Beloved Actor John Amos, Star of "Good Times" and "Roots," Dies at 84

John Amos, the versatile actor renowned for his roles in "Good Times" and "Roots," passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, made the announcement on October 1, 2024, expressing profound sadness and highlighting his father's kindness and worldwide admiration.

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos led a multifaceted life before achieving fame in the entertainment industry. He attended Colorado State University on a football scholarship and briefly played professional football for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs in the 1960s. Amos was also a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard.

Transitioning to acting, Amos began his career in the New York theater scene in the 1960s. He appeared in the Broadway revival of "Tough to Get Help" in 1972, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His breakthrough came in the mid-1970s when he portrayed James Evans in 61 episodes of the sitcom "Good Times." Amos's portrayal of the older Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots" earned him an Emmy nomination in 1977.

Throughout his career, Amos demonstrated remarkable range, appearing in both comedic and dramatic roles. He played the TV weatherman Gordy Howard in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and later starred alongside Eddie Murphy in the 1988 film "Coming to America." His performance in "Die Hard 2" in 1990 further solidified his status as a versatile actor.

Amos's talents extended beyond the screen. He wrote and performed a one-man show called "Halley's Comet" in the 1990s, showcasing his abilities as a writer and solo performer. His voice acting skills were also on display when he voiced the character of Cloudfather in the animated series "Men in Black: The Series."

Recognition for Amos's contributions to the entertainment industry came in various forms. He received an NAACP Image Award for his role in "The West Wing," a TV Land Impact Award for "Good Times" in 2006, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Black Film Festival in 2020. That same year, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, honoring his lasting impact on popular culture.

In his later years, Amos continued to work in television, appearing in popular shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Two and a Half Men." He had a recurring role in the Netflix series "The Ranch" from 2016 to 2020. His final film appearance was a reprisal of his role as Cleo McDowell in "Coming 2 America" in 2021, bringing his career full circle.

Beyond his acting career, John Amos was known for his social activism and support of various charitable causes. His legacy extends far beyond the characters he portrayed, touching the lives of many through his kindness and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

"He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold ... and he was loved the world over."

John Amos's passing marks the end of an era in television and film. His contributions to the industry and his memorable performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.