John Amos, the talented television actor recognized for his performances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, The West Wing, and Roots, has passed away at the age of 84.
His family shared that Amos died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home on August 21, but the announcement was only made public today.
“With deep sadness, I announce that my father has transitioned,” his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a man with an incredibly kind heart and a golden spirit… loved by people everywhere. Many fans regarded him as their TV father.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued a career in football, playing in the Continental Football League and the Atlantic Coast Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964 but was released before the season due to an injury.
His acting career, however, proved more successful. He gained recognition as weatherman Gordy Howard on the popular sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a role he held from 1970 to 1973.
Amos is best remembered for his portrayal of James Evans, the father in the classic sitcom Good Times. At just 34 years old when he was cast, he convincingly depicted a hardworking father of three living in a low-income housing project.
The show was lauded for its exploration of significant issues like poverty and racism. However, as the series progressed, Amos had disagreements with the writers and producers regarding the portrayal of Black families and the show’s shift toward broader comedic themes. After season 3, he was let go, and his character met his end in a car accident.
Shortly thereafter, Amos took on another defining role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination.
He is also known for his role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the political drama The West Wing. Additionally, he had recurring roles in Two and a Half Men and The Ranch.
Among his notable film credits are Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Die Hard 2, Coming to America, and its sequel.
“He led a fulfilling life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable contributions to television and film,” his son expressed in the statement. “My father cherished his work as an actor throughout his life.”
“He was my father, my closest friend, and my hero. I appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time.”
Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming shares heartbreaking video of him after his dementia diagnosis
Actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia, which impairs communication. His family revealed his condition has progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). “Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis,” his daughter, Rumer Willis, posted. Willis’s wife, Emma Heming, collaborates with a dementia specialist to ensure the best care.
“My grief can be paralyzing, but I’m learning how to live alongside it. As my step-daughter [Scout Willis] told me, grief is the deepest and purest form of love.” Emma shared a cherished memory on Instagram of Willis praising her just a year ago, writing, “What’s this new Memory thingy on IG!? Omg, my biggest fan. I’m in love with him.” Before his diagnosis was public, co-workers noticed his struggles. A crew member from “White Elephant” remarked, “He was just being puppeted.” Bruce Willis’s journey with FTD highlights the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases, navigated with love and support.
Leave a Reply