John Amos: ‘Roots’ And ‘Coming To America’ Actor Dies Aged 84

John Amos, ‘Roots’ and ‘Coming to America’ actor has died aged 84.

Glamtush reports that John Amos, who was best known for his roles in Good Times, The Roots, and Coming to America, has died. He was 84.

This online news platform understands that The Emmy nominated actor’s son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos confirmed in a statement that he died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Aug. 21.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. wrote. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”

He continued: “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.”

“My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life,” he added. “Most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

The news comes nearly one year and four months after Amos entered the hospital due to fluid filling his lower body and causing issues with his heart. At the time, a rep for Amos said the doctors drained all of the fluid and Amos had been on the mend.

American actor and comedian Martin Lawrence posted a heartfelt message for Amos on X (formely Twitter). He wrote, “This one hits different. My condolences go out to the family of a true legend, John Amos.”

Amos is known for starring as the family patriarch James Evans Sr on the hit 1970s sitcom Good Times. It featured one of television’s first Black two-parent families. The classic was produced by Norman Lear and co-created by actor Mike Evans. Other than that, Amos received an Emmy nomination for his role in the 1977 miniseries Roots.

John Amos career

Amos’ acting career picked up when he landed the role of weatherman Gordon ‘Gordy’ Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970. From there, he brought his comedic talents to CBS’ Good Times, a spinoff of Maude and All in the Family, and played father James Evans Sr. in 1974. The Norman Lear program made history as the first TV show to follow an African American, two-parent household.

Amos received an Emmy nomination in 1977 for his role as adult Kunta Kinte in the ABC historical miniseries Roots. Amos also appeared in shows like About the Andersons, The West Wing, Two and a Half Men and The Ranch. His final television role will arrive in the forthcoming series Suits LA.

On film, he had roles in Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America and its 2021 sequel Coming 2 America, Die Hard 2, The Beastmaster, Lock Up and Me Tyme. He and his son also produced the upcoming documentary about his life, titled America’s Dad.

GLAMTUSH