John Amos obit

John Amos Dies: ‘Good Times’, ‘Roots’ Actor Was 84

 

He was not on the list.

John Amos, the actor whose characters in Good Times, Roots and The Mary Tyler Moore Show lent the 1970s a solid share of its too-few portrayals of strong Black male role models, died August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 84.

His death, announced by son Kelly Christopher Amos, had not been disclosed until today.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement. “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.”

Amos’ career spanned over five decades, taking off in 1970 when he played Gordy Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The recurring role showcased a natural comedic deadpan talent, and led to his signature role of James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking Norman Lear-CBS sitcom Good Times (1974–76).

A spinoff of Lear’s Maude, which itself was a spinoff of his All in the Family, Good Times centered on the family of Maude’s housekeeper character Florida Evans (Esther Rolle, relocating the character from Maude’s Upstate New York to the Chicago housing projects). Amos played Florida’s hardworking, if often underemployed, husband John. Together, they struggled to raise three kids in the tough South Side neighborhood: eldest son JJ (Jimmie Walker), daughter Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis) and youngest Michael (Ralph Carter).

A major and immediate hit with viewers and critics alike, Good Times was a shining entry in Lear’s then-unrivaled 1970s sitcom lineup. But the show’s set was an often troubled one, with both Rolle and Amos increasingly and publicly objecting to the show’s focus drifting toward the clownish, but immensely popular, JJ. Both Rolle and Amos felt that the JJ character played into negative Black minstrel-show stereotypes, drawing attention away from the strong-family emphasis intended originally.

Amos, in particular, was unhappy with the shifting depiction of the family unit, a dissatisfaction he expressed often and loudly. Lear fired him at the end of the show’s third season in 1976, going so far as to kill off the character in one of the most controversial and hard-hitting sitcom episodes of the decade.

The actor, though, rebounded quickly. In 1977, Amos took on the role of Kunta Kinte in the critically acclaimed miniseries Roots, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination and solidified his status as a dramatic actor. As with his Good Times performance, the role further demonstrated Amos’ commitment to projects that presented strong Black characters.

Amos also appeared in other major television series such as All About the Andersons, The West Wing (as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace), Two and a Half Men, and The Ranch. His final television appearance came in Suits LA, where for the first time in his career he played himself.

In film, Amos appeared as Cleo McDowell, the fast-food restaurant owner in Coming to America (1988), and later reprised this role in Coming 2 America (2021). His other film roles include Major Grant in Die Hard 2 (1990), The Beastmaster (1982) and Lock Up (1989). His final film appearance was in Me Tyme (2022).

Amos took on a new role as a producer in his documentary America’s Dad, which he co-produced with his son, KC Amos. The film reflects on Amos’ life journey and the legacy he left behind, while celebrating the bond between father and son.

In addition to his work on screen, Amos enjoyed a successful stage career. He played a one-man show, Halley’s Comet, a reflection on life and mortality, in the U.S. and internationally.

Amos received numerous award nominations over his lifetime, including an Emmy nomination for his role in Roots and a TV Land Award for Good Times. His son describes him as an outspoken advocate for positive portrayals of African Americans in television and film, consistently striving to create more diverse and accurate representations of his community.

“We are so proud to have represented John. He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul. His impact on the industry and those who knew him will never be forgotten,” said Julia Buchwald, president of Buchwald.

Prior to his acting career, Amos served as a member of the New Jersey State National Guard. He played college football with Colorado State University followed by a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in the pre-merger AFL.

He is he survived by his son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos and daughter Shannon.

Actor

Devotion

Roger

Pre-production

 

Capture the Flag

Clinton

Pre-production

 

Suits: L.A.

John Amos

In ProductionTV Series

 

Pierce Brosnan in The Last Rifleman (2023)

The Last Rifleman

6.5

Lincoln Jefferson Adams

2023

 

Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Hart in Me Time (2022)

Me Time

5.1

Gil

2022

 

Margaret Avery, John Amos, Golden Brooks, Luenell, Faizon Love, Merle Dandridge, Charlyne Yi, and Antoinette Robertson in Block Party (2022)

Block Party

5.1

Dennis

2022

 

The Righteous Gemstones (2019)

The Righteous Gemstones

8.1

TV Series

Roddey Lissons

2022

1 episode

 

City Limits

City Limits

Urban

 

Christmas in Miami (2021)

Christmas in Miami

3.2

Chief Host

2021

 

John Amos, Peg O'Keef, Simon Needham, Erin Cline, Joop Katana, Ashley B. Jones, Joshua Wade, and Clint Robinson in Because of Charley (2021)

Because of Charley

6.4

Grandpa

2021

 

James Earl Jones, Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Arsenio Hall, John Amos, Paul Bates, Shari Headley, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Clint Smith, Akiley Love, Bella Murphy, Jermaine Fowler, Teyana Taylor, Rotimi, Nomzamo Mbatha, and KiKi Layne in Coming 2 America (2021)

Coming 2 America

5.3

Cleo McDowell

2021

 

The Truth About Santa Claus (2020)

The Truth About Santa Claus

6.6

2020

 

Tracy Morgan in The Last O.G. (2018)

The Last O.G.

7.0

TV Series

Uncle D

2020

1 episode

 

John Amos, Omar Gooding, Raven Goodwin, Janet Hubert, and DomiNque Perry in Christmas Belles (2019)

Christmas Belles

6.0

TV Movie

Pop Pop

2019

 

Dwayne Johnson in Ballers (2015)

Ballers

7.8

TV Series

Deacon Eller

2019

2 episodes

 

Adam Sandler, Mesfin Lamengo, Sun Zhi Hua-Hilton, and LaKeith Stanfield in Uncut Gems (2019)

Uncut Gems

7.4

Neighbor 33F

2019

 

Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell (2013)

Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell

7.8

TV Series

War (as John A. Amos)

2019

1 episode

 

Sam Elliott, Debra Winger, Ashton Kutcher, and Danny Masterson in The Ranch (2016)

The Ranch

7.5

TV Series

Ed

2016–2017

4 episodes

 

Hauntsville (2016)

Hauntsville

6.1

Mr. Kimball

2016

 

Nubbin & Friends (2015)

Nubbin & Friends

8.5

TV Series

Mr. Johnson

2016

1 episode

 

Judge Amos

TV Series

Judge Amos

2015

 

Tamales and Gumbo (2015)

Tamales and Gumbo

7.1

The Patron

2015

 

Now available @ Walmart.com and also available @ Amazon starting April 28th, 2015

Mercy for Angels

5.6

God

2015

 

Danny Glover, Danny Trejo, John Amos, and Loni Love in Bad Asses on the Bayou (2015)

Bad Asses on the Bayou

5.3

Video

Earl

2015

 

Act of Faith (2014)

Act of Faith

6.9

Brady

2014

 

Untitled Martin Lawrence Project

7.5

TV Movie

Captain Lorenzo

2012

 

The Bob Show

6.7

TV Series

2012

1 episode

 

NYC 22 (2012)

NYC 22

6.5

TV Series

Pappy Science

2012

1 episode

 

Denise Richards, Eugene Levy, Romeo Miller, and Tyler Perry in Madea's Witness Protection (2012)

Madea's Witness Protection

5.0

Pastor Nelson

2012

 

June Lockhart, Shelley Long, John Amos, Vanessa Evigan, Jason Mewes, Travis Wester, and Emmalee Wilson in Zombie Hamlet (2012)

Zombie Hamlet

4.6

Edgar Mortimer

2012

 

Shadow Hills

TV Movie

Mr. Sams

2011

 

Tom Lister Jr., Danny Trejo, Demetrius Navarro, Valente Rodriguez, and Erlinda Navarro in American Lowrider (2010)

American Lowrider

5.6

Slick

2010

 

Tim Roth in Lie to Me (2009)

Lie to Me

8.0

TV Series

Jim Weaver

2010

1 episode

 

Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, and Jack McBrayer in 30 Rock (2006)

30 Rock

8.3

TV Series

John Amos

2010

1 episode

 

Mark Feuerstein in Royal Pains (2009)

Royal Pains

7.2

TV Series

Harrison Phillips

2010

1 episode

 

Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, and Angus T. Jones in Two and a Half Men (2003)

Two and a Half Men

7.1

TV Series

Ed

2010

3 episodes

 

The Law

5.2

TV Movie

Charles

2009

 

Jason Lee, Jaime Pressly, Ethan Suplee, Eddie Steeples, and Nadine Velazquez in My Name Is Earl (2005)

My Name Is Earl

7.8

TV Series

Joe

2008

1 episode

 

Anne Heche in Men in Trees (2006)

Men in Trees

7.2

TV Series

Buzz Washington

2006–2008

27 episodes

 

Dulé Hill and James Roday Rodriguez in Psych (2006)

Psych

8.4

TV Series

Uncle Burton Guster

2007

1 episode

 

Ascension Day

8.3

Video

Henry

2007

 

Voodoo Moon (2006)

Voodoo Moon

4.0

TV Movie

Dutch

2006

 

Dr. Dolittle 3 (2006)

Dr. Dolittle 3

4.0

Video

Jud Jones

2006

 

Boy s tenyu (2005)

Boy s tenyu

5.8

Hill

2005

 

Aleksey Makarov, Egor Pazenko, Vyacheslav Razbegaev, and Ramil Sabitov in Lichnyy nomer (2004)

Lichnyy nomer

5.2

Admiral Melory

2004

 

Rob Lowe, Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Moira Kelly, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, and Bradley Whitford in The West Wing (1999)

The West Wing

8.9

TV Series

Percy Fitzwallace

1999–2004

22 episodes

 

John Amos, Anthony Anderson, Aimee Garcia, Roz Ryan, and Damani Roberts in All About the Andersons (2003)

All About the Andersons

6.6

TV Series

Joe Anderson

2003–2004

16 episodes

 

Anthony Anderson, Eddie Griffin, Michael Imperioli, and Method Man in My Baby's Daddy (2004)

My Baby's Daddy

4.5

Uncle Virgil

2004

 

John Amos, Red Grant, Corey Holcomb, and J.B. Smoove in The Watermelon Heist (2003)

The Watermelon Heist

4.0

Old Man Amos

2003

 

American Masters (1985)

American Masters

8.2

TV Series

Dr. Bledsoe

2002

1 episode

 

All Over Again (2001)

All Over Again

5.0

Coach Zeller

2001

 

The District (2000)

The District

7.2

TV Series

Mayor Ethan Baker

2000–2001

10 episodes

 

Wesley Snipes and Sanaa Lathan in Disappearing Acts (2000)

Disappearing Acts

6.3

TV Movie

Mr. Swift

2000

 

The Outer Limits (1995)

The Outer Limits

7.7

TV Series

Peter 'Yas' Yastrzemski

2000

1 episode

 

Tamera Mowry-Housley, Irma P. Hall, and Darius McCrary in Something to Sing About (2000)

Something to Sing About

7.1

TV Movie

Rev. Washington

2000

 

Sports Theater with Shaquille O'Neal (1996)

Sports Theater with Shaquille O'Neal

7.3

TV Series

1998

1 episode

 

Ice Cube, Monica Calhoun, Jamie Foxx, Bernie Mac, LisaRaye McCoy, and Chrystale Wilson in The Players Club (1998)

The Players Club

5.8

Freeman

1998

 

Kathy Najimy, Breckin Meyer, Brittany Murphy, Ashley Gardner, Beth Grant, Johnny Hardwick, Toby Huss, Jonathan Joss, Mike Judge, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, and Lauren Tom in King of the Hill (1997)

King of the Hill

7.5

TV Series

Glen Johnson (voice)

1998

1 episode

 

A Woman Like That

7.6

1997

 

The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda (1997)

The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda

7.3

TV Movie

Booker Hutch

1997

 

LL Cool J, Alfonso Ribeiro, Maia Campbell, and Kim Wayans in In the House (1995)

In the House

6.9

TV Series

Coach Sam Wilson

1995–1997

12 episodes

 

Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger (1993)

Walker, Texas Ranger

5.6

TV Series

Pastor Roscoe Jones

1997

1 episode

 

Martin Lawrence, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Thomas Mikal Ford, and Carl Anthony Payne II in Martin (1992)

Martin

7.5

TV Series

Sgt. Strawn

1997

1 episode

 

Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

7.9

TV Series

Fred Wilkes

1994–1995

3 episodes

 

Hologram Man (1995)

Hologram Man

4.3

Video

Wes Strickland

1995

 

James Woods, Lolita Davidovich, and Jason Alexander in For Better or Worse (1995)

For Better or Worse

4.8

Gray

1995

 

Roma Downey, John Dye, and Della Reese in Touched by an Angel (1994)

Touched by an Angel

6.0

TV Series

Sheriff James Mackey (as Jon Amos)

1995

1 episode

 

Murder Was the Case: The Movie (1995)

Murder Was the Case: The Movie

6.0

Video

Detective (segment "Natural Born Killaz")

1995

 

704 Hauser (1994)

704 Hauser

4.9

TV Mini Series

Ernie Cumberbatch

1994

6 episodes

 

Two Evil Eyes (1993)

Two Evil Eyes

6.7

Short

1993

 

Michael Ironside and Robert Davi in Night Trap (1993)

Night Trap

4.2

Capt. Hodges

1993

 

John Turturro, Michael Badalucco, and Carl Capotorto in Mac (1992)

Mac

6.2

Nat

1992

 

Without a Pass

6.4

Blue Berry

1991

 

Denzel Washington and John Lithgow in Ricochet (1991)

Ricochet

6.2

Reverend Styles

1991

 

Clippers (1991)

Clippers

6.4

TV Movie

Mel

1991

 

Bruce Willis in Die Hard 2 (1990)

Die Hard 2

7.1

Grant

1990

 

Two Evil Eyes (1990)

Two Evil Eyes

6.1

Det. Legrand (segment "The Black Cat")

1990

 

Lock Up (1989)

Lock Up

6.4

Meissner

1989

 

Johnny Staccato (1959)

Gideon Oliver

5.9

TV Series

Carl Manning

1989

1 episode

 

Lisa Bonet, Bill Cosby, Tempestt Bledsoe, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner in The Cosby Show (1984)

The Cosby Show

7.4

TV Series

Dr. Herbert

1988

1 episode

 

Eddie Murphy in Coming to America (1988)

Coming to America

7.1

Cleo McDowell

1988

 

Bonanza: The Next Generation (1988)

Bonanza: The Next Generation

5.6

TV Movie

Mr. Mack

1988

 

Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman in Beauty and the Beast (1987)

Beauty and the Beast

7.0

TV Series

Farrell

1988

1 episode

 

You Are the Jury (1984)

You Are the Jury

5.5

TV Series

Sergeant Harold Borman

1987

1 episode

 

Nick Mancuso in Stingray (1986)

Stingray

7.4

TV Series

Roy Jeffries

1987

1 episode

 

Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote (1984)

Murder, She Wrote

7.2

TV Series

Doc Penrose

1987

1 episode

 

Kristen Alderson, Kassie Wesley DePaiva, Erika Slezak, Trevor St. John, and John-Paul Lavoisier in One Life to Live (1968)

One Life to Live

6.9

TV Series

Bill Moore

1986

2 episodes

 

American Flyers (1985)

American Flyers

6.5

Dr. Conrad

1985

 

Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer in Hunter (1984)

Hunter

6.9

TV Series

Captain Dolan

1984–1985

13 episodes

 

Pernell Roberts in Trapper John, M.D. (1979)

Trapper John, M.D.

6.6

TV Series

Ins. Roland Hackett

1984

1 episode

 

Brian Keith and Daniel Hugh Kelly in Hardcastle and McCormick (1983)

Hardcastle and McCormick

6.6

TV Series

Albie Meadows

1984

1 episode

 

George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, and Dwight Schultz in The A-Team (1983)

The A-Team

7.5

TV Series

Rev. Taylor

1984

1 episode

 

Dance of the Dwarfs (1983)

Dance of the Dwarfs

3.9

Esteban

1983

 

Fred Grandy, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, Gavin MacLeod, and Lauren Tewes in The Love Boat (1977)

The Love Boat

6.3

TV Series

Duke Taylor

1983

1 episode

 

Insight (1960)

Insight

7.5

TV Series

Josh Cameron

1982

1 episode

 

The Beastmaster (1982)

The Beastmaster

6.2

Seth

1982

 

Johnny the Dog in Here's Boomer (1980)

Here's Boomer

6.5

TV Series

Charlie Foster

1981

1 episode

 

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980)

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story

7.0

TV Movie

Bumpy Johnson

1980

 

Touched by Love (1980)

Touched by Love

6.6

Tony

1980

 

Cleavon Little in Mr. Dugan (1979)

Mr. Dugan

TV Series

Rep. Dooley

1979

 

Willa (1979)

Willa

6.1

TV Movie

Virgil

1979

 

Ernest Borgnine, Natasha Ryan, and Michael Shannon in Cops and Robin (1978)

Cops and Robin

6.7

TV Movie

Officer Bill Bundy

1978

 

Future Cop (1976)

Future Cop

6.0

TV Series

Officer Bill Bundy

Bundy

Off. Bill Bundy

1976–1977

7 episodes

 

Edward Asner, Valerie Harper, and Mary Tyler Moore in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

8.3

TV Series

Gordy Howard

Weatherman Gordy

1970–1977

13 episodes

 

LeVar Burton, Louis Gossett Jr., John Amos, Maya Angelou, Thalmus Rasulala, Madge Sinclair, Leslie Uggams, and Ben Vereen in Roots (1977)

Roots

8.4

TV Mini Series

Older Kunta Kinte

Toby

1977

3 episodes

 

Robert Forster, David Birney, and Richard E. Kalk in Police Story (1973)

Police Story

7.5

TV Series

Walt Kyles

1976

1 episode

 

John Amos, Ralph Carter, Ja'net DuBois, Esther Rolle, BernNadette Stanis, and Jimmie 'JJ' Walker in Good Times (1974)

Good Times

7.4

TV Series

James Evans, Sr.

1974–1976

61 episodes

 

Let's Do It Again (1975)

Let's Do It Again

6.7

Kansas City Mack

1975

 

Bea Arthur in Maude (1972)

Maude

7.3

TV Series

Henry Evans

1973–1974

3 episodes

 

The President's Plane Is Missing (1973)

The President's Plane Is Missing

5.9

TV Movie

Marine Corporal (as Johnny Amos)

1973

 

Two's Company

TV Movie

Charlie Travis

1973

 

The World's Greatest Athlete (1973)

The World's Greatest Athlete

5.6

Coach Sam Archer

1973

 

Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson in Sanford and Son (1972)

Sanford and Son

7.9

TV Series

Luther

1973

1 episode

 

Keeping Up with the Joneses

7.0

TV Movie

1972

 

Love, American Style (1969)

Love, American Style

6.8

TV Series

(segment "Love and the Split-Up")

Bell Captain (segment "Love and the Hiccups")

1971–1972

2 episodes

 

The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1971)

The New Dick Van Dyke Show

6.6

TV Series

Mark Cooper

1972

1 episode

 

The Funny Side

6.8

TV Series

Minority Husband

1971

6 episodes

 

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971)

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

5.5

Biker (as Johnny Amos)

1971

 

Vanishing Point (1971)

Vanishing Point

7.2

Super Soul's Engineer (uncredited)

1971

 

The Tim Conway Comedy Hour (1970)

The Tim Conway Comedy Hour

7.3

TV Series

Various

1970

11 episodes

 

The Bill Cosby Show (1969)

The Bill Cosby Show

6.1

TV Series

1st Salesman (as Johnny Amos, credit only)

1970

1 episode

 

Writer

The Leslie Uggams Show (1969)

The Leslie Uggams Show

7.6

TV Series

Writer

1969

10 episodes

 

Producer

The Invisible Men

executive producer

In Development

 

Nubbin & Friends (2015)

Nubbin & Friends

8.5

TV Series

executive producer

2016–2017

2 episodes

 

American Masters (1985)

American Masters

8.2

TV Series

executive producer

2015

1 episode

 

Althea (2014)

Althea

7.3

executive producer

2014

 

June Lockhart, Shelley Long, John Amos, Vanessa Evigan, Jason Mewes, Travis Wester, and Emmalee Wilson in Zombie Hamlet (2012)

Zombie Hamlet

4.6

co-producer

2012