John Amos, who was known for his roles in the miniseries Roots and Die Hard 2 in 1977, has passed away at the age of 84 following his career.
According to the statement provided by his publicist, Belinda Foster, the individual passed away on August 21 due to natural causes; however, the announcement was not made public until Tuesday.
Good Times was a television drama that featured one of the earliest depictions of a black two-parent household on television. Amos played the role of James Evans Sr. on the show.
In an interview with Time magazine in the year 2021, Amos remarked that the show was the most true depiction of the hardships that an African American family would experience in such conditions.
In his filmography, Amos has appeared in a number of important films, including Let’s Do It Again, which starred Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby; Coming to America, which starred Eddie Murphy; and Die Hard 2.
In their lyrics, singers such as Alicia Keys, Rick Ross, and the Wu-Tang Clan have made references to Amos or his persona. This demonstrates the significant impact that Good Times has had on the music industry.
“Numerous fans regard him as their television father,” said his son, Kelly Christopher Amos. “He is a television phenomenon.”
“He had a favourable existence.” As an actor, he has made significant contributions to both film and television, which will ensure that his legacy outlasts the test of time.
“My father had a lifelong passion for his career as an actor.” He represented my father, my closest friend, and the person I looked up to the most.
Following Amos’s expression of concerns with the white writing staff’s formulation of storylines that he viewed as lacking authenticity for the Black characters, he was sacked from his position at Good Times.
In a number of different situations, I made it clear that I did not approve of the acts that were being suggested. It fundamentally contradicts the ideals that Black society holds. “I will assume the role of the expert on that matter, if you have no objections,” he declared in an interview with Time magazine.
“The situation escalated to a point where the decision to remove my character from the show emerged as the most optimal resolution for all parties involved, including myself.”
Amos’ character met an untimely demise due to a vehicular accident.
Jimmie Walker, his co-star, commented on the situation: “Had the decision been mine, I would have preferred John staying, allowing the show to maintain a more ensemble-orientated format.”
“There was a consensus that my presence at the forefront was not optimal, and I shared that sentiment.”
Amos was born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, as the offspring of a mechanic.
He completed his degree in sociology at Colorado State University and was a member of the university’s football team.
Prior to embarking on an acting career, he relocated to New York and served as a social worker at the Vera Institute of Justice, engaging with defendants at the Brooklyn House of Detention.
He experienced a short tenure in professional football, participating in several minor leagues.