A fine actor, as James Evans in “Good Times” and as Kunta Kinte in "Roots '.
And Gordy the WJM Weatherman in MTM.
LEO: …and we just got word - Admiral Fitzwallace.
Easiest gig ever. He might have had two lines a season.
Never mind. He shone in whatever role he was given. Rest well, John, and know that you entertained us every step of the way.
If you can stomach watching Bill Cosby, John Amos did a great menacing turn as a gangster in the movie “Let’s Do It Again”. Groovy soul music by the Staple Singers too.
It’s also got the character Biggie Smalls, whose name was inspiring to a certain rapper.
He was also great in “Two and a Half Men,” playing Ed – the boyfriend of … [Charlie Harper’s (Charlie Sheen) fiancé, Chelsea’s … father (so: same-sex partnership)]
As a huge “West Wing” fan, I was constantly amazed by his acting chops in a very somber and serious role.
But the “Ed” role showcased his breadth and versatility.
Amos took us on a wild ride in the 70s, going from the affable dad on Good Times to the seriously enraged Kunta Kinte on Roots. Great character actor with a reliably likable presence.
A couple of oddities in his IMDB credits: 27 episodes of Men in Trees? Never heard of that one. Also, a short lived show about a black family (the Cumberbatches, lol) who move into Archie Bunker’s former home, 704 Hauser Street.
R.I.P., big guy.
Condolences to the Joffer-McDowell family on losing two fathers in less than a month.
I noted several years back about the high percentage of MTM show regulars that were still alive at that time. But the die-off rate soon increased and in particular we lost the last of the regulars in 2001.
John Amos had the highest number of IMDb credits after the regulars. Now the highest credit count from the show still alive is Joyce Bulifant (Mrs. Murray).
I remember when he got fired from Good Times for being too outspoken about the emphasis on that idiot and racial stereotype J.J. at the expense of the other characters. Turned out, he was right all along. And now Amos is dead and Walker is still saying Dy-No-MITE!
Did anyone else see this:
" Amos died of natural causes in Los Angeles on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. His death was not announced until October 1, 2024. His daughter, Shannon did not know that he had died until it was reported by the media."
From Wikipedia? He died in August and just announced.
I remember him from Beastmaster and Die Hard 2.
Dar: I’ve never seen a… pilgrim… who could use a staff the way you did.
Seth: Ah, but sir; all pilgrims share a deep love of life; especially their own!
There was some weird situation between Amos and his daughter a while back, in which he was in the hospital and there were some allegations of elderly abuse, maybe? Don’t recall the details (and don’t feel like looking it up), so apparently they were still not on good terms.
“Coming to America” in which Prince Akeem tells him about having watched a football game:
“Son, I’m only going to tell you this one time. If you want to keep working here, stay off the drugs.”
And I remember a “Good Times” ep in which he kept breaking (breadsticks?) to show what he planned to do to JJ’s assailant (although later he felt sorry for the guy).
He was a fine actor who brought a lot of integrity to his role on “Good Times.” James Evans was James, not Jim or another diminutive, and he was a strong but kind father figure, not just a “Black TV Dad.” I don’t think John Amos would have played that role any other way.
One of my favorite lines from any movie, and perfectly delivered. I use it all the time IRL when someone says something crazy. RIP Amos.
In 1970–77, it was something of an oddity. WJM was a very progressive TV station.
Wild that his last film role that I saw him in was as himself in “Uncut Gems.”
Sounds like a reason to finally see Onka Joms
Damn…Damn…Damn!
“I’m an Admiral in the US Navy and Chairman of the Joint Chief’s of Staff. Beat that with a stick.”