Hollywood actor, John Amos, known for his roles in ‘Coming To America’ and ‘Good Times’, has died at 84.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos in a statement on Tuesday, announced that the actor died of natural causes on August 21.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold and he was loved the world over.
“Many fans consider him as their TV father. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor,” he announced.
Profile
John Amos, a running back turned actor who appeared in scores of TV shows — including groundbreaking 1970s programs such as the sitcom “Good Times” and the epic miniseries “Roots” — and risked his career to protest demeaning portrayals of Black characters.
The talent agency Buchwald, which represented him, announced the death but did not provide a specific cause. It was unclear why the family waited weeks after his death to make it public.
After being cut by 13 professional and minor-league football teams in his 20s, often because of injuries, Mr. Amos supported himself variously as a ditch-digger, lumberjack, restaurant manager, social worker and advertising copywriter.
With a confessed short fuse and a flair for showmanship, he found an outlet for his frustration and creativity by writing jokes that he performed in nightclubs.
