John Amos, the actor famous for playing the father on the TV show “Good Times” and the adult Kunta Kinte in the miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at 84. His publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed that Amos died of natural causes in Los Angeles on August 21.
In a statement, Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, expressed sadness over his father’s passing. He said, “My father had a kind heart and was loved by many. Fans saw him as their TV father. He lived a good life, and his work in TV and movies will always be remembered.”
John Amos was born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey. He loved football and played at Colorado State University. After college, he tried out for several football teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and a team in Canada. In a video, Amos joked that he was only a little better than average at football and had hoped it would help him escape poverty.
Amos once shared that the Chiefs’ coach, Hank Stram, told him, “You’re not a football player, you’re a young man playing football,” when cutting him from the team.
After working as a social worker and copywriter, Amos turned to acting. He got his first major role as Gordy, a weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” He later appeared on shows like “Sanford and Son” and “The New Dick Van Dyke Show.”
Amos became a star with his role as James Evans Sr. on “Good Times.” In 2020, Amos talked about leaving the show because he disagreed with the way the writers, who were not Black, portrayed the family. He felt he had a better understanding of how a Black father would act. Later, the show’s creator, Norman Lear, agreed with Amos, and the two made amends.
Amos also played a powerful role in the 1977 miniseries “Roots” as the adult Kunta Kinte. He said this role was life-changing and felt like a reward after being offered many stereotypical roles as a Black actor.
Over the years, Amos appeared in many other popular roles, including playing Cleo McDowell in Eddie Murphy’s comedy “Coming to America” and its 2021 sequel.
In 2023, Amos faced family issues, including accusations of elder abuse. However, he assured fans that he was in good health, saying, “I am doing well and was never in ICU or fighting for my life.”
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