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(143,956 posts) Tue Oct 1, 2024, 01:48 PM Oct 1

John Amos, 'Good Times' Dad and 'Roots' Actor, Dies at 84

Source: Variety

Oct 1, 2024 10:55am PT

Courtesy Image

John Amos, the star of “Good Times,” “Roots” and more, died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, his representative confirmed to Variety on Tuesday. He was 84.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” said his son Kelly Christopher Amos in a statement. “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. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life…. 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.”

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, 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 a African American, two-parent. household.

Read more: https://variety.com/2024/tv/obituaries-people-news/john-amos-dead-good-times-roots-1236161810/

Dammit. His is a heartbreaking loss. I remember reading years ago about how he battled the network due to the rampant stereotyping. It took a long time but the industry was slowly changed.

R.I.P., thank you for your great body of work, and condolences to the family.

38 replies

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John Amos, 'Good Times' Dad and 'Roots' Actor, Dies at 84 (Original Post) BumRushDaShow Oct 1 OP

... littlemissmartypants Oct 1 #1

Oh, how sad! I sure liked him on his performances. SWBTATTReg Oct 1 #2

Maybe there were more effective TV actors in the 70s than John Amos in Good Times BeyondGeography Oct 1 #3

Maybe Sherman Helmsley (same network) BumRushDaShow Oct 1 #11

He died on Aug. 21, why was it not announced until October? RAB910 Oct 1 #4

I noticed that too - weird AZSkiffyGeek Oct 1 #5

This article has a one line that his son withheld the info - it didn't say why. iluvtennis Oct 1 #15

thanks, still very strange. Not that I am going to pass judgment, people all grieve in their own way RAB910 Oct 1 #18

When Beth Howland from Alice died her death wasn't reported for roughly five months so it does happen. cstanleytech Oct 1 #35

Impressive in both Good Times and The West Wing. What a range of acting talent. Ramsey Barner Oct 1 #6

I wondered if someone was going to mention his superb performance as Aristus Oct 1 #26

Damn damn damn Prairie Gates Oct 1 #7

Yeah. I posted it another thread. tulipsandroses Oct 1 #10

Damn. And I just saw him in a rerun... Grins Oct 1 #8

He was so good! Consummate actor. Tadpole Raisin Oct 1 #9

NO! MuseRider Oct 1 #12

I think Good Times really declined when he left the series. cstanleytech Oct 1 #13

I agree. efhmc Oct 1 #30

As the adult "Kunta Kinte" in "Roots" BumRushDaShow Oct 1 #14

and The West Wing. elleng Oct 1 #16

Loved, loved, loved him. May he Rest in Peace and May his Memory be a Blessing. 🙏 iluvtennis Oct 1 #17

He wrote and... 2naSalit Oct 1 #19

I remember him in "Hunter". Oopsie Daisy Oct 1 #20

John Amos talking about "Gordy" on MTM SleeplessinSoCal Oct 1 #21

"Ain't we lucky we got 'em..." Iggo Oct 1 #22

I liked everything he done, he was A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. KS Toronado Oct 1 #23

John Clouds Passing Oct 1 #24

Tears LittleGirl Oct 1 #25

Admiral Fitzwallace Mosby Oct 1 #27

Yes. He had the persona to fill that role. Kaleva Oct 1 #38

He was in so many TV shows, including a great episode of "My Name is Earl" (with Jerry Van Dyke) red dog 1 Oct 1 #28

Both fathers from Coming to America lost within a month wysimdnwyg Oct 1 #29

Sad losses indeed JoseBalow Oct 1 #33

Loved his acting and saw every show he was in. From Roots to West Wing to The District, he was great. RIP, great one. ancianita Oct 1 #31

Class. Pure class. Talitha Oct 1 #32

He had a recurring role in the West Wing, and a paticular scene that stood out to me as a Master Class in acting. Torchlight Oct 1 #34

John Amos was not just a great actor; he was a great man gohuskies Oct 1 #36

RIP. Yavin4 Oct 1 #37

littlemissmartypants

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