
Iconic “Good Times” actor John Amos dies at 84, leaving his daughter Shannon in shock as she learns of his passing 45 days later through media reports.
At a Glance
- John Amos passed away on August 21, 2023, at the age of 84
- His daughter Shannon Amos discovered his death through media reports on October 1
- Shannon expressed devastation and confusion about the 45-day delay in learning of her father’s passing
- The Amos family had been embroiled in a public feud over John’s care and financial matters
- John Amos was best known for his roles in “Good Times” and “Roots”
A Daughter’s Shocking Discovery
The entertainment world was shaken when news broke of John Amos’s passing, but for his daughter Shannon, the shock came with an additional layer of pain. Shannon Amos learned of her father’s death a full 45 days after it occurred, not through family channels, but via media reports. This revelation has cast a spotlight on the complex family dynamics that surrounded the beloved actor in his final days.
Shannon took to Instagram to share her grief and bewilderment, posting a poignant video of herself dancing with her father to Luther Vandross’s “Dance with My Father.” The tribute was accompanied by a heart-wrenching caption that laid bare the family’s turmoil.
Family Feud Overshadows Grief
The circumstances surrounding John Amos’s death have brought to light a family feud that had been simmering for months. In June 2023, Shannon had raised alarming accusations of elder abuse against a caregiver, leading to an investigation by Colorado authorities. These claims were vehemently denied by John Amos himself and his son, Kelly Christopher Amos.
“I am without words…Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st,” Shannon Amos wrote in the caption. “We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.”
The family discord had escalated to the point where Kelly Christopher was jailed for sending threatening messages to Shannon, further complicating the already strained relationships. Shannon had previously described the situation as her father being exploited by her brother, whom she claimed was struggling with bipolar disorder and drug addiction.
Remembering a Television Icon
Despite the family turmoil, John Amos’s legacy as a groundbreaking actor remains undimmed. Best known for his roles in “Good Times” and the landmark miniseries “Roots,” Amos left an indelible mark on American television. His portrayal of James Evans Sr. on “Good Times” broke new ground in the representation of African American families on prime-time television.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” the statement provided to CNN reads. “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.”
As the entertainment industry and fans mourn the loss of John Amos, his family grapples with not only their grief but also the complex circumstances surrounding his final days. The delay in Shannon learning of her father’s passing has added a layer of confusion and hurt to an already difficult time, highlighting the sometimes painful realities that can exist behind the scenes of even the most beloved public figures.