John Amos became famous for his role as the father on the hit sitcom of the 1970s. good timespassed away at the age of 84.
The actor passed away on August 21st, but his family only recently announced his death.
of roots Starr's son, KC Amos announced Amos died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles. hollywood reporter is written.
“It is with deep sadness that I share with you that my father has undergone a gender transition,” the actor's son said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold…and was loved all over the world. Many fans consider him a television father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding work in television and film as an actor.
The New Jersey native first aspired to become a professional football player, playing at Colorado State University in the 1950s. He signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent, but injuries forced him out of the NFL. He later played in other leagues such as the United Football League, Continental Football League, and Atlantic Coast Football League. He was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion in the early '60s.
However, his trajectory took a different direction when he landed the role of weather forecaster Gordie Howard. mary tyler moore showAt the end of that stint, in 1974 he made his debut as the patriarch of the Evans family, James Evans Sr., on the hit TV show. good times.
However, the good times did not last long for Amos, as he was famously dropped from the show due to backroom arguments with producers and demands for more money and script changes. To make matters worse, the producers of good times In addition to firing Amos, they went so far as to write a death notice for his character, something that isn't done often in television series.
“We had a lot of disagreements,” the star said when talking about his arguments with the TV show's producers. What was particularly frustrating was that Amos said series star Jimmy Walker was given so much screen time that he was told to sing the catchphrase “Die No Might” on every third page of the script. He said he felt it.
“But I wasn't a very diplomatic guy back then,” Amos admits. [the show’s producers] They were tired of having their lives threatened because of jokes. So they said, “Why don't we just kill him?” We can move on with our lives! It taught me a lesson – I wasn't as important to the show or Norman Lear's plans as I thought. ”
Amos disappeared from the series by 1976. good times It lasted two more seasons without him and was canceled in 1979.
Despite that rather ignominious career stumble, Amos appeared in a number of other high-profile television events, including the acclaimed miniseries rootshe was nominated for an Emmy Award. He later reappeared as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the NBC political drama. west wing.
He has also appeared in the TV series All About the Andersons, Two and a Half Menand suit LAamong others.
Amos also appeared on the big screen, appearing in films such as: Beastmaster, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, Coming to America, Die Hard 2, Doctor Dolittle 3and many more.
His last film appearance was as Lincoln Jefferson Adams in the 2023 Pierce Brosnan film. the last rifleman.
Amos leaves behind a son, Kelly Christopher, and a daughter, Shannon.
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