The Truth Behind The Rumors: Is Ralph Carter Gay? 5 Facts About The Good Times Star Today

The question of "Is Ralph Carter gay?" has persisted in pop culture for decades, largely fueled by the actor's decision to step away from the Hollywood spotlight after the immense success of the classic sitcom Good Times. In the absence of frequent public appearances, rumors about his personal life—including speculation regarding his sexuality and health—began to circulate among fans. As of today, December 13, 2025, the reality of Ralph Carter's life is quite different from the whispers that followed his career, revealing a man dedicated to his family, his community, and the arts.

The former child star, best known for his iconic role as the outspoken and politically aware Michael Evans, is not only alive and well, but is a married man and a father of five, living a life focused on cultural activism and family in his native New York City. This deep dive will set the record straight on the rumors, provide a complete biography, and explore what the talented actor has been doing since he left the legendary Chicago housing projects of the Evans family.

Complete Biography and Profile of Ralph Carter

Ralph David Carter is an American actor and singer who achieved lasting fame as a child star in the 1970s. His career trajectory is a fascinating blend of Broadway success, television stardom, and a later pivot toward community and cultural work.

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• Full Name: Ralph David Carter
• Date of Birth: May 30, 1961
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 64 years old
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Community Activist
• Best Known For: Playing Michael Evans on the TV series Good Times (1974–1979)
• Spouse (First Marriage): Lisa Parks (m. 1982; div. unknown)
• Spouse (Current Marriage): River York (m. December 2, 1994)
• Children: Five (two sons from his first marriage; one son and two daughters from his second marriage)
• Notable Achievements: Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Raisin (1974)
• Current Residence: Brooklyn, New York

The Definitive Answer: Addressing the 'Is Ralph Carter Gay' Rumors

The simple and definitive answer to the long-standing question of "Is Ralph Carter gay?" is no, he is not. The actor's public record clearly indicates that he is a heterosexual, married man who has fathered five children.

The rumors surrounding Ralph Carter's sexuality and health, including false claims that he had passed away from AIDS, emerged during a period when he intentionally stepped away from the intense media scrutiny of Hollywood. This lack of public presence allowed speculation to flourish, a common occurrence for celebrities who choose a more private life after achieving massive fame as a child.

Carter's personal life, however, has been consistently documented as being with women. He has been married twice, which serves as the most direct evidence refuting the persistent gay rumors.

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Ralph Carter's Marriages and Family Life

Ralph Carter's family life is a testament to his desire for privacy and stability outside of the entertainment industry. He is a dedicated husband and father, a role he has embraced fully since his days on television.

• First Marriage: In 1982, Carter married Lisa Parks. The couple had two sons together before their eventual divorce.
• Second Marriage (Current): Carter married his current wife, River York, on December 2, 1994. This marriage has been a major cornerstone of his life for over three decades.
• Children: The couple has three children together—one son and two daughters named Jessica and Vivian. Combined with the two sons from his first marriage, Ralph Carter is a father to a total of five children.

His commitment to his wife, River York, and his large family directly contradicts the decades-old rumors about his sexual orientation, confirming that the whispers were simply baseless speculation that arose during his self-imposed hiatus from the limelight.

From Michael Evans to Cultural Activist: Ralph Carter’s Life Today

Since the conclusion of Good Times, Ralph Carter has intentionally chosen a path far removed from the typical Hollywood celebrity lifestyle. His focus shifted from acting to music, theater, and, most notably, community engagement in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York.

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The Broadway and Music Career

Before he became Michael Evans, Ralph Carter was already a star on the stage. He was nominated for a prestigious Tony Award in 1974 for his role as Travis Younger in the Broadway musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin. This early success cemented his status as a serious and versatile performer.

Following *Good Times*, Carter continued to pursue his passion for music, releasing several songs, including "Get it Right" and "Extra, Extra," the latter of which managed to chart at #12.

Community and Cultural Leadership

Today, Ralph Carter is best described as a lifelong Brooklynite and a dedicated community activist. His work is centered on preserving and promoting African-American culture and history.

He holds leadership roles in the Cultural Museum of African Art, demonstrating a profound commitment to his heritage and community. This work is a clear continuation of the legacy of his character, Michael Evans, who was often portrayed as the socially conscious member of the Evans family.

Recent Public Appearances and Legacy

While he maintains a secluded life away from the daily media glare, Carter has made a few notable appearances in recent years. He participated in the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Good Times, providing digital-exclusive interviews where he discussed his journey to television and the impact of the groundbreaking sitcom. These appearances, sometimes alongside his former castmates like Janet Jackson, confirm his health and continued engagement with the show's legacy.

Ralph Carter's story is a compelling example of a child star who successfully navigated the pressures of early fame to build a stable, meaningful life on his own terms. His dedication to his family and his community work in Brooklyn far overshadows the sensational, unfounded rumors that have followed him for decades, proving that the actor is thriving in his chosen path outside of the Hollywood machine. The truth is, Ralph Carter is a married family man whose current focus is on cultural preservation and community leadership, a far cry from the speculation that has long plagued his name.