Thelma at ship port where he was working and she brought him home to surprise James for his birthday. At first, James didn't want to see him, but after a deep conversation, Henry was welcomed by his son to join the celebration. James wished he could have 100 more years with his dad. The other two episodes Henry appeared on were after James' death. In the pilot film for the 1970s cop show, Starsky and Hutch, Ward played Captain Dobey, though in the series itself that role was played by Bernie Hamilton. Ward did however appear as a different character in one episode in the final series, shortly before his death of a heart attack. LESS