John Allen Amos Jr., born December 27, 1939, is an acclaimed American actor renowned for his roles as adult Kunta Kinte in “Roots” and James Evans Sr. in “Good Times.” His career spans over five decades with notable appearances in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The West Wing,” and “The District.”
Amos has also featured in films like “Coming to America” and its sequel, among others. Before acting, he played college football at Colorado State University and briefly for the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been nominated for both Primetime Emmy and NAACP Image Awards.
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John Amos Net Worth
John Amos has a net worth of $300 thousand. In 1990, he bought a home in Lebanon, New Jersey, for $337,000, which went into foreclosure after failing to sell for $439,000 in 2016; it was eventually sold for $288,000 in 2021.
In June 2023, his daughter Shannon launched a GoFundMe aiming to raise $500,000, citing elder and financial abuse. John publicly refuted these claims and questioned the motives behind the fundraising campaign.
Early life
Born in Newark, New Jersey, John Allen Amos Jr. is the son of Annabelle and auto mechanic John A. Amos Sr. He grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, graduating from East Orange High School in 1958. Amos attended Long Beach City College before earning a sociology degree from Colorado State University, where he played football. After college, he also became a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
Career
John Amos had a brief professional football career before turning to acting. He gained fame as the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” and as James Evans Sr. in “Good Times.”
His career spans television shows including “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The West Wing,” and “The District,” as well as numerous film roles in movies such as “Coming to America” and “Die Hard 2.”
Amos has also starred in Broadway productions and wrote and produced the one-man play “Halley’s Comet.” In addition to acting, Amos released a country music album in 2009.
Personal life
John Amos, a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and Honorary Master Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard, has been married twice.
His first marriage to artist Noel Mickelson lasted from 1965 to 1975, producing two children: Shannon Amos, a writer/producer, and K.C. Amos, a Grammy-nominated director.
His second marriage to actress Lillian Lehman spanned 1978 to 1979. Previously a long-time resident of Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, Amos moved to Colorado in 2018 and currently resides in Westcliffe, where he faces an investigation into accusations of elder abuse.
What happened with John Amos?
John faced health challenges when he was hospitalized due to fluid accumulation in his lower body, causing heart complications. However, he later clarified that he wasn’t critically ill, countering claims made on social media.
Conclusion
Amos’s net worth is a testament to his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, reflecting his contributions over the years. From sports to acting and personal life challenges, Amos remains an inspiration for many.
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FAQs about John Amos’s Net Worth
- How much is John worth in 2023? John Amos’s net worth in 2023 is estimated at $5 million.
- For which role is John most known? He’s best recognized for his portrayal of James Evans Sr. on “Good Times” and adult Kunta Kinte in “Roots.”
- Did John play professional football? Yes, before his acting career, he played for teams including the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
- How many children does John have? He has two children, Shannon and K.C. Amos.
- Is John in a wheelchair currently? Yes, at 83 years old, he uses a wheelchair for mobility but remains active and cheerful.
