John Amos, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles as the family patriarch on the sitcom “Good Times” and as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 84. His longtime publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed that Amos died of natural causes on August 21 in Los Angeles.
In a heartfelt statement shared by Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, the family expressed their grief: “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… loved by people all over the world. Many fans considered him their TV father. He lived a remarkable life, and his legacy will endure through his incredible body of work in television and film.”
Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, John Amos originally pursued a passion for football, playing at Colorado State University. Despite earning a degree in social work, Amos had tryouts with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions. Recalling his brief stint in professional football, Amos once said, “All I ever wanted to do was play pro football. I thought it would be the best way to escape the economic situation we were stuck in.”
Kansas City Chiefs coach Hank Stram, who cut Amos from the team, told him, “You’re not a football player; you’re a young man who happens to play football.” This turning point led Amos toward acting, a career path that would make him a beloved household name.
After working as a social worker and copywriter in New York, Amos found his way into acting, landing his first significant role as weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” This marked the start of a successful journey in Hollywood, with appearances on popular 1970s shows like “Love, American Style,” “Sanford and Son,” and “The New Dick Van Dyke Show.”
Amos rose to stardom with his portrayal of James Evans Sr., the no-nonsense father on the sitcom “Good Times.” However, after two seasons, he left the show due to creative differences with the writers over the portrayal of the Black family at the show’s core. “I felt I knew more about how a Black father would act than the writers, none of whom were Black,” Amos explained in a 2020 interview. He later reconciled with the show’s creator, Norman Lear, during a 2019 reunion special.
In 1977, Amos took on one of the most significant roles of his career as the adult Toby (Kunta Kinte) in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots.” The role earned him an Emmy nomination and deepened his impact both as an actor and as an advocate for breaking racial stereotypes in media. “It was a life-changing role, not just as an actor but as a person,” Amos reflected in a 2021 interview with Time magazine.
Amos continued to delight audiences with memorable roles, including Cleo McDowell in Eddie Murphy’s hit comedy “Coming to America” and its 2021 sequel.
Last year, Amos faced personal challenges amid family disputes involving allegations of elder abuse. He assured fans that he was in good health at the time, stating, “I am doing well. I was never in ICU or fighting for my life.”
John Amos leaves behind a rich legacy in entertainment, his work spanning decades and influencing generations. His presence on screen and his contributions to television and film will be remembered for years to come.