Actor John Amos Passes Away at 84

John Amos, the star of “Good Times” and “Roots” sadly passed away at the age of 84. Announced by his son K.C., Amos died of natural causes in Los Angeles on August 21st. The TV writer turned Emmy-nominated actor has shaken the world with such heartfelt sadness, as we reminsce over his successful career. You may know John Amos from his huge movie/tv collection such as Coming to America, The Cosby Show, Me Time, etc.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said in a statement. “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. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

Before his showbiz career, Amos headed to Colorado State University to play football and even had camp tryouts with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. The start to his successful career was landing a gig to play WJM-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on the Mary Tyler Moore show.

As his career soared to the stars, he received his Emmy nomination for portraying Toby who was an older version of Kunta Kinte, on the infamous 1977 ABC miniseries, Roots. After showing up multiple times for the Mary Tyler Moore show, he was offered the role of James Evans Sr., the husband of Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans and father of three kids, on the CBS series, Good Times. The 1974-79 show was one of the first sitcoms to center an all African-American family. Honestly, one of my favorite shows growing up. I watched Good Times as a kid; a staple in Black household.

Throughout Amos’ career, he exhibited hard work and dedication to his craft. To prepare for the role in Roots, he travelled and lived in Liberia, Africa for several months to absorb the culture of this continent that he later showed in the film. This film was what he just needed and he felt a sense of satisfaction taking on this role. The American screenwriter and producer, Norman Lear was there for Amos every step of his career and guided him to roles that took him out of his comfort zone. Amos played a huge part in African-American films and should be celebrated for what he laid out for all African-American actors & actresses.

“It was just what I needed,” he said. “It took the bad taste of Good Times out of my mouth — not that Good Times had been all bad, but the circumstances under which I left and the acrimony between Norman Lear and myself … I realize that a lot of it I brought on myself. I was not the easiest guy in the world to get along with, or to direct. I challenged any and everybody. [Roots] was a vindication, a tremendous feeling of satisfaction.”