John Amos, the actor best known for playing family patriarch James Evans Sr. on the sitcom “Good Times,” has died, his publicist told ABC News in a statement. He was 84.
The actor died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, according to publicist Belinda Foster.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Amos’ son Kelly Christopher Amos 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.”
Amos received an Emmy nomination for his role as the older Kunta Kinte on the landmark miniseries “Roots.”
Born in Newark, New Jersey, on Dec. 27, 1939, Amos first tried to make it as a professional football player, playing for Colorado State University and briefly for the Kansas City Chiefs. He also served as a member of the New Jersey National Coast Guard.
Amos is best known for playing James Evans on the Norman Lear-created series “Good Times” opposite Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans. The sitcom, following a Black family in Chicago and tackling subjects like poverty, drug use and inner-city crime, ran for six seasons between 1974 and 1979 — though Amos was only on the show for the first half of its run.
In this Oct. 5, 2015, file photo, John Amos attends the Althea screening and panel discussion at One Time Warner Center in New York.
Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Time Warner Inc., FILE
Elsewhere on television, Amos starred as Gordy the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” as the enslaved protagonist Kunta Kinte on the miniseries “Roots” in 1977 — which earned him an Emmy nomination — and as the recurring character Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on “The West Wing.”
Other credits on the small screen include roles in “Maude,” “Hunter,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “In the House,” “The District,” “All About the Andersons,” “Men in Trees,” “Two and a Half Men” and “The Ranch,” to name a few.
The actor appeared in numerous films as well, including “Let’s Do It Again” (1975), “The Beastmaster” (1982), “Coming to America” (1988), “Die Hard 2” (1990), “Madea’s Witness Protection” (2012) and “Coming 2 America” (2021). He even played himself in a small cameo in 2019’s “Uncut Gems.”
Amos, a member of the New Jersey Hall of Fame, was married twice. He is survived by his daughter Shannon and son Kelly Christopher, both of whom he shared with his first wife, Noel Mickelson.
Actor John Amos, best known for his iconic roles in the groundbreaking television series “Good Times” and the historical miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 84. The news of his death has left fans and colleagues in mourning, as they remember his talent, charisma, and impact on the entertainment industry.
Amos rose to fame in the 1970s with his portrayal of James Evans Sr. on the hit sitcom “Good Times.” The show, which focused on a working-class African American family living in a Chicago housing project, was praised for its realistic portrayal of social issues and garnered a large following. Amos’ performance as the tough but loving patriarch of the Evans family earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a talented actor.
In addition to his role on “Good Times,” Amos also made a lasting impression with his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots.” Based on Alex Haley’s novel of the same name, “Roots” told the story of an African man captured and sold into slavery in America. Amos’ powerful performance as Kunta Kinte showcased his range as an actor and earned him an Emmy nomination.
Throughout his career, Amos continued to deliver memorable performances in film and television, including roles in “Coming to America,” “Die Hard 2,” and “The West Wing.” His work was characterized by a combination of strength, vulnerability, and authenticity that resonated with audiences around the world.
In addition to his acting talent, Amos was also known for his activism and advocacy for social justice causes. He used his platform to speak out against racism, inequality, and injustice, and was a vocal supporter of civil rights movements.
Amos’ passing is a loss for the entertainment industry and for all those who admired his work. His contributions to film and television will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and artists.
As fans and colleagues mourn the loss of John Amos, they are left with fond memories of his performances, his passion for social justice, and his enduring impact on the world of entertainment. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
