R.I.P. John Amos, star of Good Times, Roots and The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The legendary actor from Good Times and Roots has passed away at the age of 84.

The Everett Collection

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 MenPolice 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. 

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25 Comments

mcharris 1 day ago
I discovered recently through reruns that he was one of several revolving police captains on Hunter.
MeFanFromSavan 5 days ago
He was the staff wielding guard/protector in The Beast Master movie.
WordsmithWorks 5 days ago
I realize that Kunta Kinte, James Evans, Gordy and even Cleo McDowell are all iconic characters. But I absolutely loved Amos as Coach Archer in Disney's "The World's Greatest Athlete." Hysterical. Plus, Tim Conway as the assistant coach and Roscoe Lee Brown as the Witch Doctor. An excellent entry in the Disney "Medvale College" period.
jacko3 5 days ago
So sorry to hear of the loss of actor JOHN AMOS - always enjoyed his acting ability and roles that he played - especially entertaining us with MTM & Good Times.

May the Risen LORD Bless John, his Family & Friends forevermore - Amen - Alleluia!
pony 5 days ago
I have tremendous respect for John Amos regarding his outspoken frustrations with the ridiculous direction in which "Good Times" was taken with the cartoonish J.J. character - leading, of course, to his exit. The premise of the show was intended to show a hard-working father and loving mother doing their best to raise a family in difficult financial and societal circumstances, but that all went by the wayside. "Dy-No-Mite," indeed.
KentuckyPhil69 5 days ago
My heart is in pieces hearing this. Mr. Amos, you are one of the best to ever do it!!! RIP Sir, and if I'm lucky enough to get to Heaven, I hope you'll shake my hand 🙏😥💔 Prayers to your loved ones ❤️
ecarfar 5 days ago
One of my all-time favorites. He was a great role model on Good Times....we need a LOT more people like him today.
Bookman1963 5 days ago
As much as I liked Good Times and Roots, I really liked him as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace in The West Wing.
MrsPhilHarris 6 days ago
I thought Lavar Burton was Kunta Kinte.
I think Levar played him as a youth, John Amos as a older man. But I haven't seen the
series since it first aired. Amos was good in that prison movie with Stallone, filmed
in Rahway.
True. Amos played the adult Kunta Kinte.
Thank you. To be honest I have never watched Roots.
Bapa1 MrsPhilHarris 2 hours ago
It's good. So was the book.
GOOSEYGOOSE9 6 days ago
Good Times One Of Elvis Presley's TV Shows He Watched Back In The 1970's Along With The Flip Wilson Show,As Well As Happy Days And The Jeffersons.Elvis And John Amos RIP.
Sway 6 days ago
RIP John Amos 🕊️
Memorable actor.
CannonsMustache 6 days ago
It's strange that Mr Amos passed away August 21 and it was just reported today that he'd passed away. He was such a good actor. RIP John Amos
sagafrat69 6 days ago
"I kind of liked you McClane!" said John Amos's character General Grant in the first "Die Hard" sequel. "I... have enough friends!" replies McClane. Classic movie lines. From "Good Times" to "Roots" to all the other shows mentioned Amos was truly a terrific actor. Thanks for the memories John Amos and R.I.P.
maxh22 6 days ago
Rest in Peace John. “Good Times” is still one of my all time favorites. 💐
bmoore4026 6 days ago
Maggie Smith, Kris Kristofferson, and now John Amos. This has been a terrible couple of days, losing such great performers.
BradBeall bmoore4026 5 days ago
Also - Frank Fritz from " American Pickers".
I’m beginning to think we’re all going to die at some point.
Runeshaper 6 days ago
R.I.P. John Amos. You were AWESOME in Coming to America, and many other films and TV shows.
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