OLTL Actor John Amos Dead at 84

Veteran actor John Amos died on Aug. 21 at the age of 84. “it is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son, K.C. Amos, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

Although best remembered for playing James Evan Sr. on the classic sitcom Good Times and the adult Kunta Kinte in Roots, Amos has also appeared in daytime during his lengthy show biz career. ABC soap fans might recall his recurring role of police detective Bill Moore on One Life to Live back in the mid-‘80s, working alongside Al Freeman Jr.’s Captain Ed Hall.

After a brief career in professional football, Amos transitioned into acting, playing weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970-73. He debuted the character of James Evans Sr. on Maude before the character’s family got their own spinoff, Good Times in 1974. He has also had roles on television series like All About the Andersons and The West Wing. He was Emmy nominated for his role in the mini-series Roots, and can also be seen in movies like Coming to America and Die Hard 2. His final role was playing Lincoln Jefferson Adams in the 2023 film The Last Rifleman, starring Pierce Brosnan,

though he has an appearance in Suits: LA as well as the films Capture the Flag and Devotion in various stages of production.

Our thoughts are with Amos’ friends and family during this difficult time.