When did John Amos die? Looking back at career as 'Roots' and 'Good Times' famed actor passes away at 84

Popular TV writer and actor, John Amos, tragically passed away at the age of 84. His son, K.C. Amos, confirmed that the actor died on August 21, 2024, due to natural causes. In a statement shared with Variety on October 2, he mentioned that John Amos was in Los Angeles when he took his last breath. The statement read:

“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.”

Born in December 1939, John Amos was best known for his writing and acting work in numerous films and TV Shows. Having appeared in Roots, Good Times and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Amos also did a plethora of Broadway Shows, and films like The Beastmaster, Lock Up, Coming 2 America and even Colorado State University.

As soon as the news of Amos' demise broke, many of his colleagues paid tributes to him on social media. Martin Lawrence wrote how the actor's death "hit" him differently. He stated:

"This one hits different. My condolences go out to the family of a true legend, John Amos."

Furthermore, Loni Love also remembered John and said:

"I had the honor to work with John Amos on the movie Bad Asses on the Bayou. He played my Dad, we had a ball!! Such a talented actor and I learned a lot by working with him. Condolences to his family."

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Apart from being an actor and writer, John Amos also played football professionally in 1964: More details explored

John Amos made a big name for himself in the TV and film industry, however, he was also known to be a professional football player during the mid-1960s. In 1964, Amos signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos of the AFL but was released after a hamstring injury prevented him from running the 40-yard dash.

He continued his football career in the United Football League with the Canton Bulldogs and Joliet Explorers. He then moved on to the Continental Football League, playing for teams like the Norfolk Neptunes and Wheeling Ironmen in 1965.

In 1966, he joined the Jersey City Jets and Waterbury Orbits, and later, in 1967, Amos was also briefly signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, John also played football during his high school years, but ultimately pursued a long career in acting during the 1970s. He started the journey with The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970 and was seen in the show until 1973.

Later, he became popular for other shows like Good Times, Love, America Style, Maude, Hunter, Bonanza: The Next Generation, Disappearing Acts, Men in Trees and even The West Wing. He was last seen in an episode of The Righteous Gemstones in 2022, as he portrayed the role of Buddy Lissons.

Moreover, he started doing films from 1971 onwards when he first appeared in Vanishing Point and Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. Amos was later seen in a plenty of movies, such as Touched by Love, Lock Up, Two Evil Eyes, My Baby’s Daddy, Dr. Dolittle 3, Uncut Gems, and The Last Rifleman being his last in 2023.

John Amos won a number of prestigious awards during his career, including the CableACE Awards, NAACP Image Awards, TV Land Awards, and many more.

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As John Amos' son announced the news of his passing, fans were left shocked. Several posts remembering the renowned actor's legacy started flooding on the internet.