Sophia Michaels
American actor John Amos passed away at the age of 84 on August 21, as confirmed by his son K.C. in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on October 1. K.C. expressed his deep sorrow, sharing, “My father has transitioned. He had a kind heart and was loved by many, considered a TV father by his fans. His legacy in film and television will endure.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued careers in professional football and boxing before finding success in acting. He was part of the first desegregated classes in two New Jersey schools following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Reflecting on his childhood, he noted, “I experienced the realities of integration firsthand,” highlighting the derogatory comments he faced.
Amos’s career began to flourish when he joined “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” where he found a welcoming environment among the cast. He described the experience as “an actor’s heaven,” stating that Mary and her colleagues elevated the art of comedy to a higher level. This show served as a springboard for other successes in Amos’s acting journey.
John Amos reflected on his dismissal from Good Times
Amos’s television and film career began in the 1970s, with prominent roles in shows like “Good Times,” “Hunter,” and “The West Wing.” He reminisced about his time on “Good Times,” praising its creator, Norman Lear, for addressing tough social issues. He described working with Lear as a privilege, as they tackled subjects often shunned in television.
However, Amos also spoke candidly about the challenges of being a Black father depicted on 1970s television. He felt that some of Lear’s writers approached the character from a perspective detached from reality, which led to conflicts over the script. Amos recalled asserting his views on Black societal norms, insisting that authenticity should prevail.
Before his passing, Amos addressed rumors of elder abuse following an incident where his hospitalization was publicized by his daughter Shannon. His representative clarified that he was hospitalized for medical treatment and had nearly recovered by the time Shannon initiated a GoFundMe campaign for him.
