John Amos Passes Away at 84: A Tribute to His Iconic Roles in ‘Roots’ and ‘Good Times’

Beloved television writer and actor, John Amos, sadly passed away at the age of 84. His son, K.C. Amos, confirmed that his father died on August 21, 2024, due to natural causes. In a statement shared with Variety on October 2, he revealed that John Amos was in Los Angeles at the time of his passing. The statement expressed:

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. 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.”

Born in December 1939, John Amos garnered fame for his writing and acting in numerous films and television shows, including iconic roles in Roots, Good Times, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He was also involved in several Broadway productions and films such as The Beastmaster, Lock Up, Coming 2 America, and Colorado State University.

Following the announcement of Amos’ passing, many fellow actors and colleagues took to social media to pay tribute. Martin Lawrence shared how the news “hit”him differently. He expressed:

“This one hits different. My condolences go out to the family of a true legend, John Amos.”

Additionally, Loni Love fondly remembered John Amos and said:

“I had the honor to work with John Amos on the movie Bad Asses on the Bayou. He played my Dad, we had a ball!! Such a talented actor, and I learned a lot by working with him. Condolences to his family.”

John Amos: A Multifaceted Career Beyond Acting

While John Amos made a significant impact in the television and film industry, he also had a brief career as a professional football player in the mid-1960s. In 1964, he signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos of the AFL, but was released after a hamstring injury hampered his ability to run the 40-yard dash.

Amos continued playing football in the United Football League with the Canton Bulldogs and Joliet Explorers. He later transitioned to the Continental Football League, competing for teams like the Norfolk Neptunes and Wheeling Ironmen in 1965.

In 1966, he joined the Jersey City Jets and Waterbury Orbits, and in 1967, he was briefly signed on with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos also showcased his football skills during high school but ultimately chose to pursue a successful acting career starting in the 1970s. His television journey began with The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1973.

He became well-known for other hit shows such as Good Times, Love, America Style, Maude, Hunter, Bonanza: The Next Generation, Disappearing Acts, Men in Trees, and The West Wing. His last appearance was in an episode of The Righteous Gemstones in 2022, where he portrayed Buddy Lissons.

John Amos began his film career in 1971, with his debut in Vanishing Point and Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. He would go on to star in numerous movies, including Touched by Love, Lock Up, Two Evil Eyes, My Baby’s Daddy, Dr. Dolittle 3, Uncut Gems, and The Last Rifleman, which was his final film in 2023.

Throughout his career, John Amos received numerous accolades, including the CableACE Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and TV Land Awards, among others.

As news of John Amos’ passing spread, fans and colleagues alike expressed their shock and shared fond memories, celebrating his remarkable legacy.

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