John Amos, Roots and Coming to America Actor, Passes Away at 84: ‘A Career Full of Heart’
John Amos, cherished for his roles in ‘Good Times,’ ‘The Roots,’ and ‘Coming to America,’ has died at the age of 84. His son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, shared with PEOPLE that John passed away from natural causes in Los Angeles on August 21.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce my father’s passing,” K.C. expressed. “He was a man with an incredibly kind heart, beloved globally.” Indeed, for many fans, Amos was more than an actor; he was considered a television father figure.
John’s legacy is celebrated for bringing to life roles that portrayed authentic African American experiences. He notably loved his role throughout his life as an actor, which saw him recently appearing in ‘Suits LA’ as himself and participating in a documentary about his life called ‘America’s Dad.’
His talent agency, Buchwald, represented by president Julia Buchwald, stated, “We are so proud to have represented John. His generous spirit and immense talent left a great impact on the industry and those he worked with.”
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The announcement of his death follows health struggles he faced last year when he was hospitalized due to heart problems, stemming from fluid accumulation in his lower body. Despite these challenges, his daughter Shannon alleged that her father was a victim of elder abuse, claims John firmly denied.
Controversy arose as Shannon filed complaints and started a GoFundMe for John, which she later deleted at his request. The situation brought in the Los Angeles Police Department, whose investigation into elder abuse claims found no supporting evidence.
John appreciated the thoroughness of authorities in this matter and declared his intention to confront misleading narratives about his life in a future documentary.
Tibrina Hobson/WireImageBefore stepping into the acting world, Amos was a promising football player for teams like the Denver Broncos. Although he eventually left the NFL, his acting career thrived, beginning with appearances on ‘The Billy Cosby Show’ and ‘The Tim Conway Comedy Hour.’
His breakout role came as Gordy Howard on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ paving the way for his iconic performance in ‘Good Times.’ However, differences in perspective regarding the portrayal of Black families led to his departure from the series.
J.Sciulli/WireImageHe later starred in ‘Roots,’ a historic miniseries that garnered him a nomination for an Emmy. His portrayal of Kunta Kinte left a lasting mark on audiences and solidified his place in television history. John’s career continued through the decades with roles on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ ‘The West Wing,’ and ‘Men in Trees.’
His return as Cleo McDowell in the 2021 sequel of ‘Coming to America’ was a joyful revisit for many fans. Even up to his passing, Amos embraced acting, making appearances in recent projects like ‘Me Time’ and ‘The Righteous Gemstones.’
Reflecting on his career, Amos once shared, “I never anticipated such a long journey in acting, but I am grateful for the roles that resonated with audiences of all backgrounds.” His portrayal of a beloved television father remains a powerful part of his legacy, uniting viewers with stories full of laughter and genuine emotion.
