Actor John Amos, renowned for his roles in the acclaimed series Roots and Good Times, has passed away at the age of 84. Amos portrayed the loving yet stern patriarch James Evans in Good Times, one of the first sitcoms centered around a black family, beginning in 1974. However, after three seasons, he was let go amid persistent disagreements with the show’s white writers regarding the portrayal of its characters. He later played the older Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, which depicted the harrowing journey of an African man sold into slavery in America. His film credits include hits like Die Hard 2, Coming To America, and Uncut Gems.
Amos’s impressive television career also featured appearances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The West Wing, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 30 Rock, and Two and a Half Men. His final appearance will be in the upcoming series Suits LA.
Following the announcement of his passing, fellow actor Martin Lawrence expressed his condolences, stating on social media that Amos was a true legend. Jimmie Walker, Amos’s co-star in Good Times, shared his sorrow with People, praising Amos as a great actor. Amos’s son, Kelly Christopher, reflected on his father’s kind nature, saying he was beloved worldwide and that many regarded him as their TV father, leaving behind a rich legacy of work in film and television. Veteran weather presenter Al Roker remembered Amos for the dignity and honesty he brought to his roles, recalling when Amos played Gordy the Weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Before his acting career, Amos was a professional football player, starting his journey in entertainment with roles in The Leslie Uggams Show and Maude. The character he played on Maude, alongside Esther Rolle, led to the creation of Good Times, set in a Chicago housing project, which Amos described as a realistic depiction of African American life at the time. Amos’s desire for authenticity often resulted in clashes with creator Norman Lear, particularly regarding the emphasis placed on other characters in the show.
Reflecting on his experience in the industry, Amos acknowledged that his passion sometimes hindered diplomacy, leading to his departure from Good Times after he felt the show’s direction did not align with his vision for its characters. Good Times was later adapted into a British sitcom, The Fosters, and was recently rebooted as an animated series by Netflix, described as a “spiritual sequel” to the original.