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.
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
Die Hard 2
Major Grant
Uncut Gems
Neighbor 33F
Coming to America
Cleo McDowell
Two and a Half Men
Ed
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Fred Wilkes
Coming 2 America
Cleo McDowell
Lie to Me
Jim Weaver
Lock Up
Captain Meissner
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 |