John Amos, star of ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots,’ dead at 84

Lisa Respers France, CNN | 10/1/2024, 2:18 p.m.
John Amos, the actor known for his role as the family patriarch on the hit sitcom “Good Times” and the …
John Amos starred in the hit Norman Lear series "Good Times." Mandatory Credit: Bud Yorkin/Norman Lear/Tandem USA/Shutterstock via CNN Newsource

John Amos, the actor known for his role as the family patriarch on the hit sitcom “Good Times” and the adult Kunta Kinte in the famed miniseries “Roots,” has died, according to a statement from his son shared with The Hollywood Reporter.

Amos died in Los Angeles of natural causes, his son, K.C. Amos, said in his statement to the publication. He was 84.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Amos for comment.

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John Amos, patriarch on 'Good Times' and an Emmy nominee for the blockbuster 'Roots,' dies at 84

He played James Evans Sr. on "Good Times," which featured one of television's first Black two-parent families. Produced by Norman Lear and co-created by actor Mike Evans, who co-starred on "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," it ran from 1974-79 on CBS. Source:KABC


“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” the  statement read. “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.”

This story is developing and will be updated.