John Amos was beloved actor renowned for his iconic roles on shows such as Good Times and Roots over his five-decade-long career. Beyond these onscreen roles, Amos’ personal life — his marriages to Noel “Noni” Mickelson and Lillian Lehman as examples — provides us a window into his experiences in regards to love, family dynamics and dealing with life itself – this article takes an in depth look into these relationships and legacy left by Amos upon his passing in 2024.
John Amos made history on December 27th 1939 when he made history on stage and screen. From 1970-1974 he played James Evans Sr in Good Times (defunct), Kunta Kinte in Roots mini series (also defunct), Mary Tyler Moore Show, West Wing and Coming to America among many more roles before passing due to natural causes on August 21, 2024 aged 84 years.
Who Is John Amos’ First Wife, Noel “Noni” Mickelson?
John Amos married artist Noel “Noni” Mickelson after they met while students at Colorado State University. Although interracial marriage was illegal at that time in many states, their love overcame these restrictions to bring two children together: Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher “K.C” Amos.
How Did John and Noel Overcome Racial Challenges?
Shannon shared in 2020 on Instagram how her parents’ marriage stood as a bold declaration of love during times of racial tension, noting it wasn’t legally recognized until one year postnatal birth in 16 states. Shannon noted how their love and dedication towards each other, despite facing obstacles from society, helped create a solid basis for her family life.
Noel Mickelson, of Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish descent, stood by John as he began his early career pursuits. Following their marriage and move to New Jersey as social workers, Noel stood beside John as his dream of becoming an professional football player became reality; though Noel did eventually support John as he made the switch from football to entertainment industries.
What Was Life Like for John Amos and His Family?
John Amos’ desire for acting success led his family to relocate from Minnesota to Los Angeles, and quickly found roles on television shows including Mary Tyler Moore Show and Good Times. Mickelson developed her artistic abilities alongside supporting John’s acting endeavours while raising their children there in Sylmar suburb. Throughout these years they also continued raising children there while living close by at Sylmar Ranch.
By 1975, their marriage had come to an end; unfortunately little is known regarding its causes or what led to Noel and John separating, though both maintained relatively private lives post-divorce. After they separated, Noel continued living a quiet lifestyle, while John pursued acting opportunities. Their two children Shannon and K.C have shared memories and discussed her influence.
What Happened to Noel Mickelson Following Her Divorce?
Noel Mickelson found happiness after her divorce from John Amos; she later married and moved in with Disney special-effects engineer Richard Walt Disney before experiencing complications during a hysterectomy procedure in 1996 that left her blind and quadriplegic; until his passing nine years later her second husband provided care until then too.
Noel Mickelson remained a central figure in both Shannon and K.C.’s lives despite these difficulties; Shannon posted tributes honoring their strength and resilience; K.C. posted tributes as well; in June 2017, Shannon revealed Mickelson had passed away, although both her children have kept her memory alive through personal reflections and social media tributes.
Who was Lillian Lehman, John Amos’ second wife?
John Amos found solace after his divorce from Mickelson by briefly marrying actress Lillian Lehman in the late 70s, who is best known for her authoritative yet sympathetic onscreen presence, appearing in shows such as L.A. Law, General Hospital and MacGyver. Unfortunately their union lasted only briefly with little known public information available about either party’s details of relationship or reasons behind its dissolution.
Lehman has spoken openly in interviews regarding her career, noting the balance she found between acting and teaching drama at California State University, Northridge. As an actor she often portrays professional roles such as doctors and judges and expresses immense appreciation for being given this chance in Hollywood.
Are John Amos and Lillian Lehman Back Together Again?
John Amos and Lillian Lehman had only a brief marriage, yet after their separation they remained friends and co-starred together as husband and wife in 1992 television movie Night Track starring both in supporting roles. Lehman noted they hadn’t known they’d be working together until arriving on set in Mobile Alabama: it “seems strange playing my ex-husband’s wife again but really it hasn’t been that challenging as neither one of us harbored any animosity after our split”.
Night Track was evidence of their mutual appreciation as actors; even after their personal relationships had come to an end.
What Is John Amos’ Legacy?
John Amos passed away August 21, 2024 at age 84 and was confirmed as deceased by his son K.C. Amos on October 1st as “a kind and noble soul who touched many.” K.C also described John as having served as their TV father through Good Times as its patriarch; many viewers revere him fondly due to this iconic role he portrayed during its initial run from 1979-82.
Amos made his mark across television, film and theater audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent, perseverance and devotion to his craft – as evidenced by an Emmy nomination in Roots as well as feature film credits like Coming to America. Amos is remembered by audiences everywhere for his exceptional acting performances he left behind him.
How are people remembering John Amos today?
John Amos will long be remembered not just for his groundbreaking roles but for his strength and integrity both on-screen and off. His children Shannon and K.C. continue to honor their memory by sharing memories about his influence on them personally and his contributions to our world.
As one of television’s beloved father figures, Amos left an indelible mark upon audiences he played over many seasons of programming – garnering many of them the highest ratings and becoming one of the most-beloved actors of his era. His portrayals of strong yet caring and steady characters became classic television fare, leaving an indelible mark that will endure into posterity.