John Amos, the iconic actor who became a household name for his roles in Good Times and Roots, passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84 in Los Angeles. His death was due to natural causes, as confirmed by his representative to Variety on August 27. Amos leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning over five decades of television and film, making a lasting impact on both audiences and the entertainment industry.
Amos’s son, Kelly Christopher Amos, released a statement expressing the family’s grief and highlighting his father’s influence. He noted that fans around the world regarded John Amos as their “TV father.” Kelly added that his father’s legacy would continue through his body of work, which includes the upcoming series Suits LA and a documentary titled America’s Dad, co-produced by Amos and his son.
“a man with the kindest heart”
Kelly Christopher Amos, called his father
A Trailblazer in Television History
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos’s career began with small television roles. His breakout role came in 1970 when he played weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, it was his portrayal of James Evans Sr. on Good Times in 1974 that cemented his place in TV history.
Good Times was a spinoff of Maude and All in the Family, both groundbreaking shows at the time. It became the first television series to depict a two-parent African American household. Amos’s role as the strong and hardworking father resonated with audiences nationwide. The show tackled issues of poverty, race, and family dynamics, themes that were rare on network television during that period. However, Amos left the series after three seasons due to creative differences regarding the portrayal of his on-screen son, J.J., which he felt had devolved into an overly comedic character. His departure led to his character, James Evans Sr., being written off, and Good Times continued without him for another three seasons.
Emmy-Nominated for a Landmark Role in Roots
In 1977, Amos delivered another iconic performance as the adult Kunta Kinte in Roots, a miniseries chronicling the brutal history of slavery in the United States. Roots became a cultural phenomenon, drawing over 130 million viewers—more than half of the U.S. population at the time. It was a watershed moment for television, bringing America’s dark history of slavery into the spotlight. Amos’s portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination, further solidifying his place as one of the leading African American actors of his generation.
The series won nine Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award, cementing its place in television history. The final episode of Roots remains the third-highest-rated episode of any TV series and the second-most-watched series finale in history.
A Versatile Actor in Television, Film, and Stage
While John Amos was best known for his roles in Good Times and Roots, his career spanned a wide variety of genres and mediums. He appeared in several TV shows, including The West Wing, Two and a Half Men, and The Ranch. He also had recurring roles in shows like About the Andersons and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His final TV appearance will be in the forthcoming series Suits LA, which was in production at the time of his death.
Amos also had an impressive film career, appearing in Coming to America and its 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America, Die Hard 2, and Lock Up, among others. He brought a commanding presence to both comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
On stage, Amos took to Broadway, starring in August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and his own one-man play, Halley’s Comet, which he wrote, produced, and performed in across the country.
A Life Beyond Acting
Before his career in entertainment, Amos had a promising athletic career. He played college football at Colorado State University and later briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1967 NFL offseason. His love for sports and discipline from his athletic background carried over into his acting career, where he was known for his professionalism and work ethic.
Amos also remained active behind the scenes in the industry. Most recently, he was working on the documentary America’s Dad, a project that explored his journey as an actor and father, providing an in-depth look at his personal and professional life.
A Lasting Legacy
John Amos’s passing marks the end of an era for many fans who grew up watching him on television. His portrayal of strong, fatherly figures in Good Times and Roots left an indelible mark on American culture, especially for African American families who saw themselves represented in ways that had previously been rare in media. He is survived by his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, and a legion of fans who will remember him as both a beloved actor and a pioneering figure in television history.
“He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero.”
– Kelly Christopher Amos
As Kelly Amos shared in his statement, John Amos will be remembered for his kindness, his immense talent, and the groundbreaking roles that defined his career.
