John Amos, the Emmy-nominated actor widely recognized for his roles in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” and the popular sitcom “Good Times,” has passed away at the age of 84.
Amos, best known for portraying the older Kunta Kinte in the 1977 miniseries “Roots” and James Evans Sr. in the 1970s CBS sitcom “Good Times,” died of natural causes on August 21 in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his representative.
In a heartfelt tribute, his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared: “It is with great sadness that I announce my father’s passing. He had the kindest heart, a heart of gold, and was beloved worldwide.”
“Many fans saw him as their TV father,” Kelly continued. “He lived a full life, leaving behind an incredible legacy through his work in television and film. He loved acting throughout his entire career, most recently playing himself in ‘Suits: LA’ and working on our documentary about his life, ‘America’s Dad.’ He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support.”
John Amos’ career spanned decades, with notable appearances in television shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The West Wing.” Born in Newark, New Jersey, his breakout role came in 1970 as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” But his most iconic role was as the strong-willed patriarch James Evans Sr. on “Good Times,” a Norman Lear-created sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1979.
Amos’ time on “Good Times” ended after three seasons when his character was written out of the show. In a 2020 interview, he explained that he often voiced concerns about the portrayal of Black families on the show, believing he had more insight than the non-Black writers. His outspoken nature eventually led to his dismissal from the show.
Amos’ career-defining moment came in 1977 when he starred as Kunta Kinte in “Roots.” The role earned him an Emmy nomination and left a lasting impact on television history. Reflecting on the significance of the series, Amos said in a 2015 interview that “Roots” helped change perspectives on slavery and personal heritage.
In addition to his television work, Amos appeared in numerous films, including “Die Hard 2” and the Eddie Murphy hit “Coming to America.” He reprised his role as Cleo McDowell in the 2021 sequel “Coming 2 America.”
Throughout his five-decade career, Amos also made his mark with roles on shows like NBC’s “The West Wing,” CBS’s “Two and a Half Men,” Netflix’s “The Ranch,” and HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones.” Earlier this year, he joined the cast of “Suits: LA,” portraying himself for the first time in his career.
Beyond acting, Amos had a diverse background. He served in the New Jersey State National Guard and briefly played professional football for the Kansas City Chiefs after attending Colorado State University.
John Amos’ life and career left an indelible mark on both television and cinema, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
