John Amos died on August 21 in Los Angeles of pure causes, his consultant confirmed on Tuesday. He was 84.

“With a career spanning over five decades, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in both television and film, along with a commitment to positive African American representation in media,” the assertion learn.

The late actor is finest identified for his function as James Evans Sr. on Good Times, the place he portrayed a hardworking father striving to present for his household in a difficult surroundings. His character’s emphasis on schooling and household values made a long-lasting influence on viewers, and he was certainly one of the first African American fathers depicted positively on tv.

Here are 5 extra details about Amos.

Amos Played in the NFL

Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos grew up in a household that valued schooling. He was additionally a proficient athlete, excelling in soccer and incomes a scholarship to Long Beach State University. He initially enrolled at Long Beach City College and later graduated from Colorado State University with a level in sociology, qualifying as a social employee.

Afterward, he briefly performed school soccer at Colorado State and joined the Kansas City Chiefs for the 1967 NFL offseason earlier than transitioning to performing.

Amos Had Stage Experience

Amos started his profession in theater, performing in productions like Hair on Broadway. His stage work contains the play The Negro Ensemble Company’s The Great MacDaddy, and he has participated in varied regional theater productions, emphasizing his sturdy basis in the performing arts.

Amos’s First Major TV Role

Amos’ first main TV function was as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970-73. As the present’s solely Black character, he performed straight man to bombastic anchor Ted Baxter.

Amos’s Awards and Recognition

Throughout his profession, Amos has acquired a number of nominations and awards for his performances, together with NAACP Image Awards, a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his function in Roots, and the TV Land Groundbreaking Show Award for The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He additionally acquired the TV Land Impact Icon Award for Good Times and the TV Land Anniversary Award for Roots.

In 2020, Amos was additionally inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He served in the New Jersey National Guard.

Amos Was Married Twice

Amos was married twice and had three youngsters. His daughter, Shannon, was born in New Jersey in 1966 to Amos and Noel J. Mickelson. Their second little one, Kelly Christopher “K.C.”, was born in 1970.

After Amos and Mickelson divorced in 1975, Amos briefly married actress Lillian Lehman, though particulars about their relationship stay non-public.