John Amos, the celebrated actor known for his iconic roles in Good Times, Coming to America and Roots, passed away at the age of 84. According to his publicist Belinda Foster, Amos died of natural causes on August 21 in Los Angeles.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared a heartfelt statement expressing the family’s grief, noting that Amos had a heart of gold and was beloved by many who considered him a father figure through his roles on television.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” the statement read. “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.”
His legacy, spanning decades in both television and film, will endure through his work and the countless lives he touched as an actor.
Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued a career in sports, particularly football, a passion that began in high school. He played football at Colorado State University and graduated with a degree in social work.
Despite trying out for several professional football teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos, and the British Columbia Lions, his football career never took off.
Amos himself admitted that he wasn’t a standout player, but viewed football as a way to escape the economic hardships of his upbringing.
Amos recalled a pivotal moment during his brief time with the Kansas City Chiefs when coach Hank Stram told him, “You are not a football player, you are a young man who happens to be playing football.” That moment marked the beginning of Amos’s shift in career focus.
After working as a social worker and a copywriter in New York, Amos found his true calling in acting. His first major television role came as Gordon “Gordy” Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. This role paved the way for further success in Hollywood.
Amos’s big break came with his role as James Evans Sr. on the sitcom Good Times, where he played the strong-willed patriarch of a Black family.
However, Amos left the show after two years due to disagreements with the predominantly white writers over how the Black family was being portrayed.
He believed that his personal experience as a Black man informed his understanding of how a Black father should be represented, and he felt the writers were out of touch with that reality.
Although his departure was contentious at the time, Amos and the show’s creator, Norman Lear, eventually reconciled.
Another of Amos’s most significant roles was his portrayal of Kunta Kinte, also known as Toby, in the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries Roots.
His performance as the adult version of Kunta Kinte earned him widespread acclaim, including an Emmy nomination. Amos himself acknowledged that the role was life-changing, both as an actor and on a personal level.
Gavin MacLeod (left) and John Amos on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” 1972.
He saw it as a culmination of the struggles and stereotypical roles he had endured in his career, and viewed it as a reward for persevering through those challenges. This role became one of the most defining moments of his career.
Roots also reunited Amos with actress Leslie Uggams, for whom he had written during her brief stint hosting a variety show on CBS in the 1960s.
Amos’s career continued to flourish after Roots, and he appeared in a range of beloved roles, including Cleo McDowell, the fast food restaurant owner in Eddie Murphy’s comedy Coming to America.
The character became a fan favorite, and Amos reprised the role in the 2021 sequel to the film, Coming 2 America, demonstrating his ability to leave a lasting impression on audiences across generations.
In his later years, Amos faced some personal challenges, including family disputes and allegations of elder abuse. Despite rumors about his declining health, Amos reassured his fans in a public statement that he was not in intensive care and was never in critical condition, putting the speculation to rest.
He maintained that he was doing well and thanked his fans for their continued support during the difficult period.
Throughout his career, Amos remained a steadfast and inspiring figure, admired for his strength, versatility, and willingness to challenge stereotypes.
His roles in Good Times and Roots not only elevated him as an actor but also had a lasting impact on how Black families and historical narratives were portrayed on television.
Even though he often faced adversity in his career, he emerged as a pioneer who used his platform to push for more authentic representations of Black life.
John Amos’s legacy as a trailblazer in Hollywood will live on through his unforgettable performances, his impact on television, and his enduring influence on the entertainment industry.
As his family and fans reflect on his remarkable life, they are left with a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing his place as a beloved and iconic figure in American television and film.
