John Amos, Beloved “Good Times” Dad, Passes Away At 84

Source: Shareif Ziyadat / Getty

We are sad to learn that Emmy-nominated actor John Amos, best known for his role of James Evans on the classic 70s sitcom Good Times, passed away this past summer at the age of 84.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, his son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, confirmed that the actor passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, NJ, Amos originally had dreams of a football career. He played football for Colorado State University and tried out for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.

Amos’ first major acting role was a recurring spot on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as weatherman Gordy Howard. Soon after, Amos was invited to read for Good Times.

“Everybody knew who Norman Lear was,” Amos said in a 2014 interview for the TV Academy Foundation. “I’d seen the pilot episode of All in the Family and thought, ‘There’s no way in the world they’re going to put that on television.’ … Sure enough, it became a hit.

“So I went in and read with Miss Rolle for Norman Lear, with just the three of us in his office. When we finished the reading, Norman looked at Esther, and Esther looked at me and looked at Norman and said, ‘He’ll do just fine.’ “

Amos starred as family patriarch James Evans Sr. for the first three seasons of the series. However, things shifted after Amos went public with his critique of the cartoonish portrayal of eldest son J.J., played by Jimmie Walker. Because of this, Amos was fired from the show, and his character was killed off.

His career continued throughout the years, including roles in Roots (which earned him an Emmy nomination), Coming To America, The Players Club, and The West Wing.

Along with K.C., Amos leaves behind his daughter Shannon, with whom he shared an acrimonious relationship in recent years.

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