US football player turned actor John Amos who was acclaimed for his roles in the 1970s TV series Good Times as well as the miniseries Roots has died, his son has announced.
The actor, who also starred in Die Hard 2 and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air died on August 21 in Los Angeles aged 84, Kelly Christopher Amos said.
His death, which was due to natural causes, was not disclosed until Tuesday.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son said in a statement.
“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold ... and he was loved the world over,“ he added.
“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.
“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. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
Amos played the dad, James Evans, for 61 episodes of the sitcom Good Times in the mid-1970s and also the older Kunta Kinte in the TV miniseries Roots, based on the 1976 novel about slavery by Alex Haley. He also played the TV weatherman Gordy Howard in The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the same decade.
Amos also had a brief professional football career in the 1960s.
While filming Good Times, Amos often advocated for a more authentic representation of the Black American family, criticising the show’s writers for leaning into racial stereotypes.
He was also a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and honorary master chief of the United States Coast Guard.
