Good Times, Roots and Mary Tyler Moore star was 84

John Amos, the star of “Good Times,” “Roots” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, his rep confirmed diversity on Tuesday. He was 84.

“It is with deep sadness that I inform you that my father has made the transition,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved around the world. Many fans consider him to be their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding work as an actor on television and film. My father loved working as an actor all his life…. Most recently, he played himself in “Suits LA” and in our documentary “America’s Dad” about his journey as an actor. He was my father, my best friend and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.”

Amos received an Emmy nomination in 1977 for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the historical ABC miniseries “Roots.” The series, about slavery in the United States, won nine Emmys, a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award and enjoyed strong ratings in the country. More than 130 million people tuned in to the series, more than half of the U.S. population in 1977. The final episode holds the record for the third highest-rated episode of any television series type and the second highest-rated episode. Seen the series finale of the story.

Amos’ acting career took off when he landed the role of Weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” From there, he brought his comedic talents to CBS’ Good Times, playing father James Evans Sr. The Norman Lear show made history as the first TV show to center on a two-parent African-American household.

More to come…