John Amos,RootsandComing to AmericaActor, Dies at 84: 'A Man with the Kindest Heart'

Mar. 15, 2025

John Amos, best known for his roles onGood Times, RootsandComing to America, has died. He was 84.

The Emmy-nominated actor’s son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that he died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Aug. 21.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. wrote. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over."

“My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life,” he added. “Most recently inSuits LAplaying himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor,America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

Julia Buchwald, the president of talent agency Buchwald, also added: “We were so proud to represent John. He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul. His impact on the industry and those who knew him will never be forgotten.”

John Amos.Craig Barritt/Getty

Craig Barritt/Getty

The news comes nearly one year and four months after Amos entered the hospital due to fluid filling his lower body and causing issues with his heart. At the time, a rep for Amos said the doctors drained all of the fluid and Amos had been on the mend.

The hospitalization came as his daughter Shannonalleged her dad was the “victim of elder abuse”in June 2023, which hedenied. She thenfiled a complaint with the Colorado Bureau of Investigationandcreated a GoFundMe pageto raise “care expenses” for theComing to Americastar, which she laterremovedat his request.

Tibrina Hobson/WireImage

In March 2024, Amos called the claims of elder abuse“false and unmerited”in a statement to PEOPLE. He also referred to K.C., 53, as “a caring, thoughtful human being who respects me.” The same month, a rep for Shannon said in a statement to PEOPLE that the producer worried her father’s health was being “downplayed despite multiple hospitalizations."

“People think this is about money and rivalry… it is not.” Shannon said. “…I love my brother and I hope he will get the help he needs, but we need to prioritize the safety of my father who is vulnerable, first and foremost. Anything else can be addressed within our family.”

At the time, the Los Angeles Police Department also launched an investigation into Shannon’s claims that her brother wasn’t providing the appropriate care for their father amid his health issues. On April 8, the LAPDclosed the casedue to lack of evidence, which disappointed Shannon.

However, Amos thanked authorities for “their professionalism and thoroughness in their investigation.” He also vowed to “shed light on the real truth as to the motives of those who have painted a false narrative about me” in a documentary he was producing with his son.

John Amos and daughter Shannon during Cure Autism Now Celebrates Third Annual “Acts of Love” - After Party.J.Sciulli/WireImage

J.Sciulli/WireImage

Amos first entered the spotlight as in 1964 as a player on theDenver Broncos. He also played for theKansas City Chiefsbefore leaving the NFL for the Continental League, not ready to give up on his dream even after then-Chiefs coach Hank Stramreportedly told him, “You are not a football player you are a young man who happens to be playing football.”

After his stint onThe Mary Tyler Moore Showended in 1973, he went on star as James Evans Sr. inGood Times, the first television show to highlight a Black family. Amos fought for authentic portrayals of Black lives to be shown on screen, which ultimately led to his exit from the series in 1976.

John Amos and Esther Rolle in ‘Good Times’.CBS Photo Archive/Getty

That resulted in Amos being told “my services were no longer needed because I had become a ‘disruptive element.’”

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“I had a way of voicing my differences against the script that weren’t acceptable to the creative staff,” he said. “I mean, the writers got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes.”

Amos had recurring roles onThe District,The Andersons,The West WingandMen in Treesin the 2000s and kept working right up until his death. He made asurprise appearancein the 2019Live in Front of a Studio Audiencespecial in which stars likeViola DavisandTiffany Haddishrecreated a 1975 ofGood TimesasAlderman Fred Davis, a man running for local office.

John Amos on ‘Good Times’.Eric McCandless/ABC

In 2022, Amos most appeared in the moviesBlock PartyandMe Time, as well as an episode ofThe Righteous Gemstones.

source: people.com