• Faith: Christian
• Career: Actor
• Birthday:  December 27, 1939
• Date of Death:  August 21, 2024

John Amos was an actor recognized for his portrayal of the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” and for his role as James Evans, Sr. on the CBS sitcom “Good Times.”

Amos was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1939. Raised by his father, an auto mechanic, he spent his formative years in East Orange, New Jersey. He was an athlete from a young age, excelling in sports such as boxing, and later attended Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in sociology. Amos pursued football professionally, trying out for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, although he never made the final rosters. He also played in the United Football League and the Continental Football League in Canada. His athletic background provided the discipline and toughness that later became a hallmark of his acting career.

Amos' entertainment career began unexpectedly. He started as a writer for "The Leslie Uggams Show" in 1969, before transitioning into acting with small roles in the early 1970s. His breakthrough came when he was cast as Gordy Howard, the weatherman, on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." His most significant role, however, came as the patriarch James Evans Sr. on "Good Times" (1974-1976). Amos clashed with the show's producers over the portrayal of Black families, which ultimately led to his departure from the show. Amos also played key roles in films like "Coming to America" and its 2021 sequel, "Coming 2 America 2.

John Amos was married twice and had two children, Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher Amos, both of whom have been involved in the entertainment industry.

In his later years, Amos remained active in television, appearing in series such as "The Ranch" and "The Righteous Gemstones." However, his personal life was marked by controversy in 2023 when his daughter Shannon raised concerns about elder abuse, leading to a public dispute. Amos refuted the claims, and the matter was eventually resolved. Despite these challenges, Amos' final years were spent surrounded by his family, and he passed away peacefully in Los Angeles on August 21, 2024 at the age of 34.

John Amos' Religious Beliefs

Amos maintained a private life, but his faith was always an integral part of his identity. He was a devout Christian, often speaking about the importance of faith in his life and how it guided him both personally and professionally. His values of integrity, honesty, and faith were evident in the roles he chose to portray, which often highlighted strength, resilience, and moral fortitude.