John Amos

2024 - 10 - 1

John Amos: The Legendary Actor Who Gave Us 'Good Times' (and a Good Cry)

john amos death African American Television History - Good Times - John Amos - Representation in Media - Roots - The Mary Tyler Moore Show - john amos death

Farewell to John Amos: The 'Good Times' patriarch who shaped TV history is gone, but his legacy lives on!

We mourn the loss of John Amos, the unforgettable star who brought heart and humor to our screens, best known for his roles as the stoic father in the iconic sitcom 'Good Times' and the unforgettable Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries 'Roots.' Amos passed away at the age of 84 on August 21, 2023, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a rich legacy that shaped the face of television and inspired countless actors and audiences alike. With an Emmy nomination to his name and a career spanning over 50 years, his impact on the entertainment industry is truly remarkable.

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos began his career as a football player before diving into acting. He gained nationwide recognition as James Evans, Sr. on 'Good Times', a show that highlighted the struggles and successes of a Black family living in Chicago during the 1970s. The series, produced by the legendary Norman Lear, was among the first to depict Black life in a comedic yet realistic manner. Amos’s portrayal became a touchstone for parental figures on television, blending warmth with the challenges of raising a family in a difficult environment.

Amos also played a pivotal role in the miniseries 'Roots', which aired in 1977 and chronicled the historical journey of Kunta Kinte, a character based on the author Alex Haley's own family. Not only did 'Roots' earn numerous awards and accolades, but it also left an indelible mark on American culture by sparking conversations about race, identity, and history. John Amos’s moving performance as Kunta Kinte's father showcased not only the physical strength of a man fighting for his family but also the emotional depth of connection that carried through generations.

As we reflect on the life of John Amos, we can't forget the lighter side of his career, including his role in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' as Gordon, a restaurant owner, and his comedic appearances in films like 'Coming to America'. He was not just a serious actor; his talent spanned across genres—showing us that no matter the role, he delivered authenticity and grace. Moreover, Amos had a stint as a successful fast-food entrepreneur, proving that sometimes your passions go beyond the screen. Did you know that 'Good Times' was one of the first sitcoms to address social issues such as poverty, racism, and drug abuse? More importantly, its unforgettable theme song, 'Movin' on Up,' became an anthem of hope and perseverance that still resonates today. John Amos leaves us with the gift of laughter, reflection, and the cherished memories of a television era that shaped so much of our collective consciousness.

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Image courtesy of "Public Radio Tulsa"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (Public Radio Tulsa)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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Image courtesy of "Hollywood Reporter"

John Amos, 'Good Times' Dad, Dies at 84 (Hollywood Reporter)

John Amos, who starred as the stoic father on 'Good Times,' on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and on 'Roots,' has died.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

John Amos Dead: Good Times Dad, Roots and Mary Tyler Moore ... (Variety)

John Amos, the star of "Good Times," "Roots" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 84.

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

John Amos, veteran actor of 'Roots' and 'Good Times' fame, dies at 84 (NBC News)

Actor John Amos, whose long career included a wide range of iconic roles in works such as "Roots," "Good Times" and "The West Wing," died last month, ...

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

John Amos Dies: 'Good Times', 'Roots' Actor Was 84 (Deadline)

John Amos, the actor whose characters in Good Times, Roots and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, died August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes at age 84.

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

John Amos, patriarch on 'Good Times' and Emmy nominee for 'Roots ... (The Associated Press)

John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

John Amos, "Roots" and "Good Times" actor, dies at 84 (CBS News)

John Amos was best known for his roles in "Roots" and the 1970s sitcom "Good Times."

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

John Amos, actor in groundbreaking TV roles, dies at 84 (The Washington Post)

He played the stoic patriarch in “Good Times” and the adult Kunta Kinte in the miniseries “Roots.” He was also a fast-food entrepreneur in “Coming to ...

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Image courtesy of "WPPB"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 | News ... (WPPB)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

John Amos, 'Good Times' and 'Roots' Actor, Dead at 84 (Rolling Stone)

Amos played James Evans Sr. on CBS's Good Times — the groundbreaking TV sitcom produced by Norman Lear focused on a Black family — during the series' first ...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

John Amos, 'Good Times' and 'Roots' Star, Dies At 84 (Forbes)

John Amos, who rose to fame as the father in sitcom "Good Times," has died at the age of 84.

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Image courtesy of "The Seattle Times"

John Amos, patriarch on 'Good Times' and an Emmy nominee for the ... (The Seattle Times)

John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the 1977 miniseries “Roots,” has ...

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

John Amos, iconic screen actor from 'Good Times' to 'Roots' to 'The ... (PBS NewsHour)

Many fans consider him their TV father,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

John Amos, a Star of 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' Is Dead at 84 (The New York Times)

He was the patriarch in one of the first sitcoms with an all-Black cast and an enslaved African as a grown man in the blockbuster TV mini-series.

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Image courtesy of "KUAR"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (KUAR)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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Image courtesy of "92.5 XTU"

John Amos, Star Of 'Good Times' And 'Roots,' Dies At 84 (92.5 XTU)

John Amos, beloved actor from Good Times, Roots, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, passed away at 84 on August 21, his son announced.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

John Amos: Roots, Good Times and The West Wing actor remembered (BBC News)

John Amos starred in landmark drama Roots and was fired from sitcom Good Times after rows over scripts.

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Image courtesy of "Colorado Public Radio"

John Amos, patriarch on 'Good Times' and Emmy nominee for 'Roots ... (Colorado Public Radio)

Updated at 9:41 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2024. The actor John Amos has died. Amos lived in Colorado on and off throughout his life. He played football for the Colorado ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

John Amos' daughter says she learned of his death through the media (CNN)

Actor John Amos died in August, but his daughter has revealed she only learned about it when his passing was reported by the media on October 1.

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Image courtesy of "Famuan"

John Amos, “Good Times” Dad and Emmy nominee, dies at 84 (Famuan)

John Amos, a beloved figure in the world of television and a well-known name in Black households, passed away on Aug 21 in Los Angeles due to natural causes ...

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Image courtesy of "NorthJersey.com"

John Amos, New Jersey-born star of 'Roots' and 'Good Times,' has ... (NorthJersey.com)

John Amos, the imposing actor who became a monumental figure of endurance in the classic 1977 miniseries "Roots," has died. He was 84.

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Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

John Amos' Daughter Learned of Actor's August Death Through the ... (Rolling Stone)

John Amos' daughter revealed that she learned about her father's death at the same time as the public Tuesday, even though the actor died in August.

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Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

John Amos Was Solid as a Rock (Rolling Stone)

From playing dads in 'Good Times' and 'Coming to America' to Kunta Kinte in 'Roots,' the actor brought warmth, humor, and integrity.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (NPR)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

John Amos Daughter Says She Learned Of Father's August 21 ... (Deadline)

UPDATE, with death certificate report: The daughter of the late actor John Amos says she was "without words" when learning through media reports this week ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

What John Amos taught me about having – and being – a father (NPR)

Amos, who played James Evans Sr. in the 1970s sitcom Good Times, showed TV critic Eric Deggans what it was like to have a concerned, ethical father at home.

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