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Renowned Hollywood actor John Amos, best known for his memorable performances in the classic film “Coming to America” and the beloved 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” has died at the age of 84.
According to a statement issued by his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, John Amos passed away of natural causes on August 21, with the news being shared on Tuesday.
Kelly’s tribute reflected his heartfelt sorrow regarding his father’s death, celebrating John Amos’s benevolent spirit and the meaningful connections he forged with fans worldwide.
“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 Amos, who began his journey as a football player at Colorado State University and had training camp experiences with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, successfully made the leap into a flourishing entertainment career.
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He became well-known for his role as Gordy Howard, the charming weatherman in 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 had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace in NBC’s West Wing.
Amos’ cinematic journey commenced with Melvin Van Peebles’ influential 1971 film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, a project that laid the groundwork for his future success. He later achieved widespread recognition in Coming to America (1988), where he took on the role of the gregarious manager of a fast-food restaurant resembling McDonald’s, who is instrumental in hiring Eddie Murphy’s character. Notably, this role held a layer of irony, as Amos had prior experience working in McDonald’s training and had appeared in a popular commercial for the brand in the 1970s.
