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John Amos

Dec 27, 1939 - Aug 21, 2024 (84 years old) in Newark, New Jersey, USA

John Amos (December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024) was an American actor and retired football player. He is best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries "Roots" and for portraying James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series "Good Times." He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he played numerous supporting roles in movies such as "The Beastmaster" (1982), "Coming to America" (1988), "Lock Up" (1989), "Die Hard 2" (1990) and "Coming 2 America" (2021).

Prior to acting, he played on the Colorado State Rams football team and in 1964, he signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Denver Broncos and in 1967 signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Both of these contracts did not land him a spot on the teams and played a final season in the Continental Football League with the Victoria Steelers before pursuing acting.

Known For

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Two and a Half Men
Ed
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Love, American Style
Bell Captain
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King of the Hill
Glen Johnson (voice)
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The Cosby Show
Dr. Herbert
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Psych
Uncle Burton
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The Love Boat
Duke Taylor
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The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Gordy Howard
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The West Wing
Percy Fitzwallace
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My Name Is Earl
Joe
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The A-Team
Rev. Taylor

Credits