Renowned actor, John Amos, known for his iconic roles in “Good Times” and “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 84.
His longtime publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed the news, stating that he died of natural causes in Los Angeles on August 21.
Amos, born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, initially pursued a career in sports, playing football at Colorado State University before trying out for various football teams including the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos.
Despite his passion for football, Amos transitioned to acting and found success in Hollywood.
His breakout role as James Evan Sr. in “Good Times” catapulted him to stardom, but he left the show after two years due to disagreements with the writers over the portrayal of the Black family on the series.
Amos believed in portraying a more realistic and authentic representation of a Black family, which was a point of contention with the show’s creators.
In addition to his role in “Good Times,” Amos also starred in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots” as the adult Kunta Kinte, earning an Emmy nomination for his performance.
The role was a significant moment in his career, as it challenged misconceptions and stereotypes about Black actors in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Amos appeared in a variety of roles, including as Cleo McDowell in the Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming To America.”
