We have been hearing stories about child actors in Hollywood who were destined for greatness but sometimes life does not work the way you want it to. Ralph Carter is one of the names that come to mind when you look at these child stars that failed to live up to the expectations. Maybe it is just wrong to expect great things from a young child, but Ralph had all he needed to go out there and make it. As a child, Carter was a singer and an actor who was a star and a teenage prodigy.
If you have seen sitcoms and Broadway shows in the 70-s, you probably remember the young black handsome boy as Michael Evans on NBC. Carter made appearances for the broadcasters in the sitcom ‘Good Times’ from 1974 for over 5 years and was an extremely popular character. As a young actor, he played on a Broadway musical called ‘Raisin’ which made its debut on Broadway in the year 1959. Let us get to know more about Mr. Carter.
Caption: The famous Ralph Carter.
Source: showbizpost.com
Ralph Carter: Early Years and Career
Ralph David Carter was born on the 30th of May, in 1961. This New Yorker’s early life is a mystery and he does not have much information regarding his formative years. However, as the earliest record of Carter suggests, he made his first appearance as the replacement in the Broadway musical ‘The Me Nobody Knows’. He made his debut in the year 1971 and the young actor was only 10 at the time.
Caption: Carter in his teenage years.
Source: youtube.com
Ralph then came to the spotlight when he joined the cast for the musical ‘Good Times’ in 1974, 13 years after his debut. It was his first appearance in a TV and this involvement saw him grasp fame by singing and acting. For his talents as an actor and a singer, Carter was nominated for the Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for his work on Raisin in 1974. His work on the musical won him a Theatre Award in the same season after the nomination.
Young Carter was keeping himself busy and was working on many dramas like Dude, Via-Galactica, The Karl Max Play, etc. For his work on the ‘Dude’, he won another award of Most Promising Performer. Carter became famous because of the musical, ‘Good Times’. This groomed him and provided him with a platform to sing and act. Later in 1976, he took a leap in his musical career and released his one and only album. The album, ‘Young and in Love’ had two very successful songs ‘Extra Extra’ and ‘When You’re Young and In Love’.
Ralph Carter: Adulthood
For Ralph, it was looking like things could only go better but the reality was bitter. He was enjoying the success of the TV series Good Times. But like all good things, it had to come to an end after 5 years on the air. The show was discontinued and just like that Carter’s career came to a halt. For the most part, Ralph was singing as a baritone balladeer in nightclubs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IptNhvn8pI0
Ralph Carter did come back in the early 2000’s. He made an appearance on an episode of ‘E! True Hollywood Story’. However, more recently, Ralph appeared for a mini ‘Good Times’ reunion at the BET Awards. Carter was along with some other famous names of the show like Janet Jackson and Jimmie Walker.
Ralph Carter: Personal Life
Carter, however, did not have troubles finding time for love and romance in his life. He was married twice and met Lisa Parks, his first wife in 1982 while attending a Christmas party. Lisa was a sister to Ralph’s best friend Larry Parks and the two said their vows on the 5th of February, 1987, which was after six months of their engagement. Ralph and Lisa did have two children, both sons, Michael Carter, and James Carter.
However, their marriage did not last long. After being together for over 5 years, they split up and Carter got together with River York. This couple is currently together and has given birth to three lovely children- Pheonix, Jessica, and Vivica.
Ralph Carter: Net Worth
Caption: Ralph looking sleek on a gray blazer, white shirt, and a black tie.
Source: alchetron.com
Throughout the years, Carter has been able to accumulate a good sum of money. As of 2018, Ralph Carter has a net worth of around $1 million. He undoubtedly used to relieve an exceedingly handsome salary for his amazing work in the past. His actual salary, however, is a mystery and is yet to be disclosed by any major sites. Ralph has made most of his income as an actor and his singing career has also paid him well. Carter does not want to be identified as a child prodigy and is still striving to make a name for himself in the industry.
