If you grew up in the 1970s, or even if you just caught the endless reruns on TV One or MeTV, you know Michael Evans. He was the "militant" kid brother on Good Times with the sharp tongue and the even sharper Afro. But lately, if you type his name into a search bar, the suggestions get a little dark. People are constantly asking is Ralph Carter still alive, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why the rumor mill stays so busy.
He didn't follow the usual child star blueprint. He didn't end up on a reality show fighting for a comeback, and he didn't stay in the Hollywood bubble. When a celebrity goes "quiet" in the age of social media, the internet tends to assume the worst.
The short answer? Yes. Ralph Carter is very much alive.
As of early 2026, the man who brought Michael Evans to life is 64 years old. He’s healthy, he’s active, and he’s living a life that looks nothing like the "tragic child star" narrative people love to project onto him. But the story of why people think he passed away—and what he’s actually been doing for the last few decades—is way more interesting than a simple death hoax.
The Rumors That Just Won't Quit
Why do we keep hearing that he died? It’s a weird phenomenon.
Basically, back in the 1990s, there was this massive wave of misinformation. Some of it happened because people confused him with other actors who passed away young. Some of it was just the "pre-internet" version of a viral lie. Because Ralph wasn't appearing in movies or big sitcoms after Good Times wrapped in 1979, the vacuum was filled with gossip.
I've heard everything from "he died of an illness in 1995" to "he became a recluse." Carter actually addressed this himself a few years back. He told Jet magazine that when people don't have access to your personal life, they just start making things up to satisfy their curiosity.
It’s kinda wild. You can be living a perfectly normal, productive life in New York, and half the country thinks you’re a ghost just because you aren't on TMZ.
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Where Is Ralph Carter Now?
He didn't leave the arts; he just left the cameras.
Ralph Carter is a New Yorker through and through. While Hollywood has its own "energy," as he puts it, he found his home in the theater scene of Brooklyn and Manhattan. He has spent years working with the Audelco (Audience Development Committee), which is an organization dedicated to Black theater and the performing arts.
He isn't just a member; he’s served as the 3rd Vice President on their Board of Directors.
If you want to find Ralph Carter in 2026, you aren't going to find him at a movie premiere in L.A. You’re more likely to find him:
- Mentoring young actors in New York.
- Working on new plays (he’s a playwright too, did you know that?).
- Supporting the Louise W. Pilgrim Life Academy through scholarships.
- Spending time with his wife and five children.
He’s a family man. He’s been married for a long time, and he’s raised a big family away from the paparazzi. That’s probably the biggest reason he’s stayed so grounded. He chose a life of substance over a life of "being seen."
The Broadway Roots Most People Forget
Most of us know him as Michael Evans, but Ralph Carter was a powerhouse on Broadway before he ever stepped foot on the Good Times set.
Think about this: Norman Lear, the legendary producer, actually had to buy out Ralph's Broadway contract just to get him on the show. He was starring in Raisin (the musical version of A Raisin in the Sun) and was already a Tony-nominated actor at the age of 12.
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He won a Drama Desk Award. He won a Theatre World Award.
When Good Times ended, he didn't feel the need to beg for "the next big thing" in Hollywood because he had a foundation in the theater. He went back to what he loved. He also had a music career for a minute—if you’re a deep-cut disco fan, you might remember his 1975 hit "When You’re Young and in Love."
The Africa Connection and "Finding Peace"
In a rare 2017 interview at the Men of Excellence Awards, Ralph dropped some heavy knowledge about what he did right after the show ended.
He basically took his earnings and traveled. He spent a significant amount of time in Africa—specifically West and East Africa, including places like Angola and Cameroon. He wanted to find his roots. He said that experience changed how he "walked the world."
It gave him a sense of identity that fame couldn't provide. When you know who you are and where you come from, you don't need the validation of a 24-hour news cycle.
Dealing with the "Child Star" Label
It’s tough being Michael Evans forever.
People see him on the street today and still expect to see the 14-year-old kid in the orange vest. But Carter has handled it with a lot of grace. He’s appeared at several Good Times reunions over the years, including the big 50th-anniversary celebrations recently.
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He’s still close with cast members like BernNadette Stanis (Thelma). They’re like a real family. They’ve seen each other through the highs and the lows, the deaths of Esther Rolle and John Amos, and the weirdness of being icons of Black television.
What You Should Take Away
The fact that we have to ask is Ralph Carter still alive is actually a testament to how well he’s protected his peace. In a world where everyone is oversharing on TikTok, Ralph Carter chose privacy.
He’s a reminder that you can "win" at fame by walking away from it. He used his platform to pivot into theater advocacy and family life. He’s 64, he’s a grandfather, and he’s still contributing to the culture in ways that don't require a red carpet.
If you’re looking for his latest work, keep an eye on the New York theater scene. He’s often involved in playwright festivals and award ceremonies for the Black performing arts community.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the Audelco website. If you want to support the work Ralph is passionate about, look into the New York Black theater scene.
- Listen to "When You're Young and in Love." It’s a genuine 70s gem that shows off his vocal range.
- Watch the 50th Anniversary specials. Many are available on streaming platforms or YouTube, featuring Ralph discussing the legacy of the Evans family.
Ralph Carter is alive, well, and probably a lot happier than the people still chasing the Hollywood dragon.