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John Amos, a legendary actor who worked on the set of several critically acclaimed shows during the 70s and 80s, recently lost his life. With a career so remarkable, Amos worked as an actor until 2022, and his last publicly known project wasMe Time, starring Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Hart.
It all started with humble beginnings, Amos was a budding athlete who could’ve made it big back in his glory days. He played football at Colorado State University before landing opportunities to try out for NFL teams, the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs (via The Hollywood Report). But it was fate that brought him into Hollywood.
John Amos passed away at the age of 84
After having a legendary Hollywood career, John Amos sadly passed away on June 04, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. His son, K.C. Amos reported his father’s death claiming he died of natural causes (viaThe Hollywood Reporter).
A statement was released and THR was able to make it public. Amos’ son spoke about him in the statement claiming he had a heart of gold and that he lived a good life. He said,
It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. 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. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.
Despite the successful career he would’ve had in sports, Amos turned to acting as he believed it had the potential to become something big. He left football behind after landing a role onThe Mary Tyler Moore Showin the 70s.
But it wasn’t until he played the role of a McDonald’s manager who hires an African prince onComing to America, starring the dearly loved Eddie Murphy. THR also stated Amos was a part of the McDonald’s training program before starring in a commercial in the 70s.
Amos claimed that the commercial helped him pay his children’s college tuition. In 1974, Amos was approached by Eric Monte and Mike Evans to act in a show calledGood Times, developed by the legendary Norman Lear.
John Amos’ rebellion against Good Times producers taught him a major lesson about Hollywood
John Amos successfully played the role of James Evans Sr. onGood Timesfor three seasons alongside Esther Rolle, who played his character’s wife. The sitcom focused on the life of an African-American family living in Chicago.
During an interview with theTelevision Academy Foundation, Amos spoke about his experience on set with Eric Monte and Mike Evans. The legend claimed that though it was a great run, he eventually found an issue with how his character’s son, JJ Evans, was being portrayed. He said,
We had a number of differences… “I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying ‘Dy-no-mite!’ every third page. I felt just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children.
The other two children were played by Ralph Carter and Bern Nadette Stanis. Amos further revealed that the producers got sick of his rebellion. He added,
[The producers] got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes. So they said, ‘Tell you what, why don’t we kill him off? We can get on with our lives!’ That taught me a lesson… I wasn’t as important as I thought I was to the show or to Norman Lear’s plans.
James Evans Sr. was killed off at the start of season four, in a two-part episode. That was when John Amos learned that actors don’t have much power in the industry and that producers or writers literally have control over one’s career.
“No way in the world they’re…”: Before Landing His ‘Good Times’ Role, John Amos Was Convinced Its Parent Show Was a Bad Idea
Some of Amos’ recent work was on the sets ofTwo and a Half Men,Psych,The Ranch, andBallers.
Good Timescan be streamed on Peacock.
Rakibul John Rodgers
Articles Published :160
Rakib is a writer at Fandomwire. He loves to delve into the worlds of horror, mystery, and pop culture. With a keen interest in sports, particularly basketball and MMA, he stays up-to-date on the latest developments. Outside of writing, Rakib values time with loved ones and finds solace in music, his first love.
