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Alabama residents who grew up watching the iconic television show Good Times will be saddened to hear that John Amos, the actor who played the beloved patriarch James Evans Sr., passed away on August 21, 2024. Though news of his death was only recently made public, Amos’ contribution to television, film, and theater has left an indelible mark.
A Look at John Amos’ Early Life
Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, John Allen Amos Jr. grew up with a passion for sports and acting. He attended East Orange High School and later studied at Long Beach City College before graduating from Colorado State University. Before embarking on his acting career, Amos was a professional football player, briefly playing for teams like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. His perseverance and charisma helped him transition to acting, where he found success on stage and screen.