John Amos

John Amos

Born December 27, 1939 (Age: 86) Newark, New Jersey, USA

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.
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.
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Filmography

Christmas in Miami

Christmas in Miami

2021 as Chief Host Age: 81
Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems

2019 as Neighbor 33F Age: 79
Tamales and Gumbo

Tamales and Gumbo

2015 as The Patron Age: 75
Madea's Witness Protection

Madea's Witness Protection

2012 as Pastor Nelson Age: 72
Ascension Day

Ascension Day

2007 as Henry Age: 67
Shadowboxing

Shadowboxing

2005 as Хилл Age: 65
Countdown

Countdown

2004 as Admiral Melory Age: 64
My Baby's Daddy

My Baby's Daddy

2004 as Uncle Virgil Age: 64
TV in Black: The First Fifty Years

TV in Black: The First Fifty Years

2004 as (archive footage) Age: 64
Remembering Roots

Remembering Roots

2002 as Self Age: 62
Disappearing Acts

Disappearing Acts

2000 as Mr. Swift Age: 60
Something to Sing About

Something to Sing About

2000 as Rev. Washington Age: 60
The Players Club

The Players Club

1998 as Freeman Age: 58
The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda

The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda

1997 as Booker Hutch Age: 57
For Better or Worse

For Better or Worse

1995 as Gray Age: 55
Night Trap

Night Trap

1993 as Capt. Hodges Age: 53
Mac

Mac

1992 as Nat Age: 52
Ricochet

Ricochet

1991 as Reverend Styles Age: 51
Die Hard 2

Die Hard 2

1990 as Major Grant Age: 50
Two Evil Eyes

Two Evil Eyes

1990 as Det. Legrand Age: 50
Lock Up

Lock Up

1989 as Captain Meissner Age: 49
Coming to America

Coming to America

1988 as Cleo McDowell Age: 48
Bonanza: The Next Generation

Bonanza: The Next Generation

1988 as Mr. Mack Age: 48
American Flyers

American Flyers

1985 as Dr. Conrad Age: 45
The Beastmaster

The Beastmaster

1982 as Seth Age: 42
Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story

Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story

1980 as Bumpy Johnson Age: 40
Touched by Love

Touched by Love

1980 as Tony Age: 40
Cops and Robin

Cops and Robin

1978 as Officer Bill Bundy Age: 38
Let's Do It Again

Let's Do It Again

1975 as Kansas City Mack Age: 35
The President's Plane Is Missing

The President's Plane Is Missing

1973 as Marine Corporal Age: 33
The World's Greatest Athlete

The World's Greatest Athlete

1973 as Coach Sam Archer Age: 33
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

1971 as Biker Age: 31
Vanishing Point

Vanishing Point

1971 as Super Soul's Engineer Age: 31