John Amos

The family of “Good Times” star John Amos is in mourning following his passing. Amos’ publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed that the 84-year-old actor died of natural causes on August 21. He was best known for his role as James Evans Sr. on “Good Times,” one of television’s first Black two-parent families in the 1970s. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, noted that many fans regarded him as their “TV father.” Born John Allen Amos Jr. on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology and played on the school’s football team before turning to acting. Amos’ first significant TV role was as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” from 1970 to 1973. His portrayal of the family patriarch on “Good Times” garnered critical acclaim and high ratings. Although he was fired after three seasons, he quickly rebounded by playing an adult Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots,” which earned one of its 37 Emmy nominations. Amos claimed to have roots in Liberia and shared that he brought his children to Liberia during their childhood, where they made friends in the country.