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.”
Tattoo addict inks 95 percent of his body, reveals what he looked like just 5 years ago
Tattoos are just one of many ways to express one’s individuality. While some people go with a little tattoo, others go all out, decorating entire body parts.
Tristan Weigelt, a 26-year-old tattoo apprentice covered in extreme body art, made headlines after showing what he looked like prior to using his body as a canvas.
The before photos were astounding.
Weigelt’s journey to covering 95 percent of his body in tattoos began when he was 20.
“It’s kind of weird looking at myself without all the tattoos,” he told the Daily Star.
“But funnily enough I still feel exactly the same as before on the inside.”
Out of all the tattoos, he said the most painful were the ones he got on his face and head, comparing it to being scraped with a metal brush.
“It was six full day sessions taking between five and six hours and the pain was probably an eight out of 10.”
While many people get a tattoo with a special meaning in mind, Weigelt said there are no hidden messages or meanings behind his body art.
After five years, Weigelt has spent $50,000 on tattoos.
For those considering a tattoo, Weigelt says, “Get what you love and what makes sense to you. I see so many people worried about a certain tattoo fitting them or it not being their style. If you like it – then get it.”
Wow. What an incredible transformation!
Would you ever consider getting tattoos on your entire body? I’m not sure I would.
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