John Amos, the actor known for his role as James Evans Sr. in the popular sitcom “Good Times,” has passed away at the age of 84. His publicist confirmed that the actor had died on August 21 in Los Angeles from natural causes.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, described his father as a kind man with a “heart of gold.” He also mentioned that John Amos was widely beloved as an actor, with many considering him to be their TV father. Kelly added that his father had led a good life and that his legacy would go on through his exceptional works in television and film.
However, the announcement has been overshadowed by a family dispute that has come to light. In a recent Instagram post, Shannon Amos, the daughter of the late actor, shared that she had only just found out about her father’s passing through the media, a staggering 45 days after his death. According to a 2023 feature by The Hollywood Reporter, Shannon and her sibling had been in a dispute over their father’s care and legacy. The news outlet reported that Shannon publicly accused her brother Kelly of mistreating their father, mismanaging his finances, and damaging his reputation. Kelly, on the other hand, denied these allegations and called them character assassination.
John Amos, born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, initially pursued a career in professional football. He played college football for Colorado State University, his Alma Mater, and later for the Kansas City Chiefs. Before turning to acting, he also served in the New Jersey National Coast Guard.
Amos was known for his roles as Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” Gordy the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on “The West Wing.” His film credits include memorable performances in “Coming to America,” “Die Hard 2,” and “Madea’s Witness Protection.”