Emmy-nominated actor John Amos, renowned for his iconic roles in television, has died at the age of 84.
According to TVLine, Amos passed away on August 21 due to natural causes. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter, expressing his heartfelt sadness at his father's transition.
John Amos gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of James Evans, the family patriarch in Norman Lear's groundbreaking sitcom "Good Times."
The show made history as television's first African American two-parent family sitcom, cementing Amos's place in the annals of TV history.
Amos's television career began with a notable role as weatherman Gordy Howard on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," where he appeared in 13 episodes across the show's seven-season run. This early success paved the way for his future iconic roles.
In 1974, Amos made his debut as Henry Evans, husband to Esther Rolle's Florida Evans, in the "All in the Family" spinoff "Maude." The following TV season saw the creation of "Good Times," where Amos's character was renamed James Evans.
However, Amos's time on "Good Times" was cut short after the third season due to disagreements with executive producer Norman Lear. His character was subsequently killed off in a car accident at the beginning of Season 4.
Following his departure from "Good Times," Amos took on the role of the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries "Roots." His powerful performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series.
Amos's career continued to flourish with roles in various TV shows and films. He portrayed Mayor Ethan Baker on CBS's "The District" and had a recurring role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Percy "Fitz" Fitzwallace, on NBC's "The West Wing."
Kelly Christopher Amos shared a touching tribute to his father:
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.
Beyond television, Amos made significant contributions to cinema with memorable roles in films such as "Coming to America" and "Die Hard 2." His versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles.
In his later years, Amos reunited with Norman Lear for the short-lived '90s sitcom "704 Hauser," set in the world of "All in the Family." Their final collaboration came in 2019 with ABC's "Live in Front of a Studio Audience."
John Amos's passing marks the end of an era in television history. His portrayal of James Evans on "Good Times" left an indelible mark on audiences, with many considering him their TV father. Amos's contributions to groundbreaking shows like "Roots" and his ability to excel in both comedy and drama solidified his status as a versatile and respected actor in the entertainment industry.
