John Amos was a well-known actor. He played big roles in shows like Good Times and Roots. He was also in movies like Coming to America. Over the years, John built a strong name for himself. People loved how real and powerful his acting felt.
📊 Quick Facts About John Amos
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Allen Amos Jr. |
| Birth Date | December 27, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey |
| Died | August 21, 2024, in Inglewood, California |
| Job | Actor, Writer, Producer |
| Active Years | 1970 – 2024 |
| Most Known For | Good Times, Roots, Coming to America |
| Net Worth | About $4.7 million (as of 2023) |
| Spouses | Married three times |
| Kids | Two – Shannon and K.C. Amos |
| Awards | Emmy nod, TV Land honor, NAACP nomination |
🏈 From Football to Film
Before acting, John wanted to play football. He went to Colorado State University and joined their team. After school, he tried to go pro. He signed with the Denver Broncos in 1964. But a leg injury ended his football dream early.
He didn’t give up. He tried something new—acting.
🎭 Big Roles That Made Him a Star
Good Times (1974–1976)
John played James Evans Sr., a strong father in a working-class family. The show was funny but also talked about real life. People saw him as a strong role model. He left the show after a few years. He didn’t like how the show changed his character.
Roots (1977)
John played Kunta Kinte, a slave who never gave up hope. This role changed his life. Millions of people watched the show. He got an Emmy nod for this role. Many still say it’s his best work.
Other Shows and Movies
He kept working for years. He was in Coming to America and the sequel. He also showed up in The West Wing and Two and a Half Men. He could do both drama and comedy.
💰 What Was John Amos’s Net Worth?
John Amos had a net worth of around $4.7 million by 2023.
Most of his money came from acting. He worked in TV, movies, and even stage plays. He also wrote and helped produce shows.
But life wasn’t always easy. He once bought a home in New Jersey. Years later, he lost it in foreclosure. His daughter started a GoFundMe in 2023 to raise money for him. She said he was being mistreated. But John said he didn’t need help and was doing fine.
🏆 Awards and Honors
John got a lot of praise for his work:
- Emmy Nomination – for Roots
- NAACP Image Nomination – for acting and impact
- TV Land Legend Award
- New Jersey Hall of Fame (2020)
He helped open doors for other Black actors. His roles showed strength, truth, and love.
👨👩👧👦 Personal Life and Family
John was married three times. His first wife, Noel Mickelson, was an artist. They had two kids: Shannon and K.C. He later married Lillian Lehman, then Elisabete De Sousa.
His kids followed his path. Shannon works in film, and K.C. is a director and writer.
🧠 What We Can Learn from John Amos
John Amos didn’t just play strong roles—he lived one. He stood up for what he believed in. He showed how hard work and heart can take you far.
Even when life got tough, he stayed strong.
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🎬 Final Thoughts
John Amos was a true icon. From sports to acting, he gave his all. His roles helped shape how people saw Black families and history on TV. He had fame, money, and respect—but also faced hard times.
Through it all, John kept going. He gave us stories that still matter. And that’s something money can’t buy.
FAQs About John Amos and His Net Worth
What was his most famous role?
Most say his role as Kunta Kinte in Roots is his most powerful.
Did he win any awards?
Yes, including Emmy and NAACP nominations, and other TV honors.
Did John Amos play football?
Yes. He played in college and tried to go pro before switching to acting.
Was he still acting in his later years?
Yes, he worked up until 2024. He even returned for Coming 2 America.
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