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.”
Divine intervention leads grandma to create family memory
Maintaining motivation in a world that seems to be getting darker and more gloomy by the day can be difficult. Considering the gravity of the problems the world faces, is there really nothing we can do to help?
Treating people like you would like to be treated is, in my opinion, the only appropriate course of action.
More good can come from small acts of compassion than we may ever know. Think about the story of the woman who, upon witnessing a lovely family, decided to assist them. She had no idea how much her insignificant deed would mean to them.
It ought to inspire people to lend a hand to friends, relatives, and even total strangers. Everything matters, regardless of how small.
On June 8, Joyce Rhinehart took her grandson Blake to Rita’s Italian Ice for ice cream. Just as Joyce and Blake were getting ready to leave, they noticed a family enjoying ice cream while seated on a bench outside.
Joyce shares content on Facebook. “I had to ask them if I could take their picture,” the speaker said.
After taking a picture with her phone, she sent it to the family’s daughter so she could email it to herself. The family thanked Joyce, and she forgot about the amazing encounter until she dropped Blake off at his place.
However, that is not the end of the story. A few days later Joyce received an SMS from an unknown number. When Joyce opened it and read it, she felt shivers run down her spine and she began to cry.
“Dear Madam, you snapped our photo in front of Rita’s on June 8th. Since my wife passed away yesterday, this is the last family portrait we have taken together. It means so much to me, so please accept my heartfelt appreciation for your consideration. I truly am grateful for your assistance.
Never underestimate the power of a tiny act of kindness. You never know; it could mean everything to the person on the other end.
Would you kindly help us promote this message of empathy, love, and community? If even one share can make the world a bit brighter, it will be worth it.
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