By Actor John Amos has passed away at the age of 84. He reportedly died due to natural causes. Amos’ son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement:
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. 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.”
The New Jersey-born actor played football at Colorado State University where he earned a sociology degree. He also was a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
His acting career kicking off in 1970 when he played Weatherman Gordon ‘Gordy’ Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”. He’s best known though for his role as James Evan Sr. in mid-1970s sitcom “Good Times” through its first three seasons.
Leaving the show after a public dispute with the writers, he went on to play the adult Kunta Kinte in the ABC mini-series “Roots” and jumped between various films and TV series.
On film he played fast food owner Cleo McDowell in “Coming to America,” a desperate coach opposite Tim Conway and Jan-Michael Vincent in Disney’s “The World’s Greatest Athlete,” the traitorous Major Grant in “Die Hard 2” and Seth in “The Beastmaster”. Other notable films included “Ricochet,” “Lock Up,” “Two Evil Eyes,” “American Flyers,” “Madea’s Witness Protection” and “Uncut Gems”.
On TV he had a recurring role in “Maude,” played a police captain in “Hunter,” a coach in “In the House,” an admiral in “The West Wing,” a mayor in “The District,” and had regular roles in “Men in Trees” and “All About the Andersons” along with a memorable guest role on several “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” episodes.
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