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.”
Mom issues warning after 10-year-old son collapses after playing in the ocean
A day at the beach is the best way to escape the oppressively high heat, but despite the fact that it might offer some respite, one mother from Massachusetts discovered that the shoreline also has a special set of risks.
She now wants to alert people to this.
Despite the fact that the incident occurred over a week ago, Heather Cassini reported that she is still “shaking.”
Declan, Cassini’s 10-year-old son, suddenly reported he didn’t feel well on July 4 as the 40-year-old mother and her were in Hampton Beach in New Hampshire.
Cassini wasn’t worried at first. Declan had been playing in the ocean, and it was hot.
In a now-viral Facebook post, Cassini wrote, “I thought the breakfast was just too much for the waves and he just needed to lay down.” Declan became “disoriented” and fell into a sunbather as soon as they started to head back so he could lay down.
He managed to get back up on his feet, but he fell to the ground once more.
Cassini told Today.com, “I’m trying desperately to pick him up because I’m pregnant.” He is throwing up and experiencing bouts of unconsciousness. He was really pale.
When a group of women sat close noticed the disturbance, they moved quickly to intervene. While monitoring his vitals, paramedics attempted to keep him warm and alert.
“May God bless everyone in our vicinity. She remarked, “There were so many nurses.”
“He was up and talking after what seemed like a lifetime. Cassini writes, “We got him to the car and waited for him to feel better.
Declan was found to have hypothermia due to the 52 degree ocean temperature.
Cassini remarked, “I had no idea that this could happen.” “I never thought about cold shock; you think about sunburns and dehydration and all the things that can happen in the water.”
Declan’s miraculous recovery has led Cassini to want to alert others to the risk of hypothermia in the summer.
“Just a heads up to parents who have children who adore the water and don’t feel chilly. It doesn’t necessarily follow that they can handle it just because they can.”
It never occurred to me that hypothermia could occur on a sweltering summer day! Not just for those who are parents, but for everyone, this is such a vital message.
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