John Amos, a TV writer turned Emmy-nominated actor, passed away aged 84 on August 21 in Los Angeles from natural causes. His son, K.C. Amos, shared the news, saying,
“My father has transitioned. He had a kind heart and was loved by many fans who saw him as their TV father.”
John Amos was famous for his roles as Kunta Kinte in Roots and James Evans Sr. on Good Times. He also appeared in shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The West Wing and had notable roles in movies like Coming to America and Die Hard 2.
John Amos: 5 TV shows and movies you must watch
1. Good Times
John Amos’ role as James Evans Sr. on Good Times is legendary. This American sitcom aired on CBS for six seasons and was a groundbreaking portrayal of an African American two-parent family living in inner-city Chicago.
Amos played James Evans, a proud and hardworking father who did everything in his power to support his family, even in the face of adversity. His performance was filled with hurt, showing the struggles of poverty while maintaining dignity. It also addressed important social issues.
2. Roots
Roots is another iconic production that cemented John Amos as a serious actor. Based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel, this miniseries tells the story of Kunta Kinte, a young man from The Gambia who is captured and sold into slavery.
Amos played the adult version of Kunta, delivering a powerful performance. The show was a huge success and brought attention to the horrors of slavery, reaching millions of viewers and winning numerous awards. This is one role that showcased Amos’ dramatic abilities in a way few other projects could.
3. The Beastmaster
In The Beastmaster, Amos takes on the role of Seth, a warrior ally to the protagonist Dar. This fantasy adventure film is a cult favorite, and Amos’ portrayal of a brave, sword-wielding hero was a refreshing change from his more grounded TV roles.
4. Coming to America
Coming to America is a classic comedy film in which John Amos plays Cleo McDowell, the father of Lisa McDowell and the owner of McDowell’s, a fast-food restaurant. His performance added a layer of humor and heart to this already funny movie.
Cleo’s ambition and protective nature over his daughter made him one of the standout characters. If you’re a fan of comedy and haven’t watched this yet, it’s a must-see for John Amos’ fans.
5. Die Hard 2
John Amos made an unforgettable appearance in Die Hard 2 as Major Grant, a military officer involved in an action-packed sequence with Bruce Willis’ character. His role was more action-oriented, keeping the fans hooked to the movie.
John Amos’ career spanned decades and various genres, from sitcoms to intense dramas. His ability to adapt to different roles made him one of the most respected actors of his time. Whether you loved him as James Evans Sr., Kunta Kinte, or even Cleo McDowell, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His passing is a significant loss to the world of entertainment, but his work will always remain timeless.
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