John Amos, the talented television actor recognized for his performances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, The West Wing, and Roots, has passed away at the age of 84.
His family shared that Amos died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home on August 21, but the announcement was only made public today.
“With deep sadness, I announce that my father has transitioned,” his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a man with an incredibly kind heart and a golden spirit… loved by people everywhere. Many fans regarded him as their TV father.”
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos initially pursued a career in football, playing in the Continental Football League and the Atlantic Coast Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964 but was released before the season due to an injury.
His acting career, however, proved more successful. He gained recognition as weatherman Gordy Howard on the popular sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a role he held from 1970 to 1973.
Amos is best remembered for his portrayal of James Evans, the father in the classic sitcom Good Times. At just 34 years old when he was cast, he convincingly depicted a hardworking father of three living in a low-income housing project.
The show was lauded for its exploration of significant issues like poverty and racism. However, as the series progressed, Amos had disagreements with the writers and producers regarding the portrayal of Black families and the show’s shift toward broader comedic themes. After season 3, he was let go, and his character met his end in a car accident.
Shortly thereafter, Amos took on another defining role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination.
He is also known for his role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the political drama The West Wing. Additionally, he had recurring roles in Two and a Half Men and The Ranch.
Among his notable film credits are Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Die Hard 2, Coming to America, and its sequel.
“He led a fulfilling life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable contributions to television and film,” his son expressed in the statement. “My father cherished his work as an actor throughout his life.”
“He was my father, my closest friend, and my hero. I appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time.”
78-year-old Susan Sarandon faces criticism over her fashion choices but delivers an ideal reply to her detractors
Susan Sarandon, a celebrated figure in cinema, stands as a symbol of authenticity and self-expression. With a career that spans several decades, she has mesmerized audiences not only with her acting skills but also with her unwavering commitment to living her truth, both in front of and behind the camera.
From her unforgettable performance in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to her Academy Award-winning role in “Dead Man Walking”, Sarandon has made a profound impact on the film industry. Yet, what truly distinguishes her is her fearless embrace of individuality.
In an industry often constricted by rigid standards of beauty and conformity, Sarandon boldly defies these limitations. Recently, when critics criticized her fashion sense as “inappropriate”, she chose a powerful, non-verbal response. Rather than engage in a debate, she shared a striking image of herself confidently showcasing her body in just her underwear, effectively sending a message that she sets her own standards.
Sarandon’s boldness transcends fashion. Now at 78, she embraces the aging process with grace, valuing the moments of life and dismissing societal pressures. Her recipe for maintaining vitality includes a healthy dose of laughter, regular physical activity, nutritious meals, and, naturally, a talented team for her beauty needs.
Beneath her glamorous exterior and numerous accolades lies a woman who forges her own path. Surrounding herself with those who share her zest for life and adventurous spirit, Sarandon refuses to dwell on trivial matters.
In a society that often tries to stifle individuality, Susan Sarandon exemplifies the power of confidence and tenacity. She inspires us to embrace our true selves and pursue our own journeys, regardless of the opinions of others.
As we celebrate Sarandon’s indomitable spirit, let us also learn from her example: choose authenticity over conformity and dare to be unapologetically ourselves. In a world that frequently seeks to suppress uniqueness, Sarandon’s message resonates loudly: be courageous, be bold, and most importantly, stay true to who you are.
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