John Amos, an American actor and former football player, had a net worth of $300 thousand at the time of his death on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. However, it wasn’t until October 1, 2024, that his son made the public announcement of his passing, nearly six weeks later.
A Diverse Career in Television and Film
Amos’ career spanned decades, with notable roles in both television and film. His most recognized role came in the 1970s when he portrayed James Evans Sr., the patriarch of the Evans family, in the CBS sitcom Good Times. The show, which aired from 1974 to 1976, explored the challenges of a working-class African American family. Amos’ portrayal of James Evans earned him a place in television history. Additionally, he gained widespread acclaim for his Emmy-nominated performance in the 1977 miniseries Roots, where he portrayed Kunta Kinte.
Throughout his career, Amos also appeared in numerous other television shows, such as The West Wing, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The District. His versatility extended to Broadway, where he performed, and to the silver screen, with memorable roles in films like Coming to America and Die Hard 2.
Real Estate and Financial Struggles
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, John Amos faced financial difficulties in the later years of his life. In 1990, he purchased a home in Lebanon, New Jersey, for $337,000. However, after attempting to sell the property in 2016 for $439,000, he struggled to find a buyer. The house eventually slipped into foreclosure, and by April 2021, it was sold for $288,000.
In June 2023, his daughter Shannon launched a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to raise $500,000 to support her father. Alongside the campaign, she claimed that John had been a victim of elder and financial abuse. However, John Amos publicly refuted these accusations and questioned the need for the GoFundMe, casting doubt on the claims made by his daughter.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
John Amos was born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to John Amos Sr., an auto mechanic, and Annabelle Amos. Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Amos graduated from East Orange High School in 1958. He later attended Long Beach City College in California before earning a degree in sociology from Colorado State University. While studying at Colorado State, Amos played for the university’s football team and even became a Golden Glove boxing champion.
His athletic abilities led him to a brief career in professional football. In 1964, Amos signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent, but an injury ended his football aspirations early. He then played for several smaller leagues, including the United Football League’s Canton Bulldogs and the Continental Football League’s Norfolk Neptunes, before briefly playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967.
Breakthrough in Television: The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Good Times
Amos’ first major television role came in 1970 when he appeared as Gordy Howard, the weatherman, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His performance on the show caught the attention of both viewers and producers. However, his most famous role would be that of James Evans Sr., the father in the sitcom Good Times.
The show, which debuted in 1974, aimed to portray a positive image of an African-American family living in a poor neighborhood. Amos’ character, James, was dedicated to providing for his family despite the challenges they faced. However, as the show progressed, Amos grew dissatisfied with the direction of the show’s writing, particularly how the humor often undercut the serious themes. This led to a fallout with the writers, resulting in his departure from Good Times in 1976.
The Impact of Roots and Subsequent Roles
In 1977, Amos starred in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, which was based on Alex Haley’s bestselling novel. Amos portrayed Kunta Kinte, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. The series became a cultural touchstone, and Amos’ performance solidified his status as a talented actor capable of handling both dramatic and impactful roles.
Following Roots, Amos appeared in several other notable television series, including Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story in 1980, The A-Team, and The Love Boat. From 1984 to 1985, he played a recurring role in the crime drama Hunter. He continued to work steadily in television throughout the 1990s, with appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Touched by an Angel, and Martin. Amos also had a recurring role on the LL Cool J sitcom In the House.
In the late 1990s, he joined the cast of The West Wing, playing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 22 episodes. He later appeared in The District, All About the Andersons, and Men in Trees, further cementing his place in popular culture.
Film Appearances and Continued Success
Amos’ film career also spanned decades, with his first major role coming in 1971 when he appeared in the cult classic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. He continued to build his film career with roles in movies like Let’s Do It Again (1975), The Beastmaster (1982), and the Eddie Murphy comedy Coming to America (1988).
Amos’ work in the 1990s included roles in Die Hard 2 (1990), Ricochet (1991), and For Better or Worse (1995). He also appeared in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection (2012) and the crime drama Uncut Gems (2019). In 2021, he reprised his role in the sequel Coming 2 America, further showcasing his enduring popularity.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Beyond his work in television and film, Amos was also involved in theater. He wrote and produced a one-man play called Halley’s Comet, which he performed internationally. He also appeared in August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, first on Broadway and later at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
Personal Life and Final Years
Amos was married twice. His first marriage was to Noel Mickelson, an equestrian and artist, in 1965. They had two children, Shannon and K.C., before divorcing in 1975. Amos’ second marriage was to actress Lillian Lehman in 1978, but they too divorced in 1979.
Amos spent much of his later life in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey. He was a proud veteran of the New Jersey National Guard, serving with the 50th Armored Division. He was also honored as an Honorary Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard.
John Amos passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His death, which went unannounced for several weeks, marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned both the entertainment industry and athletic pursuits. His legacy continues to live on through his iconic roles and the influence he had on television and film.
