An iconic sitcom star passed away at the age of eighty-four, and his son recalled his “heart of gold.” John Amos, who was well-known for his parts in the movies Good Times, Coming to America, and Roots, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, in Los Angeles from natural causes, according to his son Kelly Christopher Amos. “I am sorry to inform you that my father has undergone a transition. He was a man of the purest kindness and the purest heart. And he was adored everywhere. He is regarded as their TV father by many admirers. He had a happy life. His exceptional acting performances in movies and television will carry on his legacy, the actor stated in a statement.
“My dad was an actor and he enjoyed it for his whole life. Most recently, he starred in our documentary, America’s Dad, on his life experience as an actor, and in Suits LA as himself. He was not just my hero but also my best friend and dad. I appreciate your prayers and current support. John was born in New Jersey in 1939, and he first focused on becoming successful in sports rather than acting. He tried out for teams in the American Football League, such as the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs, after playing football at Colorado State University.
But John quickly rose to prominence on television when he was cast as weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1973. Following his stint on the show, he was cast in other episodes of Sanford and Son, Love, American Style, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, and others. He also portrayed James Evans Sr. in Good Times and an aged Kunta Kinte in the 1977 miniseries Roots during his tenure on TV. The program was a spin-off of Maude and focused on Florida Evans, her husband James, and their family.
Following the tragic news, admirers paid tribute to the gifted actor on social media. “John Amos, my companion. John Amos, who paved the way for a great deal of us. One person on X wrote, “Thank you John for coming this way, Kunta Kinte.”
“John Amos, RIP He originally appeared in the TV miniseries “Roots.” I can not lie, his performance left a lasting impression on me,” another person said. “DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!” is accurate… God bless you, John Amos. I appreciate everything that you have done. You are going to be sincerely missed,” said a third.