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John Amos, the celebrated actor known for his roles as James Evans Sr. on Good Times and Kunta Kinte in Roots, has passed away at the age of 84. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, confirmed his passing, which reportedly occurred on Aug. 21, according to TMZ. Amos’s portrayal of strong father figures made him a trailblazer for African American actors, especially his Emmy-nominated performance in Roots.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on December 27, 1939, Amos initially pursued football before transitioning to acting. He gained widespread recognition on Good Times (1974–1976), starring alongside Esther Rolle, Jimmie Walker, BernNadette Stanis, and Ralph Carter. His departure from the show stemmed from creative disagreements, but his character, James Evans Sr., left a lasting impact, solidifying in the hearts and minds the epitome of a strong, Black man.

Amos’s role as the older Kunta Kinte in Roots (1977) earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. Despite Roots’ success, Amos noted the ongoing racial inequities in Hollywood at the time, which affected career opportunities for many Black actors.

Over the course of his five-decade career, Amos continued to work in film and television, with notable roles in Coming to America and The West Wing. He even played the strong military father of the character “Tommy” on the 90’s hit TV sitcom, “Martin,” starring Martin Lawrence and Thomas Mikal Ford.

His legacy of strong performances, advocacy for representation, and perseverance in a challenging industry will forever be remembered in American television history.