John Amos, the Emmy-nominated actor known for his roles on ABC’s groundbreaking miniseries ” Roots” and ”Good Times” has died. He was 84.
The veteran actor died on August 21 in Los Angeles. However, no reason was given as to why his death was just being reported.
Making the announcement on Tuesday, his son, Kelly Christopher (KC) Amos said, “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold and he was loved the world over.”
“Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life, most recently in ‘Suits: LA’ playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, ‘America’s Dad.’ He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
In 1988, he memorably starred in ”Coming to America” as Cleo McDowell, the father of Prince Akeem’s (Eddie Murphy) love interest and eventual life, and reprised the part in the 2021 sequel, ”Coming 2 America.”
Amos, who also starred as the older Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries, ”Roots” died of natural causes.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Amos’ first big role came in 1970, when he played weatherman Gordy Howard on CBS’ “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
Not long after, Amos landed perhaps the most iconic role of his career: patriarch James Evans Sr. on “Good Times,” the groundbreaking Norman Lear sitcom that ran from 1974 to 1979 and was a spinoff of “Maude.”
Amos showed off his dramatic chops in 1977 by playing Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries “Roots.” The role earned him an Emmy nomination.
Over the course of his five-decade career, Amos turned in dozens of other performances, from Major Grant in “Die Hard 2” to Cleo McDowell in the Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming to America.” He reprised the latter character in the 2021 sequel, “Coming 2 America”.
He is survived by his son, K.C., and daughter, Shannon Amos.
