On October 1, the world got notice that beloved actor John Amos had sadly passed away, and as is often the norm when a celebrity dies, the family will usually put out a joint statement that eulogizes their loved one and asks for privacy. However, such was not the case for Amos’ daughter, Shannon, who says she learned of her father’s death just like everyone else: from the media. What’s even more upsetting is that the Good Times actor passed away on August 21, and she had absolutely no idea until the announcement was made.
In a post on her Instagram account, Amos said she “was without words” upon hearing the news of her father’s passing, and now she has to somehow come to terms with the fact that he had been gone for 45 days before she even learned about it. She said that what should be a celebration of life has turned into a struggle of uncertainty, but is thankful that her father is “finally free.”
“I am without words…Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st.
“We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.
“This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.
“My family and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of love, calls, and texts. Please continue to hold our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”
News of Amos’ death was revealed by his son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, who was accused last year of elder abuse by his sister, and the “financial exploitation” of their father, something that both the patriarch of the family and her brother strongly denied. The 84-year-old star was said to have died from “natural causes” in Los Angeles, and it’s believed that the rift in the family was what led to Shannon finding out through social media about his death, rather than a phone call from her sibling.
John Amos Leaves Behind a Lasting Legacy
Getting his start in 1970 with an appearance on The Bill Cosby Show, Amos rose to prominence thanks to his roles in the 1974 TV series Good Times, and for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the TV miniseries Roots, which was based on Alex Haley’s celebrated novel that examines slavery through the eyes of a boy that’s ripped from his family in Africa, and makes his way to America to observe numerous culturally important moments such as the Civil War and emancipation.
Later on, he’d become known for his feature parts in Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America (and its recent sequel), as well as Die Hard 2, where he played the backstabbing Major Grant. While Kunta Kinte is perhaps his most celebrated role in the eyes of many, it was his time on Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace that he’s perhaps most remembered for, where he portrayed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for 22 episodes. Needless to say, Amos leaves behind a lasting legacy in film and television that will surely be remembered for years to come. We here at MovieWeb extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones, and pray that his family can find healing in this difficult time.