Popular Hollywood actor who was known for his roles in ‘Coming To America’ and ‘Good Times’, John Amos is dead at age 84.
Amos’ demise was confirmed by his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, who shared in a statement on Tuesday that his father died of natural causes on August 21.
“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 world over.
“Many fans consider him as their TV father. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor,” he announced.
John Allen Amos Jr. was born on Dec. 27, 1939, in Newark, N.J., to John and Annabelle Amos and grew up in East Orange.
Amos, a former football player at Colorado State University with training camp stints for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, transitioned into a successful showbiz career.
He gained recognition as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Amos, a New Jersey native, earned an Emmy nomination for portraying the older version of Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries Roots. He also starred in “Good Times” and dozens of other TV shows well into his 80s, including “The West Wing,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “30 Rock,” “Two and a Half Men” and “The Righteous Gemstones.” He also had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace in NBC’s West Wing.
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Amos’ film career began with Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 classic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Lock Up” (1989), starring Sylvester Stallone; “Die Hard 2” (1990); and “Dr. Doolittle 3” (2006). He also appeared in a slew of TV movies, such as “Disappearing Acts” (2000), starring Wesley Snipes.
He later starred in Coming to America (1988), playing the manager of a McDonald’s-like restaurant who hires Eddie Murphy’s character. Ironically, Amos had previously worked in McDonald’s training before appearing in a popular 1970s commercial for the chain.
