John Amos, beloved star of iconic series like “Good Times” and “Roots,” passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles at the age of 84, his representative confirmed to Variety.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, expressed deep sorrow in a heartfelt statement: “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, and his legacy will live on through his outstanding works in television and film. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life, most recently in ‘Suits LA,’ where he played himself, as well as in our documentary about his life journey, ‘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 with a notable role as weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1970. He gained further acclaim as James Evans Sr. in CBS’s groundbreaking sitcom “Good Times,” which showcased the lives of an African American two-parent family. However, after three seasons, Amos was dissatisfied with the show’s direction and was ultimately written off after Season 3.
His performance as adult Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots” earned him an Emmy nomination in 1977. The series, which highlighted the brutal realities of slavery in the United States, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing more than 130 million viewers and winning numerous awards.
Amos’s extensive career included roles in various shows, such as “About the Andersons,” “The West Wing,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Ranch.” His final television appearance will be in the upcoming series “Suits LA.” On the big screen, he starred in films like 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 and his son are also set to release a documentary titled “America’s Dad,” detailing his life and career.
Julia Buchwald, president of Buchwald, praised Amos, stating, “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 work, John Amos wrote, produced, and starred in a one-man play titled “Halley’s Comet” and appeared on Broadway in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.” Before his acting career, he played college football at Colorado State University and briefly played for the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL’s 1967 offseason.