American actor John Amos, seen in cult series Good Times et Rootsand the films A prince in New York et 58 Minutes to Livedied at the age of 84.
John Amos, American actor seen in the films A prince in New York et 58 Minutes to Livedied on August 21 of natural causes, his agent announced this Tuesday. He was 84 years old. The actor’s son, Kelly Christopher Amos, also released a statement.
“It is with a sad heart that I announce the passing of my father,” he said. “He was a man of immense kindness. He was loved around the world (…) He had a good life. His legacy will live on forever through his incredible performances in film and television.”
“My father loved working as an actor,” he continued. “We saw him recently in the series Suits LA where he played himself and in the documentary which traces his career, America’s Dad. He was my father, my best friend and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support.”
Nominated for Emmy Awards
John Amos began making a name for himself on American television in the 1970s. He began in the popular sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show before becoming a star with his role as a father in Good Timesthe first sitcom featuring a black family.
Then John Amos made an impression by playing the character of Kunta Kinte in the mini-series Roots. Having become a social phenomenon in the United States, it was viewed by more than 130 million viewers in 1977. John Amos was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role.
On television, John Amos also appeared in At the White House, My Uncle Charlie et The Ranch. In the cinema, he also played Eddie Murphy in the comedy A prince in New York but also in the continuation of Die Hard, 58 minutes to live. And more recently in Uncut Gems opposite Adam Sandler.
