John Amos: A Life Beyond 'Good Times'

Ever wondered what happens when an actor's real-life journey is as fascinating as their on-screen characters? John Allen Amos Jr. , who you might know best as James Evans Sr. from the classic TV sitcom "Good Times," passed away at 84, leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond his television fame. Born in Newark, New Jersey, on December 27, 1939, Amos started his career as a social worker at the Vera Institute of Justice in New York City. Here, he made a real difference by helping defendants at the Brooklyn House of Detention. But wait, there's more! Before diving into acting, Amos also had a brief but impressive professional football career. He played in various minor leagues and even signed a free-agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Imagine that – from helping people behind bars to chasing a ball on the field! But his coach, Hank Stram, saw potential in Amos beyond sports. He encouraged him to pursue writing instead. Now, let's talk about "Good Times. " Amos portrayed James Evans Sr. from 1974 to 1979, becoming a household name. His career skyrocketed after that, with roles in the Emmy-nominated miniseries "Roots," and movies like "Let's Do It Again" (with comedy legends Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier), "Coming to America" (featuring the hilarious Eddie Murphy), and even the action-packed "Die Hard 2. " He was also a frequent guest on popular TV shows, proving his versatility as an actor. But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Amos. After three successful seasons of "Good Times," he parted ways with the show. The issue? He felt the storylines created by the white writing staff weren’t true to life for Black characters. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in, and Amos did just that. Off-screen, Amos was dedicated to social justice and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2020. He was also a devoted husband and father, leaving behind two children from his two marriages – Shannon and Kelly Christopher.