John Amos' Life in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

John Amos.Photo:Jim Spellman/WireImage

Jim Spellman/WireImage

Hollywood has lost another legend.

On Oct. 1, John Amos' sonKelly Christopher “K.C.” Amosannounced that therevered actor died on Aug. 21, 2024. He was 84.

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

Known for his incredible portrayals of James Evans Sr. onGood Timesand Kunta Kinte onRoots,Amos' ability to bring heart and soul into his roles were undeniable. Below, see his incredible life in photos.

01of 10John Amos' Early DaysJohn Amos in 1971.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyJohn Amos was born in Newark, New Jersey on Dec. 27, 1939, to Annabelle and John Amos Sr., who was a mechanic. Amos' first career was in professional football, playing for the Denver Broncos and then the Kansas City Chiefs, before pivoting to acting.

01of 10

John Amos' Early Days

John Amos in 1971.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

John Amos was born in Newark, New Jersey on Dec. 27, 1939, to Annabelle and John Amos Sr., who was a mechanic. Amos' first career was in professional football, playing for the Denver Broncos and then the Kansas City Chiefs, before pivoting to acting.

02of 10John Amos Breaks ThroughJohn Amos on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’.CBS via GettyLike many actors, Amos got his feet wet acting in plays. Though he secured work on Broadway, it didn’t take long for his talent to take in the acting world as he scored a role as Gordy the Weatherman onThe Mary Tyler Moore Showfor three seasons.

02of 10

John Amos Breaks Through

John Amos on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’.CBS via Getty

CBS via Getty

Like many actors, Amos got his feet wet acting in plays. Though he secured work on Broadway, it didn’t take long for his talent to take in the acting world as he scored a role as Gordy the Weatherman onThe Mary Tyler Moore Showfor three seasons.

03of 10

John Amos on ‘Good Times’

John Amos and Esther Rolle.CBS via Getty

04of 10

John Amos Plays Kunta Kinte in ‘Roots’

John Amos in ‘Roots’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

05of 10

John Amos Family Life

John Amos, ex-wife Noel Amos and son Kelly Amos.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

With his then-wife Noel Michelson, the actor welcomed daughter Shannon on Aug. 5, 1966, and son Kelly Christopher “K.C.,” on Oct. 18, 1970.

Above, John is pictured with Michelson and K.C. at the premiere ofComing to Americain 1988.

06of 10

Set Staple

Will Smith, John Amos and Nia Long.Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank

Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank

07of 10

John Amos Makes an Impact

L. Cohen/WireImage

08of 10

John Amos and the cast of ‘Roots’.Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

The following year, Amos reunited with the original cast ofRoots. Above, he poses with Lou Gossett Jr., Ben Vereen, Cicely Tyson, LeVar Burton and Leslie Uggams at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

09of 10

John Amos' Daughter Alleges Her Brother Is Abusing Him

John Amos in 2016.Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage

Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage

Amos continued to act in his later years, appearing inComing 2 America, The Righteous Gemstones, Block Party, Me TimeandThe Last Riflemanbetween 2021 and 2023.

She later claimed that theRootsactor was “the victim of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation” and was working “with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and local authorities, determined tobring the perpetrators to justice."

John denied the allegations, and theLAPD closed the case after an investigation.

10of 10John Amos Speaks on the Love He Has for His FamilyJohn Amos, Shannon Amos, and K.C. Amos at the 1st Annual “A Celebration of Heroes” Power Heroes Gala on December 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.Brian To/FilmMagicIn aninterview with PEOPLEin December 2023, theRootsactor spoke about his relationship with his children, stating that there was still love between them despite the disagreements.“Right now, it is somewhat acrimonious, but never mind what you might read or hear about in the paper or on this medium or that medium platform,” he said. “Suffice it to say we are still family, and we love each other, and that’s the bottom line.”K.C. announced his father’s death of natural causes on Oct. 1, 2024,saying in part, “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”

10of 10

John Amos Speaks on the Love He Has for His Family

John Amos, Shannon Amos, and K.C. Amos at the 1st Annual “A Celebration of Heroes” Power Heroes Gala on December 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.Brian To/FilmMagic

Brian To/FilmMagic

In aninterview with PEOPLEin December 2023, theRootsactor spoke about his relationship with his children, stating that there was still love between them despite the disagreements.

“Right now, it is somewhat acrimonious, but never mind what you might read or hear about in the paper or on this medium or that medium platform,” he said. “Suffice it to say we are still family, and we love each other, and that’s the bottom line.”

K.C. announced his father’s death of natural causes on Oct. 1, 2024,saying in part, “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”

source: people.com