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John Amos Biography and Full Filmography - MovieWise

Quick Facts

Born:
1939-12-27

Birthplace:
Newark, New Jersey, USA

Credits:
110 Total Roles

John Amos

Acting

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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.

Known For

Full Filmography

Year Title Role
2025 Suits LA TV John Amos
2023 The Last Rifleman MOVIE Lincoln Jefferson Adams
2022 Me Time MOVIE Gil
2022 Block Party MOVIE Dennis
2021 Christmas in Miami MOVIE Chief Host
2021 Because of Charley MOVIE Grandpa
2021 Coming 2 America MOVIE Cleo McDowell
2020 The Truth About Santa Claus MOVIE Bob
2020 The Beastmaster Chronicles MOVIE Self
2019 Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times" MOVIE Fred Davis

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