John Amos, Iconic Actor of 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' Passes Away at 84

John Amos, Iconic Actor of 'Good Times'

John Amos, Beloved Actor from 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' Passes Away at 84

John Amos, the acclaimed Emmy-nominated actor renowned for his impactful roles in television, has died at the age of 84. He passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles due to natural causes, as confirmed by a representative.

Amos is best remembered for his portrayal of James Evans Sr., the steadfast patriarch in the groundbreaking sitcom "Good Times," which aired from 1974 to 1979. He also gained critical acclaim for his role as the older Kunta Kinte in the iconic miniseries "Roots," which earned him an Emmy nomination.

His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, "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. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works."

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Amos began his career as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," before landing his defining role in "Good Times." Throughout his impressive five-decade career, he appeared in a variety of films and shows, including "Die Hard 2," "Coming to America," and its sequel "Coming 2 America," where he reprised his role as Cleo McDowell. Amos was also recognized for his work as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on "The West Wing."

In recent years, he continued to showcase his talent, appearing in series like "Two and a Half Men," "The Ranch," and "The Righteous Gemstones." Earlier this year, he joined the cast of the "Suits" spinoff, "Suits L.A.," marking a unique opportunity to portray himself on screen.

Beyond acting, Amos had a background in sports, having briefly played for the Kansas City Chiefs and attended Colorado State University.

John Amos leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances and cherished memories in the hearts of fans worldwide.

John Amos, Iconic Actor of 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' Passes Away at 84