Renowned actor John Amos, celebrated for his transformative roles in both television and film, died on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84.
Amos, whose career in the entertainment industry spanned over half a century, made lasting impressions with his performances. His son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, confirmed that the actor died from natural causes in Los Angeles, California.
Amos first started gaining recognition in the early 1970s with his role as Gordon “Gordy” Howard, a weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” His career took a leap forward when he was chosen to play James Evans Sr. on “Good Times,” a CBS sitcom that ran from 1974 to 1979 and was notable for its portrayal of a working-class Black family.
Differences over the show’s creative direction led to Amos leaving in 1976. Amos had been advocating for the series to address realistic issues and had often stated in interviews that he would not stay on a show that did not reflect life as it truly is.
The actor’s most significant role surfaced in 1977 when he played the adult Kunta Kinte in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots,” which became one of the highest-watched television events ever. Over 130 million people watched the finale, and Amos’ performance brought him widespread recognition. Speaking on the success of “Roots,” Amos once stated, “You don’t anticipate that kind of success because that’s dreaming and that’s one thing actors can’t afford to do. We’ve got to deal in reality.”
Amos continued to have a successful career in the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in popular TV shows such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The West Wing.” He also made a significant impact on the big screen, most notably in his portrayal of Cleo McDowell in Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America” in 1988 and its 2021 sequel.
In addition to his acting career, Amos led a diverse life. He played football at Colorado State University and had brief tenures in the NFL before transitioning to television writing and acting. Throughout his career, Amos developed his own projects, including the one-man play “Halley’s Comet.” His commitment to positive representation was evident in his choices, as he often declined roles that he believed perpetuated negative stereotypes.
In his later years, Amos remained engaged in the industry, making appearances in shows like “The Righteous Gemstones.” At the time of his death, he was also working on a documentary about his life and career, “America’s Dad.”
Amos’ son, K.C., remembered his father as a man of immense kindness and generosity. He emphasized his father’s enduring legacy through his significant contributions to television and film, and how he was loved by many fans as a cherished on-screen persona. K.C. stated that his father’s love for acting extended throughout his entire life, and his influence, both personally and professionally, would continue to resonate for years to come.
