Veteran actor John Amos, known for his roles in “Roots,” “Good Times,” and “The West Wing,” passed away on August 21 at the age of 84 from natural causes in Los Angeles. Amos, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in both television and film, leaves behind a legacy of positive African American representation in media. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, expressed deep admiration, calling his father “my dad, my best friend, and my hero.”

Amos first gained fame in 1970 on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” before becoming widely recognized as James Evans, the father on “Good Times.” He also portrayed the adult Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots” and starred in films like Coming to America and Die Hard 2. His television career saw a resurgence with his role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on “The West Wing.”

Before his acting career, Amos played football for Colorado State and briefly for the Kansas City Chiefs. His legacy will continue to inspire through his works in television, film, and a documentary about his life titled “America’s Dad.”