John Amos, star of ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots,’ dead at 84

John Amos, celebrated for his roles as the family patriarch on the beloved 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 in Los Angeles on August 21.

In a heartfelt statement, Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, expressed the family’s sorrow, saying, “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 many around the world. Many fans considered him their TV father. He lived a good life, and his legacy will live on through his outstanding works in television and film.”

Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Amos initially found his passion in sports, particularly football. He played for Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in social work. Following college, he pursued a professional football career, earning tryouts with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos, and the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions.

Reflecting on his football aspirations, Amos once described himself as a “slightly better than average high school football player,” sharing in a video from the Chiefs that playing professional football was his dream. “I figured that was going to be the best way for me to escape the economic strata we seemed to be locked into,” he recalled.

However, his journey took a turn when Kansas City Chiefs coach Hank Stram told him during a cut, “You are not a football player; you are a young man who happens to be playing football.” Following his brief football career, Amos transitioned into acting after working as a social worker and a copywriter in New York. He landed his first major role as weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” marking the beginning of his rise in Hollywood.

Amos soon appeared in various popular 1970s television shows, including “Love American Style,” “Sanford and Son,” and “The New Dick Van Dyke Show.” However, it was his portrayal of James Evans Sr., the stern but loving father on “Good Times,” that catapulted him to stardom.

In a 2020 interview, Amos discussed his decision to leave “Good Times” after just two seasons due to creative differences with the predominantly white writing staff regarding the portrayal of the Black family at the center of the show. “I felt like I knew more about what a Black family should be and how a Black father would act than our writers, none of whom were Black,” he explained. Despite these challenges, he eventually reconciled with the show’s creator, Norman Lear, during the 2019 live reunion special, showcasing a moment of public camaraderie.

Amos’s significant impact continued with his role as Toby, the adult Kunta Kinte, in the critically acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots.” This performance earned him an Emmy nomination and was transformative for both his career and personal perspective. “It was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint,” he shared in a 2021 interview. “It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities.”

Beyond television, Amos also showcased his talent in film, notably as Cleo McDowell in Eddie Murphy’s 1988 classic “Coming to America” and its 2021 sequel. His contributions to both television and film have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

In recent years, Amos faced personal challenges, including family disputes and allegations of elder abuse, which led to speculation about his health. Amidst these issues, he reassured fans that he was doing well, stating, “To all of my fans, I want you to know that I am doing well. I am not in ICU nor was I ever fighting for my life.”

John Amos leaves behind a rich legacy, characterized by his iconic roles and powerful performances that resonated with audiences. As fans and colleagues reflect on his remarkable contributions, they celebrate a career that not only entertained but also educated and uplifted many. His influence will continue to be felt in the realms of television and film for generations to come.