John Amos has passed away: the legendary actor seeks his final resting place in Los Angeles
2 october 2024 в 16:37
John Amos passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles from natural causes, his representative confirmed on Tuesday. He was 84 years old.
«With a career spanning over five decades, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in both television and film, as well as a commitment to positive representation of African Americans in the media», - the statement read.
The late actor is best known for his role as James Evans Sr. in the series «Good Times», - where he portrayed a hardworking father striving to provide for his family in a challenging environment. The emphasis on education and family values of his character left a lasting impact on viewers, and he was one of the first African American fathers portrayed positively on television.
Here are five additional facts about Amos.
Born on December 27, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, Amos grew up in a family that valued education. He was also a talented athlete, excelling in football and earning a scholarship to Long Beach State University. He initially attended Long Beach City College, and then graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in sociology, qualifying as a social worker.
He briefly played college football in Colorado and joined the Kansas City Chiefs for the 1967 spring training session before transitioning to acting.
Amos began his career in theater, appearing in productions such as «Hair» on Broadway. His stage work includes the play «The Great White Hope» of the Negro Ensemble Company, and he participated in various regional theater productions, highlighting his strong foundation in the performing arts.
Amos’s first major television role was as Gordy Howard, a weatherman on «The Mary Tyler Moore Show» from 1970 to 1973. As the only black character on the show, he played the straight man to the bombastic anchor Ted Baxter.
Throughout his career, Amos received several nominations and awards for his performances, including NAACP Image Awards, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in «Roots», - and a TV Land Groundbreaking Show Award for «The Mary Tyler Moore Show». He also received the TV Land Impact Icon Award for «Good Times» and the TV Land Anniversary Award for «Roots».
In 2020, Amos was also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He served in the New Jersey National Guard.
Amos was married twice and had three children. His daughter Shannon was born in New Jersey in 1966 to Amos and Noël J. Mickelson. Their second child, Kelly Christopher «K.C»., was born in 1970.
After divorcing Mickelson in 1975, Amos briefly married actress Lillian Lehman, although details of their relationship remain private
«With a career spanning over five decades, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in both television and film, as well as a commitment to positive representation of African Americans in the media», - the statement read.
The late actor is best known for his role as James Evans Sr. in the series «Good Times», - where he portrayed a hardworking father striving to provide for his family in a challenging environment. The emphasis on education and family values of his character left a lasting impact on viewers, and he was one of the first African American fathers portrayed positively on television.
Here are five additional facts about Amos.
Born on December 27, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, Amos grew up in a family that valued education. He was also a talented athlete, excelling in football and earning a scholarship to Long Beach State University. He initially attended Long Beach City College, and then graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in sociology, qualifying as a social worker.
He briefly played college football in Colorado and joined the Kansas City Chiefs for the 1967 spring training session before transitioning to acting.
Amos began his career in theater, appearing in productions such as «Hair» on Broadway. His stage work includes the play «The Great White Hope» of the Negro Ensemble Company, and he participated in various regional theater productions, highlighting his strong foundation in the performing arts.
Amos’s first major television role was as Gordy Howard, a weatherman on «The Mary Tyler Moore Show» from 1970 to 1973. As the only black character on the show, he played the straight man to the bombastic anchor Ted Baxter.
Throughout his career, Amos received several nominations and awards for his performances, including NAACP Image Awards, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in «Roots», - and a TV Land Groundbreaking Show Award for «The Mary Tyler Moore Show». He also received the TV Land Impact Icon Award for «Good Times» and the TV Land Anniversary Award for «Roots».
In 2020, Amos was also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He served in the New Jersey National Guard.
Amos was married twice and had three children. His daughter Shannon was born in New Jersey in 1966 to Amos and Noël J. Mickelson. Their second child, Kelly Christopher «K.C»., was born in 1970.
After divorcing Mickelson in 1975, Amos briefly married actress Lillian Lehman, although details of their relationship remain private
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
