John Amos was an American actor and former football player who had a net worth of $300 thousand at the time of his death. John Amos died on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84, though, oddly, his son did not publicly announce his death until October 1, 2024. John Amos was best known for his role on the CBS sitcom “Good Times.” He starred on 61 episodes of the show between 1974 and 1976. He is also known for his Emmy-nominated performance in the 1977 miniseries “Roots.” Among his other television credits are “The West Wing,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “The District.” Additionally, Amos has been on Broadway as well as in a variety of films, including “Coming to America” and “Die Hard 2.”
Who is John Amos
John Allen Amos Jr. was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2020. Amos counts on his powerful nature and dominant appearance to obtain his acting roles and was nominated for one Primetime Emmy with three wins and three nominations upon many others.
John Amos Early Life
John Amos was born in 1939 in Newark, New Jersey to auto mechanic John Amos Sr. and his wife Annabelle. Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, he attended East Orange High School, graduating in 1958. Subsequently, he attended Long Beach City College in California, before graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology. While enrolled at the latter school, Amos played on the football team; afterward, he became a Golden Glove boxing champ.
John Amos Football Career
Amos signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos in 1964 but was let go due to an injury. He played for various teams in the United Football League, Continental Football League, and Atlantic Football League, eventually signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967.
John Amos Acting Career
Amos attracted widespread recognition for his first major role on television, appearing as weatherman Gordy Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” from 1970 to 1973. However, his best-known role was as middle-class family patriarch James Evans Sr., a character introduced on the CBS sitcom “Maude.”Amos continued playing James Evans Sr. from 1974 to 1976 on the sitcom “Good Times.” He starred alongside Esther Rolle, who played his wife Florida Evans, as well as Jimmie Walker, Ralph Carter, and BernNadette Stanis, who played his three children. On the show, Amos sought to provide a positive image of an African-American family that was doing its best living in a poor neighborhood. However, he was increasingly dissatisfied with how the show’s comedy often undercut its premise. As a result, Amos clashed with the show’s writers, leading to his dismissal in 1976.
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John Amos Television Work
Following “Good Times,” in 1977, Amos starred in the leading role of Kunta Kinte in the milestone television miniseries “Roots,” based on the eponymous book by Alex Haley. For his performance, he received an Emmy Award nomination. He starred in another miniseries in 1980, NBC’s “Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story.” Following this, Amos appeared in episodes of numerous shows, including “Here’s Boomer,” “Insight,” “The Love Boat,” “The A-Team,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” and “Hardcastle and McCormick.” From 1984 to 1985, he played a recurring role on the NBC crime drama “Hunter.” Subsequent credits included “One Life to Live,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Stringray,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Gideon Oliver.”
In 1994, Amos starred on the short-lived sitcom “704 Hauser,” a modern-day spinoff of the sitcom “All in the Family.” Throughout the rest of the 90s, he appeared on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Touched by an Angel,” and “Martin,” and had a recurring role on the LL Cool J sitcom “In the House.” From 1999 to 2004, Amos appeared in 22 episodes of the political drama series “The West Wing,” playing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other major credits included the police procedural “The District,” the sitcom “All About the Andersons,” ABC’s romantic dramedy series “Men in Trees,” and the Netflix series “The Ranch.”
John Amos Philanthropy and Other Ventures
Beyond acting, John Amos has been involved in various charitable efforts. He is particularly passionate about helping underprivileged youth and supporting educational initiatives. Amos has participated in several charity events and fundraisers to support causes such as improving inner-city education and empowering young people. Additionally, Amos has ventured into writing and producing, with projects that reflect his values and experiences. These efforts, though less publicized, showcase his versatility and desire to contribute to the entertainment world in more ways than one.
John Amos Personal Life
In 1965, Amos married equestrian and artist Noel Mickelson; they had two children, Shannon and K.C., and divorced in 1975. In 1978, Amos wed actress Lillian Lehman, and in 1979, got divorced. A longtime resident of New Jersey’s Tewksbury Township, Amos was also a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard. Additionally, he was an Honorary Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard.
John Amos Death
John Amos died on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His death was not made public for over a month, until October 1, 2024, when his son finally made the announcement.
FAQs
What was John Amos’s most famous TV role?
John Amos is best known for playing James Evans Sr. on the CBS sitcom Good Times from 1974 to 1976. He also gained recognition for his role as Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries Roots (1977).
Did John Amos have any sports experience before acting?
Yes, Amos was a former professional football player. He played for the Denver Broncos and several teams in other leagues before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. Additionally, he was a Golden Glove boxing champion.
What were John Amos’s philanthropic efforts?
Amos was deeply involved in charitable work, especially supporting underprivileged youth and educational initiatives. He participated in charity events and fundraisers aimed at improving inner-city education and empowering young people.
How did John Amos pass away?
John Amos passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His death was not publicly announced until October 1, 2024, when his son confirmed it.
Conclusion
John Amos leaves behind a legacy as a talented actor, philanthropist, and former athlete. Known for his roles in Good Times and Roots, Amos made significant contributions to both entertainment and social causes. His impact on the industry and his commitment to helping others will be remembered long after his passing.
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