Emmy-nominated actor, John Amos, has died, according to reports.
John died on Wednesday, August 21, in Los Angeles, California due to natural causes, his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced. In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Kelly Christopher said: “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.”
John was known for his role as James Evans, Sr. on Good Times. He was fired from the sitcom after three seasons.
The actor was born on December 27, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey. John wanted to be a football player and signed as a free agent with the American Football League’s Denver Broncos in 1964. Due to hamstring injury, John could not run 40 yards and was released on the second day of training camp. He did not give up and played with the Canton Bulldogs and Joliet Explorers of the United Football League.
John Amos was known for his role on Good Times
He got his start on his acting career on the small screen, when he landed a job to play WJN-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He was then nominated for an Emmy Award in 1977 for portraying the older version of Kunta Kinte on ABC’s miniseries Roots. He also had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, the chairman of Joint Chief of Staff, on NBC’s West Wing.
John then started booking bigger roles for the silver screen. In 1988, he played Cleo McDowell, the fast-food restaurant owner in Coming to America, which starred Eddie Murphy. John later reprised the role in Coming 2 America in 2021. John’s last film appearance was in Me Time in 2022. The actor decided to also take a producing role in his documentary, America’s Dad, which Kelly Christopher also co-produced.
The actor also appeared on 1990’s Die Had 2, 1990’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 1998’s The Players Clubs and more. John’s legacy will be remembered by Kelly Christopher and daughter, Shannon, who he shares with ex-wife, Noel Mickelson.
