Actor John Amos Dies; Essex County Native Was America’s ‘TV Father’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County native John Amos, a famed actor known for his roles in “Roots” and “Good Times,” recently died at the age of 84.

Amos – who was born in Newark and grew up in East Orange – became a beloved father-figure across the nation for his role as James Evans, the tough-but-loving patriarch of the 1970s television show, “Good Times.” The hit series was one of the first sitcoms with an all-Black cast. He also gained wide praise for his performance as Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries, “Roots,” which also premiered in the 1970s. Amos’ other acting work includes “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Coming to America,” among many other roles.

According to Amos’ publicist , the iconic actor died of natural causes on Aug. 21. She did not elaborate on the reason why the announcement was delayed, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher "K.C." Amos, told People.com that his father “was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold.”

“Many fans consider him their TV father,” Amos said. “He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

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