John Amos, a former football player turned actor, starred in several major TV shows, including the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and the miniseries “Roots.” He passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles at the age of 84. His talent agency, Buchwald, confirmed his death, though no cause was specified. It’s unclear why the announcement was delayed.
In his 20s, Amos was cut from 13 professional and minor-league football teams due to injuries. He supported himself through jobs like ditch-digging, working as a social worker, and even performing as a stand-up comedian. Amos eventually found success in television, where he was able to channel his frustrations into writing and acting.
His breakthrough came in 1969 when he became one of the first African American staff writers on a network show, CBS’s “The Leslie Uggams Show.” He soon made a name for himself in front of the camera, gaining widespread recognition for his roles in films such as “Coming to America,” where he played the proud owner of McDowell’s fast-food restaurant.
Amos’s TV career took off when he landed the role of Gordy the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and later as James Evans, the strong-willed father on “Good Times.” Despite the show’s popularity, he clashed with the all-White writing team over its portrayal of Black characters and was fired in 1976.
After leaving “Good Times,” Amos portrayed the adult Kunta Kinte in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots.” The role earned him an Emmy nomination and cemented his place in television history. Despite this success, Amos struggled with finding quality roles that didn’t play into stereotypes.
In later years, he appeared in numerous TV shows, including “The West Wing,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Two and a Half Men.” Amos also toured with his one-man show, “Halley’s Comet,” which reflected on the life of an 80-year-old man looking back on his experiences.
Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, by a single mother, Amos was known for standing up for himself and for better representation of Black actors. His strong-willed personality sometimes caused friction with producers, but it also helped him break barriers for future generations of actors.
Amos is survived by his children from his first marriage, K.C. Amos and Shannon Amos. In 2023, he was involved in a public dispute with his daughter Shannon over allegations of elder abuse, which were later dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Amos’s legacy as a trailblazer in television and film will endure, remembered for his strong characters and his push for more authentic portrayals of Black life on screen.
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