John Amos, star of the 1970s television series “Good Times,” has died at age 84

John Amos, the American football player turned actor who was celebrated for his roles in the 1970s television series Good times as well as the miniseries rootsHe died on August 21 in Los Angeles at the age of 84, said his son Kelly Christopher (KC) Amos.

Amos’ death, which a news release said was due to natural causes, was not announced until Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness that I inform you that my father has made the transition,” his son said in a statement.

“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved all over the world,” he added.

Amos played father James Evans in 61 episodes of the sitcom Good times Mid-1970s and also the older Kunta Kinte in the TV miniseries roots, Based on the 1976 novel about slavery by Alex Haley. He also played TV weatherman Gordy Howard The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the same decade.

Amos also had a brief professional football career in the 1960s.

While filming good times, Amos often advocated for a more authentic portrayal of the black American family and criticized the series’ writers for pandering to racist stereotypes.

He was also a veteran of the New Jersey National Guard’s 50th Armored Division and an honorary commander in chief of the U.S. Coast Guard.