Hollywood icon John Amos has died at the age of 84.
The actor, known for roles in Coming to America, Roots and Die Hard 2, died of natural causes in LA on August 21, Deadline reports.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, confirmed the sad news in a statement to the outlet, which read: ‘It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned.
‘He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… And he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.
‘My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life…. Most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad.
‘He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.’
Amos has become a titan of Hollywood but he initially pursued a career in American football before turning his attention to acting.
The New Jersey-born star commanded a screen career spanning decades, making his debut as Goody Howard on the Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970.
He went on to steal the show as James Evans Sr in Maude, before reprising the role in Good Times for two years.
His other TV roles include stints as Fred Wilkes in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sam Wilson in In the House, Joe Anderson in All About The Andersons.
Amos also enjoyed a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace in The West Wing, beside Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney and Rob Lowe.
As well as the small screen, he landed some of the most notable roles in cinema, with his portrayal of plucky Cleo McDowell in Coming To America becoming a fan favorite.
The late actor went on to reprise the part in 2021’s sequel, Coming 2 America, opposite Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.
He also played bad guy Major Grant in Die Hard 2, in 1990, with Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, William Atherton and Reginald VelJohnson.
His last projects included Netflix movie Me Time and The Righteous Gemstones, in 2022, followed up by The Last Rifleman last year.
Amos continued working until the end, and was due to make a guest appearance in Suits: LA – the spin-off of the hit series starring Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman, Gabriel Macht and Patrick J Adams.
Amos recently made headlines after he was rushed to hospital last year, as a result of fluid retention connected to heart issues.
Following his hospitalization, he was forced to speak out after his daughter’s allegations that he was the victim of elder abuse, with a police investigation into the claims closing earlier this year, over lack of evidence.
‘I want to first of all thank the LAPD for their professionalism and thoroughness in their investigation in which they concluded that I am doing well,’ he said in a statement to People Magazine in April. ‘This is the same thing I have been saying all along in my response to the media.
‘I want to thank my fans for their kind words to me in support of my movement everywhere I travel.
‘Furthermore, I am even more determined to complete production on the documentary film that my son and I are producing. It will shed light on the real truth as to the motives of those who have painted a false narrative about me.
‘I am John Amos and quite frankly this mess is bringing out James Evans to stay.’
Amos added: ‘I learned something very valuable some years ago that I reference in my work and all that I do. Stand on the truth and stay there. it won’t let you down. The truth will stand up for you.
‘The LAPD’s conclusion of their investigation along with my upcoming documentary each stand on that same truth. I’m good and the best is yet to come. Believe it.’
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