John Amos, the famed actor best known for his role as James Evans, Sr. on "Good Times," has died at 84.

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, K.C. Amos, his son, 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.” The actor died on August 21, 2024.

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos has become a household name, recognized for his commanding presence and versatile performances. His life story is one of perseverance, talent, and a deep commitment to his craft.

Amos grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where he attended East Orange High School. His early years were defined by his athletic talent, and he initially pursued a career in football. Amos played college football at Long Beach City College and Colorado State University before briefly playing professionally. However, when his NFL aspirations didn't pan out, Amos pivoted toward the arts, enrolling in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Amos' big break came in the early 1970s when he was cast as James Evans Sr., the patriarch on the groundbreaking sitcom "Good Times." The show, which aired from 1974 to 1979, was one of the first television programs to depict an African American family living in a public housing project. Amos portrayed James Evans Sr. as a stern but loving father, whose no-nonsense approach to life became a cornerstone of the show. His portrayal earned him widespread recognition, and the character remains one of the most beloved fathers in television history.

However, despite "Good Times'" success, Amos famously clashed with the show's producers over its direction. He felt that the show increasingly leaned into stereotypical portrayals of Black life and was not depicting the realities he wanted to represent. These creative differences led to Amos’ departure from the show in 1976, with his character being written out.

Amos' departure from "Good Times" did not mark the end of his success. In 1977, he was cast in one of the most iconic roles of his career as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots." Based on Alex Haley's novel, the series told the harrowing story of an African family captured and sold into slavery in America.

Amos' acting career has showcased his remarkable versatility. He appeared in everything from sitcoms to dramas, always bringing depth to his roles. In the 1980s, he joined the cast of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" as the character Gordy Howard, further cementing his status as a television fixture. He also made notable guest appearances in shows like "The West Wing," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and "In the House."

In addition to his television work, Amos enjoyed a successful film career. He appeared in the 1988 comedy "Coming to America" as Cleo McDowell, the father of Lisa, Eddie Murphy’s love interest. Amos reprised this role in the 2021 sequel, "Coming 2 America," demonstrating his ability to resonate with audiences across generations.