Remembering John Amos

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. According to sources, the beloved actor died on August 21 of natural causes, but the news was not announced until October 1.  No details were given as to why 6 weeks elapsed before the announcement was made, except that the family wanted privacy.

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. After three seasons of critical acclaim and high ratings, Amos became critical of the show’s white writing staff creating storylines that he felt were inauthentic to the Black characters.

“There were several examples where I said, ‘No, you don’t do these things. It’s anathema to Black society. I’ll be the expert on that, if you don’t mind,‘” he told Time magazine. “And it got confrontational and heated enough that ultimately my being killed off the show was the best solution for everybody concerned, myself included.”

Walker lamented the situation. “If the decision had been up to me, I would have preferred that John stay and the show remain more of an ensemble,” he wrote in his memoir. “Nobody wanted me up front all the time, including me.”

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.”   Other credits include recurring roles on “The West Wing,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”

Amos was also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2020 and served in the New Jersey National Guard. His  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.

Sources:  Press Rundown and The Hollywood Reporter