Loading...
Beloved TV Dad John Amos, Dies at 84
John Amos, the actor best known for playing patriarch James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking sitcom “Good Times” and the older version of Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots,” has passed away. He died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home on August 21st. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, confirmed his death at the age of 84.
Amos’s career spanned decades, with memorable roles on numerous television shows. While “Good Times” and “Roots” solidified his place in television history, he also appeared in shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “Maude”, “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air”, and “The West Wing”. He even had a recurring role in more recent shows like “Ballers” and “The Righteous Gemstones,” reminding audiences that his talent continued to shine in contemporary television.
His impact extended beyond just acting; his portrayal of James Evans Sr. on “Good Times” marked a shift in television. As part of the first sitcom centered around a Black family, Amos helped pave the way for more diverse representation on television. While his departure from the show after three seasons was due to creative differences, he later found a role that resonated even more deeply with him in “Roots.”
Amos saw “Roots” as a way to move past the “bad taste of ‘Good Times’,” and considered it a “vindication” of his talent and career. The miniseries tackled complex themes related to slavery and Black history in America, and Amos’s performance was critically acclaimed.
In a 2014 interview, Amos expressed a simple wish for how he would be remembered: “As a guy who made people laugh, who made people think a little bit and who didn’t hold himself up to be some philosopher—a guy who had a wonderful ride through life[.] As someone people enjoyed watching and enjoyed having in their homes.” His legacy as a talented actor and a beloved TV dad will certainly live on through his work.
I'm Annelise, a film lover and pop culture obsessive sharing my thoughts on movies, fashion, and lifestyle on Instagram. Follow along for film reviews, book recommendations, and a healthy dose of geeking out over all things pop culture.
