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John Amos has died at age 84.
The famed actor—best known for his roles in Good Times, Roots, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show—passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, Deadline reports. Amos' son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced his death on Tuesday (October 1).
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Kelly Amos 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. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life…. most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
Amos starred in numerous cult-classic films and award-winning shows, including the ABC historical miniseries Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination in 1977 for his role as adult Kunta Kinte. Amos' acting career took off following his time on the show. He went on to play Weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1977, and beloved father James Evans Sr. on Good Times—the first TV show to follow a Black American two-parent household—from 1974 to 1976.
Amos also appeared in The West Wing, Two and a Half Men, and All About the Andersons, to name a few. As noted in his son's statement, Amos' final television role will be in the forthcoming series Suits LA.
As for his movie career, Amos has quite the resume, which includes starring alongside Eddie Murphy in the cult classic Coming to America and its 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America. He also starred in blockbusters like Die Hard 2 and Lock Up.
John is survived by his son, Kelly, and his daughter, Shannon.
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