According to Deadline, Good Times’ actor John Amos (Coming to America, Me Time) has died at 84. He died of natural causes in Los Angeles. Amos passed away on August 21, but his death was announced today.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” son Kelly Christopher Amos shared in a statement. “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. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life…. most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
Amos first appeared on the screen in the 70s as The Mary Tyler Moore Show weatherman Gordy Howard. The recurring role established his raw comedic talent, which landed him the role of James Evan Sr. on the CBS network Good Times. His career has expanded for over five decades.
Before the Good Times spin-off, there was Maude and before Maude, it was the original All in the Family. Good Times follows Florida Evans, played by Esther Rolle (Down in the Delta, Rosewood), a housekeeper for the Maude family who moves from Upstate New York to the projects in Chicago. Amos acted as Florida’s husband, John, who was hardworking, as they attempted to raise their three children: JJ, Thelma and Michael (Oldest to youngest). JJ is portrayed by Jimmie Walker (Let’s Do It Again, Scrubs). Thelma is portrayed by Bern Nadette Stanis (A Christmas Blessing, The Engagement). Michael is portrayed by Ralph Carter (Broadway Damage, The Groomsmen).
The show was immediately enjoyed by both critics and the audience and landed a spot in Norman Lear’s (The Princess Bride, The Jeffersons) 1970s sitcom lineup. However, there were major setbacks and controversy behind the scenes. Rolle and Amos objected to the show’s direction to focus on JJ, as his character portrays negative Black stereotypes. Therefore, the attention will drift from a family-focused show like the creators originally intended it to be.
This controversy led to Lear firing Amos and killing off his character.
The actor made a comeback, taking on the role of Kunta Kinte on the show Roots in 1977, for which he received an Emmy nomination for his character on the show.
His roles in Good Times and Roots solidified his career in portraying strong Black characters.
Other TV shows Amos appeared in are Two and a Half Men, The West Wing, Suits L.A., The Ranch and All About The Andersons. He received several award nominations and an Emmy nomination for Roots, including a TV Land Award for Good Times. According to his son, Amos advocated for the African American community and always wanted to create representation and diversity for his community.
Before his career, he served as a member of the New Jersey State National Park. He was on a college football team when he attended Colorado State University and had a brief moment with the Kansas City Chiefs.
His legacy continues with his children Kelly Christopher “K.C.” and Shannon Amos.