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...

Known For

Career Timeline

19711978198519921999200620132023
  1. 2023
    The Last Rifleman

    Lincoln Jefferson Adams • Acting

  2. 2022
    Me Time

    Gil • Acting

  3. 2022
    Block Party

    Dennis • Acting

  4. 2021
    Coming 2 America

    Cleo McDowell • Acting

  5. 2021
    Because of Charley

    Grandpa • Acting

  6. 2021
    Christmas in Miami

    Chief Host • Acting

  7. 2020
  8. 2020
John Amos - Aperture