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Los Angele, CA – October 1, 2024 — John Amos, the renowned actor celebrated for his role as James Evans Sr. on the beloved 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and his Emmy-nominated performance in the landmark miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 84. His publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed the news on Tuesday.
Amos portrayed the family patriarch on “Good Times,” which aired on CBS from 1974 to 1979 and showcased one of television’s first Black two-parent families. The show, produced by Norman Lear, provided a realistic depiction of an African American family living in public housing during that era. In a 2021 interview with Time magazine, Amos remarked, “That show was the closest depiction in reality to life as an African American family living in those circumstances as it could be.”
Despite the show’s popularity, Amos and his co-star, Esther Rolle, faced frustration with the portrayal of their characters, particularly the foolish depiction of Jimmie Walker’s character, J.J. After three successful seasons, Amos was fired due to his vocal criticism of the predominantly white writing staff and the inauthentic storylines they created. He expressed that his departure was necessary, stating, “It got confrontational and heated enough that ultimately my being killed off the show was the best solution for everybody concerned.”
Following his exit from “Good Times,” Amos quickly found success in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots,” where he played the adult Kunta Kinte. This role was transformative for Amos, earning him recognition and contributing to the miniseries’ 37 Emmy nominations. He described it as “a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology and played on the football team. Before entering acting, he worked as a social worker and briefly pursued a career in professional football, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. However, he ultimately transitioned to writing and acting, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
