LOS ANGELES, Oct 1 (Reuters) – John Amos, a beloved actor and former football player, passed away on August 21 at the age of 84 in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his son, Kelly Christopher (K.C.) Amos. Though his death occurred weeks earlier, the news was only publicly shared on Tuesday, and tributes from fans and colleagues have since poured in.

Amos, who died of natural causes, left behind a rich legacy both in television and film. His son paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement, saying, “It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my father. He had a heart of gold and was deeply loved by people all over the world. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.”

Amos is perhaps most widely known for his role as James Evans, the stern yet loving father in the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom “Good Times.” Playing the head of a working-class Black family, Amos’ portrayal resonated with audiences, earning him admiration for bringing authenticity and warmth to the screen. Throughout his 61 episodes on the show, Amos became a symbol of the struggle and strength of Black families during a time when such depictions were rare on television.

However, Amos’ time on “Good Times” was marked by friction behind the scenes. He was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the direction of the show, often challenging its portrayal of Black characters. He felt that the writers were leaning too heavily on stereotypes and comedic tropes that did not reflect the real-life experiences of African Americans. His outspoken advocacy for more honest and positive depictions of Black family life eventually led to his departure from the show. Despite this, his contributions to the series left an indelible mark.

John Amos also achieved widespread acclaim for his role as the older Kunta Kinte in the critically acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots.” Based on Alex Haley’s novel, “Roots” was a historical drama that traced the journey of Kunta Kinte, an African man sold into slavery in the United States. Amos’ performance in “Roots” was powerful and moving, further cementing his place in television history. The miniseries became a cultural phenomenon, bringing the painful history of slavery into the living rooms of millions of viewers, and Amos’ portrayal of Kunta Kinte became one of the most memorable in television history.

Beyond these iconic roles, Amos appeared in a variety of other television shows and films. During the same decade, he was known for his recurring role as Gordy Howard, the cheerful weatherman on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” His ability to bring warmth and humor to his roles made him a versatile performer across different genres.