John Amos, the beloved actor renowned for his role as James Evans Sr. on the iconic television show *Good Times*, has passed away at the age of 84. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, confirmed the news on October 1, revealing that John had died months earlier on August 21.
In a heartfelt statement shared with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Kelly expressed his sorrow, saying, “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold … and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father.” He emphasized that John “lived a good life” and that his legacy would endure through his remarkable contributions to television and film.
John Amos had a distinguished career that spanned over five decades, although he initially sought a path in professional football. After playing for Colorado State University, he briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent before pivoting to acting. He gained early fame for his role as weatherman Gordy Howard on *The Mary Tyler Moore Show*, but it was his portrayal of James Evans Sr. on *Good Times* that solidified his place in television history.
Despite his success, Amos faced challenges during his time on *Good Times*, often clashing with writers over the show’s portrayal of African Americans. He was eventually let go by the third season, citing creative differences and a lack of authentic representation in the writing. In a 2017 interview, he reflected on these conflicts, stating, “We had no African-American writers on the show… I’d look at each and every one of them and say, ‘Well, how long have you been Black? That just doesn’t happen in the community.’”
After *Good Times*, Amos continued to shine in various television series, including *The West Wing*, *All About the Andersons*, and *Men in Trees*. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
In other news – Zimbabwe expects rainfall in November
Zimbabwe is expected to see the onset of rains beginning in November, according to Climate Minister Sithembiso Nyoni’s briefing to the cabinet on Tuesday. While October is projected to remain largely dry with below-average rainfall, the outlook for the upcoming months indicates a shift to “normal to above normal rainfall” for the 2024/25 agricultural season.
Minister Nyoni urged farmers and the general public to prepare for the impending rainy season, emphasizing the importance of readiness in light of previous challenges. The country faced significant difficulties last season, marked by inadequate rainfall that adversely affected agricultural yields. Read More
