John Amos, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in “Good Times,” “Roots,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles at the age of 84.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced his father’s death, sharing a heartfelt statement that emphasized the love and admiration many fans held for John Amos.
“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,” Kelly said about John Amos.
Amos’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, beginning in 1970 with his portrayal of Gordy Howard, the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
This role not only showcased his natural comedic talent but also paved the way for his signature role as James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking Norman Lear-CBS sitcom “Good Times” (1974–1976).
His performance as a devoted father provided a strong representation of Black fatherhood during a time when such portrayals were too few. It is clear that John Amos made a lasting impact.
In 1977, Amos took on the iconic role of Kunta Kinte in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots.”
This performance earned him an Emmy nomination and solidified his status as a serious dramatic actor.
He was known for choosing projects that highlighted strong Black characters, reflecting his commitment to improving representation in the industry.
Throughout his career, Amos appeared in numerous major television series, including “All About the Andersons,” “The West Wing” (as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace), “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Ranch.”
His final television appearance came in “Suits LA,” where, for the first time, he played himself.
In film, he made a lasting impression as Cleo McDowell, the fast-food restaurant owner in “Coming to America” (1988), a role he reprised in the sequel, “Coming 2 America” (2021).
His filmography also includes memorable performances in “Die Hard 2” (1990), “The Beastmaster” (1982), and “Lock Up” (1989), with his last film appearance in “Me Tyme” (2022).
In addition to his work on screen, Amos ventured into producing with the documentary “America’s Dad,” co-produced with his son KC Amos.
This film reflects on his life journey, celebrating the bond between father and son while highlighting the legacy he left behind.
Amos also had a successful stage career, performing a one-man show, “Halley’s Comet,” both in the United States and internationally.
Throughout his life, Amos received numerous accolades, including an Emmy nomination for “Roots” and a TV Land Award for “Good Times.”
His son described him as a passionate advocate for positive portrayals of African Americans in television and film, consistently striving for diversity and accuracy in representation.
Julia Buchwald, President of Buchwald, expressed her pride in representing Amos, stating, “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.”
Before his acting career took off, Amos served in the New Jersey State National Guard and played college football at Colorado State University, followed by a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.
As we remember John Amos, we celebrate a life dedicated to storytelling, representation, and the impact he made as a father figure for many.
His legacy will undoubtedly live on through his outstanding works in television and film.
Rest in paradise, Mr. Amos.
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