Remembering John Amos
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John Amos: A Life Dedicated to Challenging Stereotypes

This briefing document reviews the life and career of acclaimed actor John Amos, drawing on excerpts from obituaries, biographical entries, and a feature article about his time on the sitcom "Good Times."

Early Life and Football Career:

Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1939, Amos graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology. A talented athlete, he played football for the university and later signed with various professional and semi-professional teams, including a brief stint with the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. According to a Kansas City Chiefs article), Chiefs Coach Hank Stram recognized Amos's other talents, telling him, "You're not a football player, you're a man who is trying to play football."

Breaking into Acting:

After facing numerous setbacks in his football career, Amos moved to New York and worked as a social worker before transitioning to writing and performing comedy. His big break came in 1969 as a writer for "The Leslie Uggams Show," which led to on-screen opportunities.

Television Legacy and Advocacy:

Amos is best known for two iconic television roles:

• Gordy Howard, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-1973): As the show's only Black character, he played a witty and self-assured weatherman, a departure from the stereotypical roles often offered to Black actors at the time.

• James Evans Sr., "Good Times" (1974-1976): Amos portrayed the hardworking patriarch of a Black family navigating poverty and social issues in Chicago. He clashed with producers over the show's direction, particularly the comedic emphasis on Jimmie Walker's character, J.J. As he explained to Sway in the Morning in 2017), “I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying ‘Dy-no-mite!’ every third page. I felt just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children.” Amos was ultimately fired, and his character was killed off, a decision that dramatically impacted the show.

"Roots" and Beyond:

In 1977, Amos starred as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots," a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. He considered this role deeply meaningful, telling Time magazine in 2021): "It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities [of stereotypical roles].”

Amos continued to work steadily in film and television, appearing in movies such as "Coming to America" (1988), "Lock Up" (1989), "Die Hard 2" (1990), and "Coming 2 America" (2021). He also had recurring roles on "The West Wing," "The District," and "Men in Trees."

A Legacy of Challenging Stereotypes:

John Amos's career was marked by a dedication to portraying authentic Black characters. He consistently used his platform to advocate for better representation and challenged the entertainment industry to move beyond harmful stereotypes. His contributions to television history, especially his role in "Good Times," continue to resonate with audiences today.

Death and Family:

John Amos died of natural causes on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. He is survived by his two children, Shannon and Kelly Christopher Amos, from his first marriage to Noel J. Mickelson. His second marriage to Lillian Lehman ended in divorce.