Sitcom star John Amos has died aged 84 from natural causes.
The beloved actor was best known for his role as the family patriarch on the iconic 1970s sitcom Good Times and recognised with an Emmy nomination for his performance in the landmark 1977 miniseries Roots.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: John Amos in Good Times.
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The news was confirmed on Tuesday by his publicist, Belinda Foster, while his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, revealed that John died of natural causes in August.
Kelly Amos said in a statement to People: “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned.
“He was a man with the kindest heart … loved the world over. Many fans considered him their TV father.”
“He lived a good life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable work in television and film. My father loved acting, most recently appearing as himself in Suits LA and in our documentary America’s Dad, chronicling his journey as an actor.
“He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.”
Amos also had a brief professional football career in the 1960s.
He first gained recognition as weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970.
His comedic talent led him to the role of James Evans Sr. on Good Times, which portrayed one of television’s first Black two-parent families.
The show, produced by Norman Lear and co-created by Mike Evans, aired on CBS from 1974 to 1979.
In a 2021 interview with Time magazine, Amos reflected on the show’s significance, stating: “That show was the closest depiction in reality to life as an African American family living in those circumstances as it could be.”
“I knew that it was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint.
“It was the culmination of all of the misconceptions and stereotypical roles that I had lived and seen being offered to me. It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities.”
His character was later killed off in a car accident.
“If the decision had been up to me, I would have preferred that John stay and the show remain more of an ensemble,” he wrote in his memoir.
“Nobody wanted me up front all the time, including me.”
– With AP