John Amos is an esteemed American actor and former football player best-known for his roles on CBS sitcom Good Times and Emmy-nominated miniseries Roots. Unfortunately, Amos has had financial challenges leading him down an unlikely career path that now stands him at $300k net worth. This article takes an in-depth look into Amos’ life, career path and current wealth status, providing readers with a complete picture of who lies beneath his iconic characters.
Who Is John Amos?
John Amos has had an exemplary career spanning decades since being born December 27, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey. Raised by parents John Sr. (an auto mechanic) and Annabelle Amos he attended East Orange High School then Long Beach City College before going onto Colorado State University where he graduated with a sociology degree before switching his focus from sports (playing football for several leagues) to acting.
What was Amos’ Early Pro Football Career Like?
John Amos began his professional football career after graduating college. Signing as a free agent with the Denver Broncos as a free agent in 1964 was cut short due to an injury, so Amos then played on various league teams such as Canton Bulldogs, Norfolk Neptunes and Waterbury Orbits until 1967 when briefly signing with Kansas City Chiefs before rejoining Victoria Steelers – eventually finding success within entertainment as a career option.
How Did Amos Start His Acting Career?
Amos first achieved fame as Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970-1973. However, his most acclaimed role came with Good Times when he took on James Evans Sr.. This character first introduced on Maude, eventually became part of Florida Evans and James Evans Sr’s father role with Esther Rolle as Florida Evans; Amos played this character from 1974 until 1976 with Amos’ emphasis on portraying an African-American family living within low-income areas through positive depictions like that one.
Though Good Times had great success, Amos often had disagreements with its producers and writers over its comedic tone – believing it often undermined serious themes of the show – which ultimately lead to his resignation in 1976 and helped pave way to some amazing acting opportunities for Amos including landing one of his most coveted roles to date.
What Role Did Amos Play to Gain Notoriety?
John Amos made history when he took on the iconic role of Kunta Kinte in Roots, Alex Haley’s groundbreaking television miniseries adapted into a miniseries by HBO in 1977. Amos earned an Emmy Award nomination and widespread praise for this powerful performance as it cemented Amos as an actor able to handle difficult and emotionally charged roles.
What Other TV and Film Roles Has Amos Played?
John Amos built an impressive television resume after Roots. Featured prominently on numerous popular series throughout the 80s and 90s – such as Hunter: Murder She Wrote; the Cosby Show, Touched By an Angel, The West Wing as one of its more memorable roles; however one notable role he held later on the West Wing was as Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Percy Fitzwallace between 1999-2004 on The West Wing.
Amos also had an exceptional film career during this period, appearing in major titles like The Beastmaster (1982), Coming to America (1988) and Die Hard 2 (1990). Additionally, in 2021’s Coming 2 America sequel he reprised his role of Cleo McDowell.
Have You Faced Financial Challenges, Such As Amos Does?
John Amos has had to overcome significant financial struggles despite an illustrious career, purchasing his home in Lebanon, New Jersey for $337,000. By 2016, it had been listed for sale for $439,000 but no prospective buyers materialised; by 2018 foreclosure proceedings had begun and in 2021 his house sold at auction for only $288,000. Clearly these financial setbacks hit hard.
In June 2023, Amos made headlines when his daughter Shannon established a GoFundMe campaign to raise $500,000 to assist their father after she claimed he had been subject to elder abuse and financial exploitation by someone. Amos denied these accusations while questioning both its legitimacy and details shared by Shannon; thus bringing attention to Amos’ personal struggles over recent years.
What Is John Amos’ Current Net Worth?
John Amos currently estimates his net worth as being about $300 thousand as of 2024, an estimation which may seem low for such an accomplished actor, yet this reflects financial difficulties he has endured, from real estate struggles and other personal issues, all the way through to legacy-making work that remains celebrated among both fans and critics alike. Regardless, Amos remains beloved actor whose works continue to receive recognition among both audiences and critics alike.
What contributions has Amos Made to Theatre?
John Amos has made significant contributions to theater as well. He wrote and produced Halley’s Comet, an international one-man play exploring race, identity and time’s passage showcasing Amos’ talent as both writer and performer. Additionally he appeared as August Wilson in Gem of the Ocean both on Broadway as well as at Princeton New Jersey McCarther Theatres.
What Is Amos’ Personal Live Like?
John Amos has been married twice. His first union to Noel Mickelson lasted from 1965-1975; they produced two children who would go on to pursue careers in entertainment: Shannon and K.C. Amos both pursued successful entertainment careers under this couple. Amos then wed actress Lillian Lehman in 1978 but soon divorced after one year; since then John Amos has focused on both his professional pursuits and family commitments.
Amos served in the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard before earning Honorary Master Chief status within the US Coast Guard; further illustrating his dedication and service.
What legacy has Amos left behind in Hollywood?
John Amos has earned himself an exceptional legacy in Hollywood as an innovative performer known for choosing roles which showcase and challenge stereotypes while honoring authentic African-American experiences. Starting off on The Mary Tyler Moore Show to his breakout performance as Roots actor, Amos’ career is one of lasting significance and authenticity.
Even through financial setbacks, Amos remains an influential presence in the entertainment industry; his contributions across television, film and theater continue to move audiences and other actors alike. His resilience through personal hardship speaks volumes of how passionately dedicated he remains to his craft.