John Amos of renowned 1974 television show, “Good Times” passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles at the age of 84. Sources told Medialord he died from natural causes.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared a heartfelt statement: “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart… Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life, and his legacy will endure through his outstanding works in television and film. My father loved acting throughout his life, most recently in ‘Suits LA’ and our documentary, ‘America’s Dad.’ He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
Early Life and Career
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, N.J., John Amos launched his acting career as weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1970.
His comedic talents flourished in CBS’s “Good Times,” a spinoff of “Maude” and “All in the Family,” where he portrayed father James Evans Sr. starting in 1974. This groundbreaking Norman Lear program became the first TV show to highlight an African American, two-parent household. Amos’s portrayal of a hardworking father resonated deeply with audiences. However, after three seasons, he grew dissatisfied with the show’s direction and the portrayal of his character’s son, James “J.J.” Evans Jr. He was fired after Season 3, and the show killed off James Evans Sr. off-screen in Season 4.
Notable Achievements of John Amos of ‘Good Times’
Amos earned an Emmy nomination in 1977 for his role as adult Kunta Kinte in the ABC miniseries “Roots.” This series, which explored slavery in the United States, won nine Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award. It also captivated an audience of over 130 million, making it one of the most-watched series in U.S. history. The final episode ranks as the third-highest-rated episode across any TV series.
Amos also made appearances in shows like “About the Andersons,” “The West Wing,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Ranch.” His final television role will feature in the upcoming series “Suits LA.” In film, he starred in Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America” and its sequel, “Coming 2 America,” as well as “Die Hard 2,” “The Beastmaster,” and “Lock Up.” He and his son also produced the documentary about his life, titled “America’s Dad.”
‘John Amos was a generous soul’
“We are so proud to have represented John,” said Julia Buchwald, president of Buchwald. “He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul. His impact on the industry and those who knew him will never be forgotten.”
Outside of film and television, John Amos of Good Times wrote, produced, and starred in a one-man play titled “Halley’s Comet.” He also appeared on Broadway in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.” Before acting, he played college football at Colorado State University and joined the Kansas City Chiefs for the 1967 NFL offseason, according to Variety.
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