What is John Amos' Net Worth?
John Amos is an American actor and former football player with a net worth of $300 thousand. He is perhaps best known for his role in the CBS sitcom Good Times, where he starred in 61 episodes between 1974 and 1976. Amos also gained acclaim for his Emmy-nominated performance in the 1977 miniseries Roots. Additionally, he has appeared in TV series such as The West Wing, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The District. His film career includes roles in Coming to America and Die Hard 2.
Real Estate and Financial Issues
In 1990, John Amos purchased a home in Lebanon, New Jersey for $337,000. He listed it for sale at $439,000 in December 2016. Unfortunately, he couldn't find a buyer, and by two years later, the property had slipped into foreclosure. In April 2021, either Amos or his bank sold the home for $288,000.
In June 2023, John's daughter, Shannon, created a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $500,000 to support him, claiming he had been a victim of elder and financial abuse. John responded to these claims, refuting them and questioning the necessity of the GoFundMe.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
John Amos was born in 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, to John Amos Sr., an auto mechanic, and his wife Annabelle. Raised in East Orange, he graduated from East Orange High School in 1958 and later attended Long Beach City College. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in sociology. While at Colorado State, Amos played football and became a Golden Glove boxing champion.
In 1964, Amos signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent but was released due to a pulled hamstring. He then played for various minor league teams, including the Canton Bulldogs and the Norfolk Neptunes. In 1967, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but soon moved back to play for the Victoria Steelers.
Good Times and Acting Career
John Amos gained widespread recognition as Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1973). However, his most iconic role came as James Evans Sr. on Good Times (1974-1976). Amos starred alongside Esther Rolle (Florida Evans), Jimmie Walker, Ralph, and BernNadette Stanis. Amos aimed to portray a positive image of an African-American family, but he became increasingly disappointed with the show's comedic direction, leading to a clash with writers and his eventual dismissal in 1976.
Roots and Further Television Work
After Good Times, Amos starred as Kunta Kinte in the 1977 miniseries Roots, earning an Emmy nomination. In 1980, he starred in NBC's Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story. He continued to appear in various TV shows, including The A-Team, Hunter, One Life to Live, The Cosby Show, and more. From 1999 to 2004, he played the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in The West Wing.
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Film Career
On the big screen, Amos debuted in 1971 with uncredited roles and later appeared in films like Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, The World's Greatest Athlete with Tim Conway, and Let's Do it Again with Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. Throughout the 80s, he appeared in Touched by Love, The Beastmaster, American Flyers, and Coming to America with Eddie Murphy. In the 90s, he starred in Die Hard 2, Ricochet, and many more. His recent roles include Uncut Gems and Coming 2 America.
Theatrical Career
John Amos has also been active in theater. He produced and wrote the one-man play Halley's Comet and performed in August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean on Broadway and at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton.
Personal Life
John Amos married Noel Mickelson in 1965, and they had two children, Shannon and K.C., before divorcing in 1975. He married actress Lillian Lehman in 1978, and they divorced in 1979. Amos resides in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, and has served in the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard. He is also an Honorary Master Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard.
