John Imos dies, ‘Good Times’ hits forever
John Amos, the distinguished actor best known for his role as James Evans in the beloved 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” and for his Emmy-nominated performance in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” died on August 21 at the age of 84 due to natural causes. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Belinda Foster, on October 1.
Amos took on the role of James Evans in “Good Times,” a series created by Norman Lear in collaboration with Mike Evans, who was also an actor on “All in the Family.” In a 2021 interview with Time magazine, Amos shared his thoughts about the show, noting, “This show was the closest representation of African American family life during that era.”
The character of James Evans, along with his on-screen wife Florida, portrayed by Esther Rolle, originally made their debut in Lear’s earlier show “Maude.” The series showcased the hardships faced by the Evans family, which often depended on Amos’s character juggling two physically demanding jobs to support their three children, including their eldest son J.J., played by Jimmie Walker.
“Good Times” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring numerous artists. Notable mentions include Grammy-winning R&B singer Alicia Keys, rapper Rick Ross, and the influential hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, who have all referenced Amos and his iconic character in their lyrics.
Amos’s son, Kelly Christopher Amos, reflected on his father’s legacy in a heartfelt statement: “So many fans viewed him as their TV dad. He lived a wonderful life, and his legacy will endure through the remarkable work he left behind in television and film. My father was passionate about acting his entire life. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero.”
In the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots,” Amos portrayed the significant role of Kunta Kinte, a character drawn from Alex Haley’s powerful novel that delves into the experience of American slavery and its repercussions. The miniseries received widespread acclaim, earning 37 Emmy nominations, with Amos receiving one for his compelling performance.
