John Amos, best known for his roles as James Evans Sr. on the iconic sitcom Good Times and Kunta Kinte in the miniseries Roots, has passed away at the age of 84. Amos died on August 21, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles, with his son Kelly Christopher Amos confirming the news through heartfelt statements about his father’s legacy and impact as both actor and father.
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos originally pursued professional football, joining the Denver Broncos as a free agent. Unfortunately, due to injury, he left the team soon after. Amos then transitioned to acting, where he found his calling, beginning with the role of Gordy Howard, the weatherman, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
His career skyrocketed when he was cast as James Evans Sr. on Good Times, which debuted on CBS in 1974. This landmark sitcom was notable for being one of the first to focus on an African American family with both parents present. The show depicted the struggles and triumphs of the Evans family living in the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago and addressed serious issues like poverty and racism with humor and tenderness.
Despite its popularity, Amos left Good Times after its third season due to disagreements over the show's direction, particularly with how the character of J.J. (played by Jimmie Walker) was being portrayed. Amos felt the character leaned too heavily on stereotypical comedic elements and missed the opportunity to portray more serious aspirations of his children’s characters. "We had a number of differences," he explained later. "I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. ... But I wasn’t the most diplomatic guy in those days, and [the show’s producers] got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes." To resolve the tensions, the writers decided to kill off James Evans Sr. at the start of the fourth season.
Although Amos’s departure marked the end of the parental figure’s narrative strength on the show, Good Times continued for another three seasons. Today, many still reminisce about Amos's impact on the family dynamic and the foundation he provided within the show.
Following his departure from Good Times, Amos's career continued to flourish. He received recognition for his role as the older version of Kunta Kinte on the acclaimed miniseries Roots, which aired in 1977. The miniseries was groundbreaking, exploring the history of slavery from the time of the protagonist's capture to after the Civil War. The final episode reached more than 130 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television events of all time.
Over the decades, Amos's acting repertoire expanded, including notable guest roles and appearances on various TV shows like All About the Andersons, The West Wing, and Two and A Half Men. His film career included significant works like Coming to America, where he played the manager of McDowell's, and its sequel Coming 2 America. He also appeared in films such as Die Hard 2, The Beastmaster, and Lock Up.
Besides acting, Amos also ventured behind the camera, producing and starring in various stage productions, including his one-man play Halley's Comet. His contribution to theater was marked by his performance on Broadway, particularly in Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson.
During his life, Amos was quite active and continued to work on projects even as he aged. His most recent projects included unreleased shows and documentaries, including one titled America's Dad, which showcases his life and career. Reports of his passing prompted emotional tributes from friends and fans alike, many referring to him as their 'TV father'.
For many, Amos represented the ultimate father figure—strong, compassionate, and fundamentally human, embodying the challenges and triumphs of African Americans through his roles. His son honored him by stating, “He was loved the world over. Many fans considered him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on.”
John Amos's contributions to television and theater left indelible marks on audiences who grew up watching him during pivotal years of changing cultural dynamics. He not only entertained but also educated through his characters, laying the groundwork for future generations of black actors and television shows.
Julia Buchwald, president of the talent agency representing Amos, expressed her grief stating, “We are so proud to have represented John. He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul.”
John Amos's passing marks the end of a significant chapter not just for his family but for the countless viewers who cherished his performances. The television and film industry may have lost one of its finest, but the 'TV dad' of many continues to live on through the art he created—an enduring legacy conformed not by endings, but enriched by the memories forged during his time.