Users Were Worried About How John Amos Looked in a Video, Which His Son Posted More than a Year Before His Father’s Passing

John Amos, born on December 27, 1939, began his career as an advertising copywriter before becoming a social worker. He later played semi-professional football in the US and Canada before transitioning into acting.

In 1974, he made history by portraying James Evans, Sr. in “Good Times,” the first-ever network series created by African Americans. The family sitcom, set in a Chicago high-rise ghetto, emphasized the importance of family values.

But, as the show began focusing more on J.J. Evans’ comedic antics, John grew disappointed with its direction. He frequently clashed with higher-ups over script changes he wanted to make. The star was subsequently fired from the show in 1976, and his character was killed off in an off-camera car accident.

A year after his exit from “Good Times,” John won an Emmy for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking mini-series “Roots.” His role in “Roots” cemented his success in the entertainment industry, and he went on to star in several noteworthy productions.

The Hollywood talent also starred in iconic roles such as Mr. McDowell in the “Coming to America” franchise and Maj. Grant in “Die Hard 2.” He was Seth in “The Beastmaster,” Super Soul’s Engineer in “Vanishing Point” and a biker in “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song,” among others.

The A-lister has also appeared in critically acclaimed stage plays produced by theater legends like August Wilson, Athol Fugard, and Joseph Papp. Despite being 80 in 2022, John still wanted to continue working.

The Initiative John Wished to Push Before His Death

John traveled to Jamaica in 2022 with his son, K.C. Amos. During their visit, they were accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, to an open sporting facility in Discovery Bay and Browns Town.

They aimed to promote an initiative to showcase the island’s emerging young talent. During the trip, John spoke briefly to an audience about a potential mini-series he and his son planned to shoot in Jamaica.

The trip’s purpose was to raise awareness of the earning opportunities for Jamaicans while contributing to the arts. At the public briefing, John stated, “I think [that] through the arts, we can show the young people how they can make a contribution, how they can find meaningful and gainful employment and express themselves artistically.”

He added, “I hope all the young people that are here today carry the word back to other young people so they can become involved because the future is theirs.” The actor continued, “Anything they want to accomplish, they can achieve because of the efforts made on their behalf by those who came before them.”

John also shared plans to work with his son to create the mini-series, saying, “I intend, with my son, who’s an accomplished filmmaker, to contribute to your existing arts program.”

The star noted, “I think that through the arts and our combined efforts, we can positively impact the young people who have shown interest in the arts in Jamaica.”

He concluded, “Jamaica is very rich in its culture and it’s history, and I hope to be part of the effort to bring that to the world’s attention.”

Despite seeing him that year, the way he looked and moved around the following year had fans concerned.

John’s Fans React to His Latest Appearance

On April 11, 2023, John posted a video of his visit to Kansas City, hanging out with the Harlem Globetrotters, in a now-deleted Instagram post. The video was part of his biographical documentary, “America’s Dad,” directed by K.C.

In the clip, the legendary actor sat in a wheelchair surrounded by the basketball team as a player passed him a spinning basketball. His frame appeared frail and thin, indicating weight loss.

The wheelchair’s foot pedals propped up his legs, which were covered by blue sweatpants. Smiling happily, John waited for the basketball from a player on his right. In the comment section of the footage, fans remarked on how “old” the actor appeared, with many forgetting he was, in fact, 83 at the time:

In another Instagram video, shared on the “Lock Up” star’s page, he was seen dancing with his daughter, Shannon Amos. The pair moved and sang along to Luther Vandross’ timeless classic “Dance with My Father.” The father endearingly reminded fans how important it is to spend time with loved ones.

The caption read, “A special moment with my daughter @officialshannonamos. If you’re still blessed to have your Dad, we challenge you to #DanceWithYourFather.” Commenters marveled at the bond between father and daughter, reiterating his apparent aging.

A fan also reminisced about the iconic productions John starred in. In the clip, the actor and his daughter walked outside and danced together on the grass. He used a cane to walk down the porch steps while his daughter held his left hand, guiding him.

John and his children were seen in another clip having a cute family sing-along rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” from different locations. The star wore a green shirt with fully grayed hair and a wrinkled face while seated next to his son, singing “I love you” to his children.

In another now-deleted video, filmed by K.C., a comedic exchange between John and an airport staff member showed them joking about a $20 bill. John sat in his wheelchair as the staff helped him onto his cane to get to his transportation.

The star humorously debated who owed whom $20, referencing a previous TikTok he and K.C. made about being “paid in full.”

John continued to talk about “Good Times” long after the show ended. He also shared where he lived and why.

John’s Take on Being Fired from “Good Times” & Where He Lived Before Death

In a 2015 interview with Vulture, John discussed his relationship with “Good Times” creator Norman Lear. He said he had put the firing incident behind him and attributed his past grievances to needing more maturity.

At the time, he had developed PTSD from his football and boxing careers and did not understand the effects of the disorder. But as he matured, the “Me Time” star realized his errors in handling script grievances.

During an appearance on “The Ricky Smiley Morning Show,” K.C.’s father spoke about his life and where he resided. He explained, “I recently relocated from my home state of New Jersey to Colorado, where I went to school. My brother has a ranch out there, so I’m living on the ranch, getting my thoughts together to write more books and to do more performances I feel really feel close to.”

He continued, “I like the isolation. I live on about 300-some-odd acres, so I don’t see much outside of creatures and animals that howl at the moon at night, which is alright with me.”

Aside from living in isolation, John stayed connected and bonded with his children.

Caring Children

John only had two children with his ex-wife Noel J. Mickelson and one granddaughter, Quiera Williams. K.C. and Shannon followed in their father’s footsteps and work in the entertainment industry as directors, writers, and producers.

Before marrying Noel, John was married to “Night Traps” actress Lillian Lehman. Their marriage ended after 19 months, but the reasons for their divorce are unclear. During their marriage, Lillian shared her experience of being with the actor.

She stated, “People always approach him, and they always approach me [and] you are flattered; you say thanks, and hopefully, you move on. We just laugh about it [and] with me being an actress and him being an actor, we read people easier than they usually read themselves.”

Lillian continued, “It’s just no problem for me because of my life being geared to having a positive attitude and eliminating the negative.” Though John was single before his death, he enjoyed spending quality time with his children.

K.C. and John frequently traveled together and spent significant time doing father-son activities. In December 2022, they celebrated John’s birthday in Jamaica. In a now-deleted Instagram video, the father-son duo sang along to a Reggae song on a beach. The actor sweetly stated that he enjoyed spending time with his son.

K.C., who bears a striking resemblance to his father, spent considerable time with John. They often shared creative TikToks of them doing various adventurous activities.

In one now-deleted clip, the pair posed for a Reel showcasing “Kunta Kinte” memorabilia merchandise. John sat in a chair while K.C. stood beside him, wearing T-shirts that read “Toby. Kunta Kinte” on the front.

K.C. also shared endearing footage of him and his dad “getting down” at a Gala for Spread The Cheer USA. In another deleted post, the pair celebrated Memorial Day with a family duet cover, seated outside on a porch.

The father-son duo also enjoyed swimming in the ocean. A video posted on K.C.’s Instagram showed them in Jamaica’s waters. John, smiling in a life jacket, leaned on his son for support as he spoke to the camera.

After his last divorce, the star did not have any official romantic relationships. The “Good Times” alum spent his final years in peace on his brother’s ranch, often in the company of his children and grandchild.

After his last divorce from Mickelson, John was not in any official romantic relationship. The “Good Times” alum enjoyed spending his days in peace on his brother’s ranch with the frequent company of his children and grandchild until his death.

John’s Passing

K.C. revealed that John Amos passed away on August 21, 2024, from natural causes at the age of 84. He said the actor died in Los Angeles. In his statement, K.C. wrote, “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned.”

Noel’s son continued, “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.” He added, “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.”

K.C. also shared, “My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life. Most recently in ‘Suits LA’ playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, ‘America’s Dad.’ Shannon’s brother noted, “He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

Julia Buchwald, president of the Buchwald Talent Agency, also paid tribute to John. She stated, “We were so proud to represent John. He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul. His impact on the industry and those who knew him will never be forgotten.”