John Amos, veteran actor of ‘Roots’ and ‘Good Times’ fame, dies at 84

Actor John Amos, whose long career included a range of iconic roles in such works as “Roots,” “Good Times” and “The West Wing,” died last month, his family said Tuesday.

He was 84 when he died from natural causes in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, his publicist said in a statement.

“With a career spanning over five decades, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work on both television and film, and a dedication to positive African American representation in media,” the statement read.

Kelly Christopher Amos called his father “my dad, my best friend, and my hero.”

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said.

“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.” 

Before he got on the screen, Amos played football at Colorado State University and was short-time Kansas City Chief.

After Amos left the gridiron, his ‘ big acting break came in 1970, when he was cast as Gordy the weatherman on the beloved “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

But the role that cemented him as one of TV’s great sitcom dads came in 1974, when he landed the role of stoic father, James Evans, on “Good Times.”

He starred in 61 episodes of the Norman Lear comedy about a hard-working family trying to keep their heads above water in a Chicago housing project.

Amos went on to play the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking 1977 TV miniseries “Roots,” starring alongside several of that generation’s greatest Black actors, including Ben Vereen, LeVar Burton, Louis Gossett Jr. and Leslie Uggams.

Movie buffs might know him best as fast-food magnate Cleo McDowell from 1988’s hit Eddie Murphy comedy, “Coming to America,” or as Bruce Willis’ foil in 1990’s “Die Hard 2.“

His television career was revitalized in 1999 when he was cast on the acclaimed White House drama “The West Wing,” where he appeared for five seasons as Adm. Percy “Fitz” Fitzwallace.

“My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life …. most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad,” his son said.