John Amos, the talented television actor recognized for his performances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, The West Wing, and Roots, has passed away at the age of 84.
His family shared that Amos died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home on August 21, but the announcement was only made public today.
“With deep sadness, I announce that my father has transitioned,” his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a man with an incredibly kind heart and a golden spirit… loved by people everywhere. Many fans regarded him as their TV father.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued a career in football, playing in the Continental Football League and the Atlantic Coast Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964 but was released before the season due to an injury.
His acting career, however, proved more successful. He gained recognition as weatherman Gordy Howard on the popular sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a role he held from 1970 to 1973.
Amos is best remembered for his portrayal of James Evans, the father in the classic sitcom Good Times. At just 34 years old when he was cast, he convincingly depicted a hardworking father of three living in a low-income housing project.
The show was lauded for its exploration of significant issues like poverty and racism. However, as the series progressed, Amos had disagreements with the writers and producers regarding the portrayal of Black families and the show’s shift toward broader comedic themes. After season 3, he was let go, and his character met his end in a car accident.
Shortly thereafter, Amos took on another defining role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination.
He is also known for his role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the political drama The West Wing. Additionally, he had recurring roles in Two and a Half Men and The Ranch.
Among his notable film credits are Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Die Hard 2, Coming to America, and its sequel.
“He led a fulfilling life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable contributions to television and film,” his son expressed in the statement. “My father cherished his work as an actor throughout his life.”
“He was my father, my closest friend, and my hero. I appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time.”
At 18, Suri Cruise embodies the ideal fusion of her parents Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Kids grow up fast! Suri Cruise is becoming more and more like her famous parents. Suri’s parents, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, began dating in 2005 and married the following year. Suri was born shortly before their wedding.
Tom and Katie’s marriage lasted about six years, during which time they were often seen out and about with Suri, despite going to great lengths to protect her from persistent paparazzi who were keen to snap photos of the high-profile family.
The couple has always protected Suri and kept her away from the media spotlight. Even today, Suri avoids social media.
Despite her efforts to maintain her privacy, Suri is often photographed by paparazzi when she is in New York. Although she is now 18, recent pictures show that even at 16 she looked remarkably like her famous parents, combining features of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
Although Suri resembles Tom a lot, their relationship is not particularly strong. They were last seen together in public in 2012. Katie Holmes is reportedly frustrated with Tom’s lack of involvement in her daughter’s life.
There were rumors that Tom’s limited interaction with Suri was due to his Scientology beliefs, but these claims have been refuted. Scientology does not prohibit parental relationships, although Tom may meet Suri privately and away from the public eye.
Regardless of the state of her relationship, it’s clear that Suri Cruise has inherited strong traits from both of her parents. Share this article to show your friends and family what Suri looks like today!
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