John Amos, veteran actor of ‘Roots’ and ‘Good Times’ fame, dies at 84

Actor John Amos, whose lengthy profession included a variety of iconic roles in such works as “Roots,” “Good Instances” and “The West Wing,” died final month, his household stated Tuesday.

He was 84 when he died from pure causes in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, his publicist stated in an announcement.

“With a profession spanning over 5 many years, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work on each tv and movie, and a dedication to constructive African American illustration in media,” the assertion learn.

Kelly Christopher Amos referred to as his father “my dad, my greatest pal, and my hero.”

“It’s with heartfelt disappointment that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he stated.

“He was a person with the kindest coronary heart and a coronary heart of gold … and he was liked the world over. Many followers think about him their TV father. He lived a superb life. His legacy will reside on in his excellent works in tv and movie as an actor.” 

Earlier than he received on the display, Amos performed soccer at Colorado State College and was short-time Kansas Metropolis Chief.

After Amos left the gridiron, his ‘ massive performing break got here in 1970, when he was solid as Gordy the weatherman on the beloved “The Mary Tyler Moore Present.”

However the position that cemented him as considered one of TV’s nice sitcom dads got here in 1974, when he landed the position of stoic father, James Evans, on “Good Instances.”

He starred in 61 episodes of the Norman Lear comedy a few hard-working household attempting to maintain their heads above water in a Chicago housing venture.

Amos went on to play the grownup Kunta Kinte within the groundbreaking 1977 TV miniseries “Roots,” starring alongside a number of of that era’s biggest Black actors, together with Ben Vereen, LeVar Burton, Louis Gossett Jr. and Leslie Uggams.

Film buffs may know him greatest as fast-food magnate Cleo McDowell from 1988’s hit Eddie Murphy comedy, “Coming to America,” or as Bruce Willis’ foil in 1990’s “Die Arduous 2.”

His tv profession was revitalized in 1999 when he was solid on the acclaimed White Home drama “The West Wing,” the place he appeared for 5 seasons as Adm. Percy “Fitz” Fitzwallace.

“My father liked working as an actor all through his whole life …. most lately in Fits LA enjoying himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad,” his son stated.