John Amos, the actor who became an iconic representation of strong Black father figures on American television, has died at the age of 84. Amos passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, though his death was not publicly announced until today by his son, Kelly Christopher Amos.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Kelly Christopher said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life, and his legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film.”
Amos’ career spanned more than five decades, beginning in 1970 with his portrayal of Gordy Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He gained widespread fame for his role as James Evans Sr., the steadfast patriarch on the CBS sitcom Good Times (1974-76), a show that depicted the struggles of an African-American family living in a Chicago housing project. His performance was praised for highlighting the strength and resilience of Black fathers during an era when such portrayals were rare on mainstream television.
However, the set of Good Times was often turbulent. Amos and co-star Esther Rolle (Florida Evans) vocally criticized the growing focus on the character J.J. (played by Jimmie Walker), whose antics they felt undermined the show’s family-centric message. This creative conflict led to Amos’ dismissal after three seasons, with his character famously killed off in a dramatic storyline.
Amos quickly rebounded, securing the role of Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots (1977), a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination and cemented his status as a serious actor. Amos continued to work steadily in television, appearing in The West Wing, All About the Andersons, Two and a Half Men, and The Ranch, among many others. His final TV appearance was in Suits LA, where he played himself.
Beyond television, Amos made memorable appearances in films such as Coming to America (1988) and Die Hard 2 (1990), and his last film appearance was in Me Tyme (2022). He also pursued a successful stage career, most notably in his one-man show Halley’s Comet, a meditation on life and mortality.
In recent years, Amos worked with his son to co-produce the documentary America’s Dad, which reflected on his career and celebrated his legacy.
Amos is survived by his son Kelly Christopher and daughter Shannon. He leaves behind a powerful legacy as an actor, producer, and advocate for positive portrayals of African Americans in the entertainment industry.
