John Amos initially pursued a career in football before his Hollywood career kicked into gear
By Kehinde Okeowo
Veteran American actor, John Amos, has passed away at the age of 84.
The thespian who starred as the stoic father on Good Times and played the older Kunta Kinte on Alex Haley’s seminal mini-series Roots, died in Los Angeles on August 21 of natural causes.
His death was announced by
his son, Kelly Christopher Amos.
He noted that his dad was a man with the “kindest heart and a heart of gold”, adding that he was loved all over the world.
ALSO READ: Netizens berates Asake after smashing fan’s iPhone in Germany
Speaking via a statement, he said, “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned.”
Kelly added, “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.”
Amos initially pursued a career in football after playing at Colorado State University, trying out for the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League.
However, his entertainment career kicked into gear once he was cast as WJN-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Since then, he has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the acclaimed miniseries ‘Roots,’ the comedy classic ‘Coming to America’ and the political drama ‘The West Wing.’
His versatility and talent allowed him to tackle a wide range of roles, from the comedic to the dramatic.
