John Amos, the celebrated actor best known for his iconic roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, Roots, and The West Wing, has passed away at the age of 84.

According to his family, Amos died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home on August 21, though the news was not made public until today.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement. “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.”

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued a career in football before acting. He played in the Continental Football League and the Atlantic Coast Football League and was briefly signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964, but an injury ended his football career.

Amos found greater success as an actor. His breakout role came as weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which he played from 1970 to 1973. He later became best known as the patriarch James Evans on the classic sitcom Good Times. Although only 34 at the time, Amos convincingly portrayed a hardworking father of three raising his family in a low-income housing project. The show was praised for addressing serious issues such as poverty and racism, but behind the scenes, Amos clashed with writers and producers over the show’s direction and depiction of Black families. After season 3, Amos was dismissed, and his character was written off in a tragic car accident.

Amos’s next major role became another defining moment in television history. He portrayed the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination and further cemented his legacy.

In addition to his television work, Amos had recurring roles as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace in The West Wing, as well as appearances on Two and a Half Men and The Ranch. His film credits include roles in Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Die Hard 2, Coming to America, and its sequel.

“He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film,” his son wrote. “My father loved acting throughout his entire life. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

Rest in peace to TV legend John Amos — he will be deeply missed 😢💔

Please share this story in memory of John Amos.