John Amos, star of Good Times, Roots, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, has passed away at the age of 84. Amos was known for his roles across television and film, leading to a Primetime Emmy nomination, a TV Land Award, and an NAACP Image Award.

Born in New Jersey, on December 27, 1939, Amos graduated from East Orange High School in 1958. He graduated from Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in sociology and qualified as a social worker. Amos also played on the university's football team and was a Golden Gloves boxing champion.

His acting career began when he landed the role of Gordon "Gordy" Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His laid-back attitude often contrasted with the more eccentric characters on the series, making him a fan favorite.

He was best known for his role as James Evans Sr., the patriarch of the Evans family on Good Times. The hit series followed the story of a poor Black family trying to find the "good times" in Chicago's housing projects. Amos started Good Times with the hope of bringing a positive light to the Black community.

The series is beloved, and Amos was an essential part of its family dynamic. Created by Norman Lear, Good Times made history as the first TV show to focus on a two-parent African American household.

"It showed a Black family that had the same trials and tribulations as the rest of America, especially those who were financially challenged," Amos said in a 2022 interview with TV Line. "Good Times was a form of Roots, except it told the story of who we are on a comedic basis. And I’ve always contended, as some of my mentors taught me, the best way to get a message across to people is through humor."

Amos also received an Emmy nomination in 1977 for his role as Kunta Kinte in the ABC historical miniseries Roots. The series, which depicted the horrors of slavery in the United States, won nine Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award. Its final episode holds the record for the second most-watched series finale in history.

He also guest-starred in a number of other TV shows including: Two and a Half Men, Police Story, The A-Team, The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, In the House, Martin, Sanford and Son, My Name Is Earl, and Murder, She Wrote. 

The acting legend will be sorely missed by his fans, family and friends.