Person
John Amos
Newark, New Jersey, USA
John Amos (December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024) was an American actor and retired football player. He is best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniserie…
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John Amos (December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024) was an American actor and retired football player. He is best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries "Roots" and for portraying James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series "Good Times." He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he played numerous supporting roles in movies such as "The Beastmaster" (1982), "Coming to America" (1988), "Lock Up" (1989), "Die Hard 2" (1990) and "Coming 2 America" (2021). Prior to acting, he played on the Colorado State Rams football team and in 1964, he signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Denver Broncos and in 1967 signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Both of these contracts did not land him a spot on the teams and played a final season in the Continental Football League with the Victoria Steelers before pursuing acting.
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
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2025
Suits LA
TV show John Amos
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2023
The Last Rifleman
Movie Lincoln Jefferson Adams
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2022
Me Time
Movie Gil
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2022
Block Party
Movie Dennis
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2021
Christmas in Miami
Movie Chief Host
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2021
Because of Charley
Movie Grandpa
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2021
Coming 2 America
Movie Cleo McDowell
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2020
The Truth About Santa Claus
Movie Bob
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2020
The Beastmaster Chronicles
Movie Self
- 2019
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2019
Uncut Gems
Movie Neighbor 33F
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2019
The Movies That Made Us
TV show Self
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2019
Christmas Belles
Movie Pop Pop
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2018
The Last O.G.
TV show Uncle D
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2016
The Ranch
TV show Ed
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2016
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You
Movie Self
More credits
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2015
Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration
Movie Self / Gordy Howard (archive footage)
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2015
Tamales and Gumbo
Movie The Patron
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2015
Ballers
TV show Deacon Eller
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2015
Mercy for Angels
Movie God
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2015
Bad Asses on the Bayou
Movie Earl
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2014
Althea
Movie Executive Producer
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2014
Act of Faith
Movie Mr. Brady
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2013
American Lowrider
Movie Slick
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2012
Madea's Witness Protection
Movie Pastor Nelson
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2012
NYC 22
TV show Pappy Science
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2012
Zombie Hamlet
Movie Edgar Mortimer
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2009
Royal Pains
TV show Harrison Phillips
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2009
Lie to Me
TV show Jim Weaver
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2007
All Over Again
Movie Coach Zeller
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2007
Ascension Day
Movie Henry
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2006
30 Rock
TV show John Amos
-
2006
Men in Trees
TV show Buzz Washington
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2006
Psych
TV show Uncle Burton
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2006
Voodoo Moon
Movie Dutch
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2006
Dr. Dolittle 3
Movie Jud
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2005
My Name Is Earl
TV show Joe
-
2005
Shadowboxing
Movie Хилл
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2004
Countdown
Movie Admiral Melory
-
2004
My Baby's Daddy
Movie Uncle Virgil
