John Amos, renowned for his roles in “Good Times” and “Roots,” passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles due to natural causes, as confirmed by his representative to Variety. He was 84 years old.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life, most recently in ‘Suits LA’ playing himself, and in our documentary about his life journey as an actor, ‘America’s Dad.’ He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos’s career took off when he portrayed weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1970.
He later showcased his comedic skills on CBS’s “Good Times,” which debuted in 1974 as a spinoff of “Maude” and “All in the Family.” Amos played the role of James Evans Sr., the patriarch of a groundbreaking African American family on television. After expressing dissatisfaction with the show’s direction and the portrayal of his character’s son, J.J. Evans Jr., he was let go after the third season, leading to James Evans Sr.’s off-screen death at the beginning of the fourth season.
In 1977, Amos earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of adult Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed ABC miniseries “Roots,” which addressed the history of slavery in America. This series garnered nine Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a Peabody Award, and achieved remarkable viewership, with over 130 million people tuning in, making it one of the most-watched events in U.S. television history.
Amos’s extensive television career also included appearances in shows such as “About the Andersons,” “The West Wing,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Ranch.” His final televised role will be in the upcoming series “Suits LA.” In film, he appeared in notable projects including Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America” and its sequel, “Coming 2 America,” as well as “Die Hard 2,” “The Beastmaster,” “Lock Up,” and “Me Tyme.” He partnered with his son to produce the documentary about his life titled “America’s Dad.”
Julia Buchwald, president of Buchwald, remarked, “We are so proud to have represented John. He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul. His impact on the industry and those who knew him will never be forgotten.”
In addition to his work in film and television, Amos authored, produced, and starred in a one-man play entitled “Halley’s Comet” and appeared on Broadway in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.” Before embarking on his acting career, he played college football at Colorado State University and participated in the NFL offseason with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967.