John Amos
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 filmography
Follow John Amos and track their films in cinemas
Never miss a release.
Who is John Amos?+
John Amos was an American actor and former professional football player who became a cultural figure for his work in the landmark miniseries Roots and the hit sitcom Good Times.
What is John Amos known for?+
He is widely recognized for playing James Evans Sr. on the television series Good Times and the adult Kunta Kinte in Roots, as well as notable film supporting roles in Coming to America, Lock Up, and Die Hard 2.
