By Cynthia Charlene Greason
FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
John Allen Amos Jr. (December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries Roots and for portraying James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series Good Times. His other television work includes The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on The West Wing, and the role of the Mayor of Washington DC Ethan Baker in the series The District. Amos was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. In film, he played numerous supporting roles in movies such as The Beastmaster (1982), Coming to America (1988), Lock Up (1989), Die Hard 2 (1990), and Coming 2 America (2021).
In addition to receiving an Emmy nomination for Roots, Amos was nominated for a CableACE award, an NAACP Image Award, and a DVD Exclusive Award. He won three TV Land Awards for his roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, and the TV miniseries Roots.
In 2020, Amos was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.[37]
In 1964, Amos signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos (AFL 1964), Unable to run the 40-yard dash because of a pulled hamstring, he was released on the second day of training camp.[7] He played for various sides during his career, the Canton Bulldogs (UFL 1964), Joliet Chargers (UFL 1964), Norfolk Neptunes (COFL 1965), Wheeling Ironmen COFL 1965, Jersey City Jets (ACFL 1966), Waterbury Orbits (ACFL 1966), and the Victoria Steelers (COFL 1967). In 1967, Amos signed a free agent contract with the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs (AFL 1967). Coach Hank Stram told him, “You’re not a football player, you’re a man who is trying to play football.”
Amos was a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and Honorary Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard.
Amos died of congestive heart failure at a hospital in Inglewood, California on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His death was not announced until October 1, 2024. His daughter, Shannon, was unaware that he had died until it was reported by the media. His remains were cremated nine days after his death.
