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 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 began his acting career in 1970 as weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” His career soared from there as he showcased his comedic skills in CBS’s “Good Times,” where he played the role of James Evans Sr. starting in 1974. “Good Times,” a spin-off of “Maude” and “All in the Family,” made history as the first television series to focus on an African American two-parent household. Amos’s portrayal of a hardworking and devoted father resonated deeply with viewers. However, he was unhappy with the show’s direction in its later seasons and was let go after Season 3, leading to the character’s off-screen death in Season 4.
In 1977, Amos received an Emmy nomination for his performance as adult Kunta Kinte in the historical miniseries “Roots.” The series addressed the realities of slavery in the United States and won nine Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award, attracting more than 130 million viewers—over half the U.S. population at the time. Its final episode ranks among the highest-rated episodes in television history.
Amos also appeared in a variety of shows, including “About the Andersons,” “The West Wing,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Ranch.” His last television appearance is set to be in the upcoming series “Suits LA.” In film, he contributed to projects like “Coming to America,” its sequel “Coming 2 America,” “Die Hard 2,” “The Beastmaster,” and “Lock Up.” He co-produced the documentary “America’s Dad,” which chronicles his life.
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 television and film achievements, Amos wrote, produced, and starred in a one-man play titled “Halley’s Comet” and had a presence on Broadway in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.” Before his acting career, he played college football at Colorado State University and participated in the NFL offseason with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967.