You would have a difficult time finding someone who is not familiar with John Amos. As an actor, he has been entertaining us for decades, both on TV and in the theater.
John Amos’ son has given the sad announcement that his father has passed away at the age of 84. Other actors and fans are now mourning the death of such an icon.
Amos first found his way into our homes when he played the father, James Evans Sr. on the show, Good Times. Many of us remember how hard working he was in that series and how he handled his children with a strong but loving fist.
In 1977, he gained a lot of fame for playing Kunta Kinte in the miniseries, Roots. His part in that show, which was about the horrors of slavery earned him an Emmy nomination.
In more recent years, we enjoyed watching him play alongside Eddie Murphy in the Coming to America movie. His part of Cleo McDowell was both funny and well done.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos released a statement about his father’s death, saying: “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.”
John Amos died in Los Angeles on August 21 of natural causes.
Prior to his death, he gave an interview where he discussed how the release of Roots affected racism in Hollywood.
He said: “You’d have to ask each black actor in Hollywood. Have we made advances? Yes, we have.
“Are we all the way there yet, where we have total artistic, creative freedom? No, but then how many people have reached the level of a Steven Spielberg?
“Even white actors. That is a very lofty perch. And the bottom line is we’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’re well on our way towards getting it done.”