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

LOS ANGELES >> John Amos, the football player and actor celebrated for his roles in the 1970s television series “Good Times” and the miniseries “Roots,” died Aug. 21 in Los Angeles at age 84. said his son, Kelly Christopher (KC) Amos.

Amos' death, which a press release said was due to natural causes, has not been announced to date.

“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” in the mid-1970s and also played the older Kunta Kinte in the TV miniseries “Roots,” based on the 1976 novel about slavery by Alex Haley. In the same decade, he also played TV weatherman Gordy Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

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 show's writers for using 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.