John Amos, Beloved Star of Good Times, Passes Away at 84
Hollywood is mourning the loss of beloved actor John Amos, best known for his role as James Evans Sr. on the hit sitcom Good Times. The legendary actor, who passed away on August 21 at the age of 84, leaves behind a television and film legacy that spans over five decades.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, confirmed the news on October 1, paying tribute to his father’s life and work. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” Kelly said in a heartfelt statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold…and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father.”
Fans of Good Times remember Amos as the no-nonsense father figure. But behind the scenes, he was known for his strong opinions. His fiery personality led to conflicts with the show’s writers, particularly over his portrayal of African Americans. Amos, who didn’t hesitate to voice his concerns, recalled the tension in a 2017 interview with Ebony. He explained that he clashed with the writers because they didn’t genuinely understand the African American experience.
“They’d say, ‘What do you mean we can’t do this?’… I’d look at each and every one of them and say, ‘Well, how long have you been Black? That just doesn’t happen in the community,’” Amos revealed, referencing his firm stance against stereotypical portrayals.
In another interview from 2020, Amos explained, “Their perception or their idea of what a Black family would be and what a Black father would be was totally different from mine, and mine was steeped in reality.”
Though he left Good Times after its third season, Amos’ career flourished. He landed iconic roles in shows like The West Wing, Men in Trees, and 704 Hauser. More recently, he reprised his role as Cleo McDowell in the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America.
Amos was wedded twice. He first married Noel J. Mickelson in 1965 and later tied the knot with actress Lillian Lehman in 1978. He had two children with Mickelson, a daughter named Shannon and a son named Kelly Christopher.
John Amos’ passing is a significant loss to the entertainment world, but he lives on through his many memorable roles. As his son beautifully put it, Amos “lived a good life” and his work will continue to inspire fans for generations to come.
