John Amos, known for his roles in the hit 1970s sitcom "Good Times" and the miniseries "Roots," has passed away at the age of 84, his publicist Belinda Foster confirmed. Amos portrayed James Evans Sr. on "Good Times," a show that depicted one of television's first Black two-parent families. The show, which ran from 1974-79 on CBS, was co-created by Norman Lear and actor Mike Evans.
Amos and co-star Esther Rolle, who played his wife Florida, aimed to portray a positive image of a Black family living in a public housing project in Chicago. However, tensions arose when Jimmie Walker's character, J.J., became a breakout star and the show's focus shifted. Amos was ultimately fired after three seasons due to disagreements with the show's writing staff.
Despite the challenges he faced on "Good Times," Amos bounced back with a role in "Roots" as adult Kunta Kinte, which earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Amos had a diverse career that included stints as a social worker and professional football player before transitioning to acting.
Throughout his career, Amos appeared in various TV shows and films, including "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Let's Do It Again," "Coming to America," and "Die Hard 2." He was also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2020 and served in the New Jersey National Guard.
Amos' impact on television and his ability to navigate a challenging industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. His legacy as a talented actor and advocate for authentic representation in media will continue to inspire future generations.