John Amos, Iconic “Good Times” and “Roots” Actor, Dies at 84

John Amos, the iconic actor best known for his roles as James Evans in Good Times and as Kunta Kinte’s older self in Roots, has passed away at the age of 84. The news of John Amos’ death was confirmed by his family, marking the end of a celebrated career that spanned over five decades.

In a heartfelt statement, his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, expressed, “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my father. He was not just a great actor but a man with a heart of gold. Many fans knew him as a father figure through his work in film and TV.”

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on December 27, 1939, John Amos rose to fame playing the stern but loving father James Evans on the hit CBS series Good Times. His portrayal of the family patriarch, struggling to raise his children in inner-city Chicago, made him a household name. Fans cherished his portrayal of James Evans, a character who symbolized strength, resilience, and love in the face of adversity.

While Good Times ran from 1974 to 1979, Amos’ tenure on the show ended after three seasons due to creative disputes over the show’s portrayal of African-Americans. Amos, an advocate for fair representation, took issue with the stereotypical direction some characters were heading in. Despite his exit, his portrayal of James Evans remained one of the most beloved father figures on TV.

John Amos’ career didn’t stop at Good Times. In 1977, he took on the iconic role of the older Kunta Kinte in the critically acclaimed miniseries Roots, earning an Emmy nomination. The show remains a pivotal moment in television history, with Amos’ performance further cementing his legacy as a versatile and powerful actor.

Beyond his TV roles, John Amos appeared in movies such as Coming to America, where he played the memorable character Cleo McDowell, owner of McDowell’s restaurant. He also appeared in Die Hard 2 and The Beastmaster, showcasing his ability to tackle a wide range of genres.

In addition to his acting career, John Amos’ personal life was just as full. He was married twice—first to artist Noel Mickelson, with whom he had two children, K.C. and Shannon, and later to actress Lillian Lehman. Despite his public success, Amos faced personal challenges, including a public family dispute in 2023. Yet, he remained committed to his craft and his family, describing his relationships as complicated but filled with love.

Fans of John Amos movies and TV shows will always remember his powerful screen presence, whether as James Evans in Good Times, Cleo McDowell in Coming to America, or Admiral Fitzwallace in The West Wing. His roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Ranch, and countless other projects showcased his remarkable versatility.

Though John Amos has died, his legacy endures. From Good Times to Roots, he broke barriers and became a beloved figure in American culture. His life’s work as an actor, advocate, and father figure will continue to inspire generations to come.

As his son, K.C. Amos, reflected, “He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film. Many fans saw him as their TV father, and he embraced that role wholeheartedly.”

Whether fans knew him as James Evans from Good Times, the formidable Kunta Kinte from Roots, or the comical Cleo McDowell in Coming to America, John Amos’ death marks the passing of an icon, but his spirit lives on in every performance he left behind.