John Amos, Star of ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots,’ Passes Away at 84: A Life Remembered
John Amos, a legendary figure in television history, best known for his roles in the iconic sitcom Good Times and the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, has passed away at the age of 84. The news of his death was confirmed by his longtime publicist, Belinda Foster. Amos died of natural causes on August 21 in Los Angeles, according to Foster, marking the end of a long and impactful career in television and film.
In a statement shared by Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, the family expressed their deep sorrow: “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… 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.”
Early Life and Love for Football
Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, John Amos initially pursued his passion for football before venturing into acting. He attended Colorado State University, where he played football and earned a degree in social work. Despite his academic achievements, Amos’ heart was set on becoming a professional athlete. He tried out for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and the British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League.
In a reflective moment, Amos once said in a video shared by the Kansas City Chiefs, “All I ever wanted to do all my life was to play pro football… I figured that was going to be the best way for me to escape the economic strata we seemed to be locked into.” However, fate had other plans. During his brief time with the Chiefs, head coach Hank Stram delivered a life-changing message to Amos: “You are not a football player, you are a young man who happens to be playing football.” This comment ultimately set Amos on a new path—acting.
Transition to Hollywood Stardom
After brief stints as a social worker and copywriter, Amos found his way to the entertainment industry. His first significant role came when he was cast as weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. This role marked the beginning of his ascent in Hollywood. He went on to appear in several other 1970s hit shows, including Love American Style, Sanford and Son, and The New Dick Van Dyke Show.
However, it was his role as James Evans Sr., the stern but loving father on Good Times, that truly catapulted Amos to stardom. The show, which aired in the mid-1970s, depicted the struggles of a Black family living in a Chicago housing project. Amos’ portrayal of a proud, hardworking patriarch resonated deeply with audiences, making him a beloved TV father figure.
In a 2020 interview, Amos opened up about his departure from Good Times after only two seasons. He revealed that creative differences with the white writers of the show, particularly about the portrayal of Black families, led to his exit. “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,” Amos said. Despite the contentious split, Amos and the show’s creator, Norman Lear, eventually reconciled. They publicly embraced during the 2019 Good Times live TV reunion, showcasing the resolution of their past disagreements.
A Career-Defining Role in Roots
Amos’ role as Kunta Kinte in the landmark 1977 miniseries Roots became one of the most significant moments of his career. Based on the novel by Alex Haley, Roots traced the harrowing journey of an African man captured and sold into slavery in America. Amos played the adult version of Kunta Kinte, delivering a performance that earned him widespread acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
In a 2021 interview with Time magazine, Amos reflected on the profound impact the role had on his life: “I knew that it was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint. It was the culmination of all of the misconceptions and stereotypical roles that I had lived and seen being offered to me.”
Beloved Roles and Later Years
Over the years, Amos continued to take on memorable roles in both television and film. He played Cleo McDowell, the fast-food restaurant owner, in Eddie Murphy’s comedy Coming to America (1988) and reprised the role in its 2021 sequel. His presence on screen, whether in dramatic or comedic roles, left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Despite facing personal challenges later in life, including allegations of elder abuse within his family, Amos remained a resilient figure. He reassured his fans in 2023, stating, “I am doing well. I am not in ICU nor was I ever fighting for my life.”
A Legacy That Lives On
John Amos leaves behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking performances, particularly in his portrayals of strong Black men in an era when such roles were few and far between. His contributions to television and film will continue to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers. His impact as a father figure on Good Times and his role in Roots have cemented his place in the annals of American television history.
As his son Kelly Christopher aptly put it, “His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film.”
