John Amos, best known for his roles in “Roots,” “Good Times,” and “Coming to America,” passed away on August 21, 2023, at age 84 from natural causes. His publicist confirmed the news, highlighting Amos’s significant legacy in both television and film, particularly in advocating for positive African American representation.
Amos’s son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared a heartfelt tribute, describing his father as “my best friend, and my hero,” noting his kind heart and enduring impact. He mentioned that many fans considered John their “TV father,” and his legacy would live on through his exceptional body of work.
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos had a career spanning over five decades. Initially pursuing football, he later transitioned to acting, earning widespread recognition for his role as James Evans on Good Times, where he portrayed a strong, loving father.
Amos’s other notable roles included playing Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and portraying Kunta Kinte in the iconic series Roots. He also starred in films like Coming to America and its sequel, Coming 2 America, cementing his place in Hollywood history.
