John Amos, Star of ‘Good Times,’ Dies at 84 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ John Amos, known for his roles on “Good Times” and “Roots,” has passed away at age 84. Amos, a pioneering actor who portrayed positive images of Black families, died of natural causes on August 21 in Los Angeles. He is remembered for his influential work in television and film, and his dedication to representing authentic stories.
John Amos’ Legacy: Quick Looks
- John Amos, celebrated for “Good Times” and “Roots,” died at 84 of natural causes.
- Amos played James Evans Sr., one of TV’s first Black family patriarchs.
- Known for advocating authentic Black representation, Amos often challenged storylines he found inauthentic.
- He earned an Emmy nomination for “Roots,” playing Kunta Kinte in the iconic miniseries.
- Amos’ career included roles in films like “Coming to America” and “Die Hard 2.”
- He was also known for his early work as Gordy Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
- Amos was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2020.
- He is survived by his children Shannon and Kelly Christopher Amos.
Deep Look
John Amos, a pioneering figure in American television and film, best known for his portrayal of the strong-willed James Evans Sr. on the beloved 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and for his Emmy-nominated role in the landmark 1977 miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 84. Amos died on August 21 of natural causes in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his publicist Belinda Foster.
Amos brought to life James Evans Sr. on “Good Times,” a role that was significant not only for its entertainment value but also for its cultural impact. The series, which aired from 1974 to 1979 on CBS, was one of the first shows to feature a Black two-parent family, providing a rare and positive portrayal of African American family life during that era. Produced by Norman Lear and co-created by actor Mike Evans, “Good Times” was a spin-off from Lear’s other hit, “Maude.” Amos’ character was pivotal to the show’s portrayal of a hard-working Black family in a Chicago public housing project.
Amos saw “Good Times” as a mirror of real life for many African American families, and in a 2021 interview with Time magazine, he remarked, “That show was the closest depiction in reality to life as an African American family living in those circumstances as it could be.” His performance as James Evans, a stern but loving father who juggled multiple labor-intensive jobs to support his family, resonated with viewers and elevated Amos to a position of reverence as a father figure for many. His portrayal alongside Esther Rolle, who played his wife, Florida Evans, became iconic as they depicted the struggles and joys of a working-class Black family.
Despite its popularity, “Good Times” faced internal conflict, primarily surrounding its creative direction. Both Amos and Rolle were adamant about presenting an authentic depiction of a Black family striving to succeed amid adversity. However, as the show progressed, they grew increasingly frustrated with how Jimmie Walker’s character, J.J., was portrayed in a more comedic and sometimes buffoonish light. Amos criticized the show’s white writing team, which he felt often failed to create authentic and respectful storylines for Black characters. His pushback on what he perceived as the show’s deviation from its original purpose led to his firing after the third season. Reflecting on this, Amos explained, “There were several examples where I said, ‘No, you don’t do these things. It’s anathema to Black society. I’ll be the expert on that, if you don’t mind,’” he told Time magazine. The disagreement ultimately led to his character being written off the show, with James Evans Sr. being killed in a car accident.
Amos’ firing was a significant moment for the show, as his departure shifted the family dynamic central to “Good Times.” Jimmie Walker, in his 2012 memoir “Dyn-O-Mite! Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times,” lamented that he wished Amos could have stayed on to keep the show focused on its original ensemble format. Despite the differences, Amos and Lear reconciled later in life, reuniting with a warm embrace during a “Good Times” live reunion special in 2019, bringing closure to a chapter that had shaped both of their careers.
Following his exit from “Good Times,” Amos quickly found another defining role: playing the adult Kunta Kinte in “Roots,” the 1977 miniseries adaptation of Alex Haley’s novel chronicling the lives of an enslaved African and his descendants in America. Amos’ performance was critically acclaimed, earning him one of the miniseries’ 37 Emmy nominations. “Roots” was not just a career highlight for Amos but also a transformative cultural event, one that reshaped how America viewed slavery and African American history. Amos reflected on his experience in “Roots” as a pivotal moment, saying, “I knew that it was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint. It was the culmination of all of the misconceptions and stereotypical roles that I had lived and seen being offered to me. It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities.”
Born John Allen Amos Jr. on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos was the son of an auto mechanic. He pursued higher education at Colorado State University, graduating with a degree in sociology while also playing football for the school’s team. Before stepping into the world of acting, Amos worked as a social worker at the Vera Institute of Justice in New York, where he assisted defendants at the Brooklyn House of Detention.
Amos also dabbled in professional football, playing briefly in various minor leagues. In 1967, he signed a free-agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, but after a short stint, the team’s coach, Hank Stram, suggested Amos pursue his interest in writing. This redirection led Amos to try his hand at writing for advertising and comedy before ultimately finding his way in front of the camera.
His first major television role came as Gordy Howard, the affable weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” where he was the only Black character among the main cast from 1970 to 1973. As Gordy, Amos provided a steady, straightforward counter to the antics of Ted Baxter, the station’s bombastic anchor, carving out a memorable space in one of TV’s most beloved comedies.
Amos’ diverse acting career spanned across film and television, making him a familiar face to generations of audiences. In addition to his work on “Good Times” and “Roots,” his film credits included roles in movies such as “Let’s Do It Again” alongside Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier, the Eddie Murphy classic “Coming to America” and its 2021 sequel, “Die Hard 2,” Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Witness Protection,” and “Uncut Gems” with Adam Sandler. He even appeared in Ice Cube and Dr. Dre’s 1994 music video for “Natural Born Killaz.”
In television, Amos made guest appearances on a wide variety of shows, including “The West Wing,” “Hunter,” “The District,” “Men in Trees,” “All About the Andersons,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Ranch.” His versatility allowed him to seamlessly move from comedic roles to dramatic performances, maintaining relevance in the entertainment industry for decades.
In 2020, Amos was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized his significant contributions to the arts and his influence both on and off the screen. He also served in the New Jersey National Guard, further demonstrating his dedication to public service and his community.
Amos is survived by his daughter Shannon, a former entertainment executive, and his son Kelly Christopher Amos, a Grammy-nominated music video director and editor. Both children are from his first marriage to Noel Mickelson, whom he met while attending college. Amos’ second marriage to actress Lillian Lehman also ended in divorce.
John Amos leaves behind a rich legacy defined by his advocacy for authentic Black representation and his roles that broke barriers for African American actors on television. His work across iconic series such as “Good Times” and “Roots” touched the hearts of millions, and his desire to portray positive images of Black families left an indelible mark on American pop culture. His contributions to television, film, and the broader entertainment industry have cemented his status as a beloved figure who brought depth, dignity, and resilience to the roles he portrayed.
