John Amos
Biography
John Amos (December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024) was an American actor and retired football player. He is best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries "Roots" and for portraying James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series "Good Times." He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he played numerous supporting roles in movies such as "The Beastmaster" (1982), "Coming to America" (1988), "Lock Up" (1989), "Die Hard 2" (1990) and "Coming 2 America" (2021).
Prior to acting, he played on the Colorado State Rams football team and in 1964, he signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Denver Broncos and in 1967 signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Both of these contracts did not land him a spot on the teams and played a final season in the Continental Football League with the Victoria Steelers before pursuing acting.
Filmography
The Last Rifleman
2023
as Lincoln Jefferson Adams
Me Time
2022
as Gil
Block Party
2022
as Dennis
Christmas in Miami
2021
as Chief Host
Because of Charley
2021
as Grandpa
Coming 2 America
2021
as Cleo McDowell
The Truth About Santa Claus
2020
as Bob
The Beastmaster Chronicles
2020
as Self
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times"
2019
as Fred Davis
Christmas Belles
2019
as Pop Pop
Uncut Gems
2019
as Neighbor 33F
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You
2016
as Self
Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration
2015
as Self / Gordy Howard (archive footage)
Tamales and Gumbo
2015
as The Patron
Mercy for Angels
2015
as God
Bad Asses on the Bayou
2015
as Earl
Act of Faith
2014
as Mr. Brady
American Lowrider
2013
as Slick
Madea's Witness Protection
2012
as Pastor Nelson
Zombie Hamlet
2012
as Edgar Mortimer
- No poster
All Over Again
2007
as Coach Zeller
Ascension Day
2007
as Henry
Voodoo Moon
2006
as Dutch
Dr. Dolittle 3
2006
as Jud