John Amos Photo

John Amos

Acting

7.3 Popularity Dec 27, 1939 (84 years old) Newark, New Jersey, USA

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 Primetim...

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 111

2025
Suits LA TV

as John Amos

2025
Suits LA TV

In Memory Of

2023
The Last Rifleman Movie

as Lincoln Jefferson Adams

2022
Me Time Movie

as Gil

2022
Block Party Movie

as Dennis

2021
Christmas in Miami Movie

as Chief Host

2021
Because of Charley Movie

as Grandpa

2021
Coming 2 America Movie

as Cleo McDowell

2020
2019
Christmas Belles Movie

as Pop Pop

2019
Uncut Gems Movie

as Neighbor 33F

2018
The Last O.G. TV

as Uncle D

2016
The Ranch TV

as Ed

2015
Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration Movie

as Self / Gordy Howard (archive footage)

2015
Tamales and Gumbo Movie

as The Patron

2015
Ballers TV

as Deacon Eller

Photos 2

John Amos Photo
John Amos Photo

Personal Details

Known For Acting
Gender Not specified
Birthday December 27, 1939 (84 years old)
Died August 21, 2024
Place of Birth Newark, New Jersey, USA
Also Known As Jon Amos, Johnny Amos, John A. Amos Jr.
Years Active 1961 - 2025
Popularity 7.3
Career Stats
111 Total Credits
61 Movie Roles
48 TV Roles
2 Photos