John Amos, the talented television actor recognized for his performances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, The West Wing, and Roots, has passed away at the age of 84.
His family shared that Amos died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home on August 21, but the announcement was only made public today.
“With deep sadness, I announce that my father has transitioned,” his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a man with an incredibly kind heart and a golden spirit… loved by people everywhere. Many fans regarded him as their TV father.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued a career in football, playing in the Continental Football League and the Atlantic Coast Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964 but was released before the season due to an injury.
His acting career, however, proved more successful. He gained recognition as weatherman Gordy Howard on the popular sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a role he held from 1970 to 1973.
Amos is best remembered for his portrayal of James Evans, the father in the classic sitcom Good Times. At just 34 years old when he was cast, he convincingly depicted a hardworking father of three living in a low-income housing project.
The show was lauded for its exploration of significant issues like poverty and racism. However, as the series progressed, Amos had disagreements with the writers and producers regarding the portrayal of Black families and the show’s shift toward broader comedic themes. After season 3, he was let go, and his character met his end in a car accident.
Shortly thereafter, Amos took on another defining role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination.
He is also known for his role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the political drama The West Wing. Additionally, he had recurring roles in Two and a Half Men and The Ranch.
Among his notable film credits are Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Die Hard 2, Coming to America, and its sequel.
“He led a fulfilling life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable contributions to television and film,” his son expressed in the statement. “My father cherished his work as an actor throughout his life.”
“He was my father, my closest friend, and my hero. I appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time.”
Neighbor Reports Family to Police Over Kids Using Trampoline, Parents Craft the Perfect Retort
Mrs. Whitaker, the always grumpy neighbor, had reached her limit when she called the police on Fred’s family because their kids were laughing. Fed up, Fred decided to confront her directly, leading to a neighborhood clash and an unexpected solution.
Living next to Mrs. Whitaker felt like living next to a ticking time bomb. She always found something to complain about, especially when it came to Fred’s family. To her, even the sound of children laughing was unbearable.
Fred and his wife, Laura, enjoyed spending time with their two kids, Danny and Emma, who loved to play outside, especially on their backyard trampoline. Their laughter brought joy to Fred, but to Mrs. Whitaker, it was like nails on a chalkboard.
Last week, it happened again. Fred was fixing a deck board when he heard a knock. He opened the door to find Officer Roberts, who had been called once more about the kids’ noise.
Officer Roberts, apologetic as always, walked around the yard, observing the children play. He sighed, knowing there was nothing wrong, but Fred was frustrated. This was about more than just a neighbor’s complaints; it was about their right to enjoy their home.
After talking with Laura about the situation, Fred decided it was time to take action. They brainstormed various ideas but ultimately agreed that Fred should confront Mrs. Whitaker directly.
When he knocked on her door, she immediately launched into an angry tirade, calling the kids wild and accusing Fred of being a terrible father. Shocked by her harsh words, he struggled to stay calm. He tried to explain that the children were just enjoying their childhood, but she insisted he needed to control them better.
Feeling infuriated, Fred returned home, where Laura was waiting. After hearing what Mrs. Whitaker had said, they both realized they couldn’t let her continue her behavior. They devised a plan: they would install a security camera aimed at her property and throw a loud party to show they wouldn’t be intimidated.
After setting up the camera, they invited all of Danny and Emma’s friends to what they called the “Noise-Maker Extravaganza”. By the time the party rolled around, over 20 kids were ready to have fun, and the backyard was transformed into a playground of joy.
On the day of the party, the laughter and excitement echoed throughout the neighborhood. Fred and Laura watched happily as the kids enjoyed the trampoline and water slide, knowing Mrs. Whitaker was likely seething behind her curtains.
As the noise escalated, Fred caught glimpses of Mrs. Whitaker glaring from her window. Feeling mischievous, he raised his drink in a playful toast to her. With that, she disappeared from view, clearly defeated.
After the party, life returned to normal. The security camera and bright light discouraged any further complaints from Mrs. Whitaker, allowing Fred’s family to enjoy their home without fear of interruptions.
One evening, Laura hugged Fred and smiled. They realized that sometimes, handling a difficult neighbor required a mix of cleverness and joy. They had reclaimed their home and happiness, reminding themselves that their family’s joy was worth fighting for.
Leave a Reply