Remembering ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots’ Star John Amos: Honoring His Incredible Legacy
By Carissa Mosness,
6 days ago
John Amos, the beloved actor from Good Times and Roots , passed away at age 84 on August 21. His publicist confirmed his passing on October 1, with the cause of death believed to be natural causes, though it remains unconfirmed.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Amos son Kelly Christopher "K.C." said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart o, 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 as an actor on television and film. "My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life," K.C. continued. "Most recently in Suits LA, playing 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."
Almost a year and a half prior to his death, Amos was admitted to the local hospital for heart problems caused by fluid build-up in his lower body. This came after Shannon—his daughter—claimed that the actor was a victim of elder abuse, writing in an Instagram post in June 2023, “The past two weeks shattered our world. My dad a victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation. We are collaborating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and local authorities, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
John Amos and Shannon in 2004 John Sciulli / Staff/Getty
In March 2024, Amos denied the elder abuse claims, stating: “This story about neglect is false and unmerited. The real truth will come out soon and you will hear it from me. Believe it.”
Back in July 2023, though, the actor went on record saying, “She [Shannon] would be the primary suspect—if you would. I don’t know if that’s the right term to use or not. But she’s the one that I would attribute my elderly abuse to. It’s definitely a case of elderly abuse ."
Despite all the drama, Shannon did take the time to post a heartwarming tribute to her dad on Instagram, though, writing, “We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you. This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free .”
The Los Angeles Police Department opened an elder abuse investigation in April 2024, but no charges were made and it remains unclear if any of that played a part in the actor's death.
A brief history of the triumphant life of John Amos
Amos was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 28, 1939, but did not start acting until 1970. Before that, the Oscar nominee was best known for his football skills.
In undergrad, he made a name for himself by playing college football for the Colorado State Rams. The university has yet to comment on the death of one of its most famous alumni.
Post-college, Amos continued playing football in the National Football League (NFL), joining the Kansas City Chiedds in 1967 for one season after being cut from the Denver Broncos in 1964.
John Amos in 2007 Monica Morgan / Contributor/Getty
“ RIP to one-time Kansas City Chief and one-of-a-kind entertainer, ” the official NFL Film X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote. Neither the Chiefs nor the Broncos have commented on the actor's death.
After leaving touchdowns for TV shows, Amos could be found starring in things like Good Times (1974 to 1976), Roots (1977), Coming to America (1988), Lock Up (1989), Die Hard 2 (1999), The West Wing (1999 to 2004) and The Last Rifleman (2023).
The actor was also nominated for an Emmy for his work in Roots .
The personal life of John Amos
Over the course of his life, Amos was married three times and had four children. All of his marriages ended in divorce, and Amos was not publically romantically involved with anyone at the time of his death.
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