CELEBRITIES
John Amos’ death announced: when did the actor die? Cause of death revealed
Whether it was the caring father in Coming to America, or his roles in Good Times and Roots, Amos had an unforgettable face and voice.
John Amos, beloved actor known for his standout roles in television classics such as Good Times and Roots, passed away on August 21 at the age of 84. His representative confirmed that the cause of death was natural causes, bringing an end to a life that left an indelible mark on both Hollywood and American culture. Amos died in Los Angeles, a city where his acting career had flourished for decades, and tributes immediately started to pour in.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, shared the news with the world, reflecting on his father’s legacy. In a heartfelt statement, Kelly called Amos a man with “the kindest heart and a heart of gold,” noting that his father’s legacy would live on through his numerous contributions to television and film. Amos was affectionately known as “America’s Dad,” a nickname that rang true given his role as a father figure not only to his family but to millions of fans who admired him on screen.
Remembering Amos’ Good Times
One of Amos’ most iconic roles was James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom Good Times. Premiering in 1974, the show followed the lives of an African American family living in a Chicago housing project and was the first on television to focus on a two-parent African American household. Amos’ portrayal of the hardworking and steadfast father resonated with viewers, making his character one of the most beloved in television history.
However, after three seasons, creative differences led to Amos’ departure from the show. He was fired over disagreements about the direction of the show and the portrayal of his character’s son, J.J., which led to his character being killed off.
Amos: leaving his Roots and Coming to America
Amos further solidified his place in television history with his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries Roots, which aired in 1977. His portrayal of the enslaved African who fought for his freedom left a profound impact on viewers and earned him an Emmy nomination. And Hollywood came calling as he dived into characters featuring in Coming to America, alongside Eddie Murphy, and Die Hard 2, with Bruce Willis, among others, showing his range as an actor. His work extended to the stage as well, with a memorable one-man play, Halley’s Comet, and appearances on Broadway in August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean.
What some fans of Amos’ acting career don’t know, however, is that he was previously somewhat of a sportsman. He played college football at Colorado State University and was even with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967, albeit for the offseason.