John Amos

2024 - 10 - 2

Goodbye to the TV Dad We All Loved: John Amos Passes at 84

American miniseries - Black sitcoms - Family values - Good Times - Iconic TV fathers - John Amos - Roots - Television history

The beloved star of 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' John Amos, has passed away at the age of 84. Let's celebrate his life and legacy!

In a heart-wrenching loss for many, iconic actor John Amos, best known for his roles in the legendary sitcom 'Good Times' and the groundbreaking miniseries 'Roots,' passed away on August 21 at 84 years old. Amos not only captivated audiences with his exquisite talent but also served as a cornerstone of family characters in television, bringing to life relatable struggles and triumphs that resonated across generations. His role as James Evans in 'Good Times' left a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing a father's strength, dedication, and sometimes humorous attempts to navigate life in Chicago's inner city during the 1970s.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos had a colorful career that spanned decades, with performances that stretched from the stage to film and television. His portrayal of Kunta Kinte in 'Roots' earned him an Emmy nomination and significant acclaim, allowing him to break barriers as he brought history to life through storytelling. Fans remember him not just for his talents, but also for his genuine character and fondly recall, through his son Kelly Christopher Amos's statement, how many considered him a second father figure in their homes.

John's ability to weave humor and depth throughout his performances made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Even after his time on 'Good Times,' he remained a sought-after actor, appearing in notable shows like 'The West Wing' and The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in a changing television landscape. As his characters grappled with pressing societal issues, John often found innovative, yet relatable, ways to discuss culture and family dynamics, earning deep respect from fans and peers alike.

In addition to his illustrious career on screen, John Amos was an advocate for the importance of storytelling that reflects the realities of black families in America. Despite his departure from the physical world, his legacy continues through the countless lives he touched, both on and off screen. It's fascinating to note that his incredible talent led him to partake in an episode of 'The Cosby Show,' bridging iconic eras of television. One cannot overlook how John has forever carved a space in our hearts as the dad we all wished we had. His tremendous impact on television remains an inspiring legacy that will influence future generations of actors and storytellers alike.

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Image courtesy of "Public Radio Tulsa"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (Public Radio Tulsa)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

John Amos, father in groundbreaking sitcom Good Times, dies at 84 (The Guardian)

The TV patriarch, who also played the older Kunta Kinte on the mini-series Roots, died on 21 August, according to a statement from his son.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

John Amos, "Roots" and "Good Times" actor, dies at 84 (CBS News)

John Amos was best known for his roles in "Roots" and the 1970s sitcom "Good Times."

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

John Amos, veteran actor of 'Roots' and 'Good Times' fame, dies at 84 (NBC News)

Actor John Amos, whose long career included a range of iconic roles in such works as "Roots," "Good Times" and "The West Wing," died in August, ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

John Amos Dead: Good Times Dad, Roots and Mary Tyler Moore ... (Variety)

John Amos, the star of "Good Times," "Roots" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 84.

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Image courtesy of "Hollywood Reporter"

John Amos, 'Good Times' Dad, Dies at 84 (Hollywood Reporter)

John Amos, who starred as the stoic father on 'Good Times,' on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and on 'Roots,' has died.

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

John Amos, iconic screen actor from 'Good Times' to 'Roots' to 'The ... (PBS NewsHour)

Many fans consider him their TV father,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement.

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Image courtesy of "KUAR"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (KUAR)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

John Amos, star of 1970s TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (Reuters)

John Amos, the U.S. football player turned actor who was acclaimed for his roles in the 1970s TV series “Good Times” as well as the miniseries “Roots,” died ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

John Amos, a Star of 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' Is Dead at 84 (The New York Times)

He was the patriarch in one of the first sitcoms with an all-Black cast and an enslaved African in the American South in the blockbuster TV mini-series.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

John Amos: Roots, Good Times and The West Wing actor remembered (BBC News)

John Amos starred in landmark drama Roots and was fired from sitcom Good Times after rows over scripts.

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Image courtesy of "Famuan"

John Amos, “Good Times” Dad and Emmy nominee, dies at 84 (Famuan)

John Amos, a beloved figure in the world of television and a well-known name in Black households, passed away on Aug 21 in Los Angeles due to natural causes ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

John Amos' daughter says she learned of his death through the media (CNN)

Actor John Amos died in August, but his daughter has revealed she only learned about it when his passing was reported by the media on October 1.

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Image courtesy of "Africanews English"

John Amos, Emmy nominee for the blockbuster 'Roots,' dies at 84 ... (Africanews English)

Born John Allen Amos Jr. on Dec. 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, he graduated from Colorado State University with a sociology degree and played on the ...

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

John Amos's Daughter, Shannon, Didn't Know He Died (Vulture)

John Amos's daughter, Shannon, learned about her father's death through the media, following years of bitter fights with her brother, K.C., ...

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

John Amos Daughter Says She Learned Of Father's August 21 ... (Deadline)

UPDATE, with death certificate report: The daughter of the late actor John Amos says she was "without words" when learning through media reports this week ...

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Image courtesy of "Boise State Public Radio"

What John Amos taught me about having – and being – a father (Boise State Public Radio)

Amos, who played James Evans Sr. in the 1970s sitcom Good Times, showed TV critic Eric Deggans what it was like to have a concerned, ethical father at home.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

What John Amos taught me about having – and being – a father (NPR)

Amos, who played James Evans Sr. in the 1970s sitcom Good Times, showed TV critic Eric Deggans what it was like to have a concerned, ethical father at home.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

John Amos remembered by Al Roker, 'West Wing' co-stars: 'This one ... (USA TODAY)

Hollywood is mourning the loss of John Amos, the trailblazing star of "Good Times" and "Roots."

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Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

John Amos Was Solid as a Rock (Rolling Stone)

From playing dads in 'Good Times' and 'Coming to America' to Kunta Kinte in 'Roots,' the actor brought warmth, humor, and integrity.

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Image courtesy of "KUAR"

What John Amos taught me about having — and being — a father (KUAR)

Amos, who played James Evans Sr. in the 1970s sitcom Good Times, showed TV critic Eric Deggans what it was like to have a concerned, ethical father at home.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NPR"

John Amos, star of TV's 'Good Times' and 'Roots,' dies at 84 (NPR)

Amos starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots."

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