John Amos, "Roots" and "Good Times" actor, died at 84

Actor John Amos, whose long career included a range of iconic roles in such works as "Roots," "Good Times" and "The West Wing," died in August, his family said Tuesday.

According to a statement from the actor's publicist, he passed away in Los Angeles on August 21 from natural causes at the age of 84.

"With a career spanning over five decades, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work on both television and film, and a dedication to positive African American representation in media," the statement read.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned," his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in the 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. He lived a good life," the statement continued. "His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor. 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.' He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time."

Amos was up in East Orange, New Jersey, and discovered his initial love in sports as a player at Colorado State University after falling in love with football.

Despite receiving a degree in social work, he was able to secure tryouts with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League, the Denver Broncos, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Amos worked in New York for a while as a social worker and copywriter before pursuing his acting career. He was cast as weatherman Gordon "Gordy" Howard on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which marked the start of his rise to fame in Hollywood.

There would be cameos on a few more popular 1970s sitcoms, such as "Love American Style," "Sanford and Son," and "The New Dick Van Dyke Show."

However, Amos's breakthrough performance was in "Good Times" as the strict father, James Evan Sr.

He portrayed an adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots," which chronicled the journey of an African American family from enslavement to freedom over several generations in American history, airing in 1977. For the part, he was nominated for an Emmy.

Over the years, Amos played a number of well-liked characters, such as Cleo McDowell, the owner of a fast food business, in the successful Eddie Murphy comedy "Coming to America" from 1988 and its 2021 follow-up.

In 2020, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame after serving in the National Guard.

Amos was entangled in interpersonal family problems last year following claims of elder abuse and rumors that he was unwell made by family members.

“To all of my fans, I want you to know that I am doing well,” Amos said at the time. “I am not in ICU nor was I ever fighting for my life.”

Amos had two marriages. He wed artist Noel Mickelson for the first time in 1965, and the couple welcomed Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher Amos as children. In 1975, he and Mickelson called it quits. For a year, Amos was wed to the actress Lillian Lehman.

He is survived by his two children.