John Amos died on August 21 in Los Angeles of pure causes, as confirmed by his consultant on Tuesday. He was 84.
“With a profession spanning over 5 many years, Amos leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in each tv and movie, together with a dedication to constructive African American illustration in media,” the assertion learn.
The late actor is finest identified for his function as James Evans Sr. on Good Times, the place he portrayed a hardworking father striving to offer for his household in a difficult surroundings. His character’s emphasis on schooling and household values left a long-lasting influence on viewers. In actual life, Amos was the daddy of two kids, Shannon and Okay.C., along with his second spouse, Noel J. Mickelson. The couple divorced in 1975.
Here’s all the things you should find out about Amos’ two grownup kids.
Shannon Amos, 58
Mickelson and Amos’ first baby, daughter Shannon, was born on August 5, 1966.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Noel moved Shannon to the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles at a younger age to assist John’s performing profession. The Roots star discouraged his kids from following in his footsteps, however Shannon grew to become concerned within the leisure trade as a producer, engaged on reveals like Yo! MTV Raps and America’s Most Wanted. She additionally dealt with advertising and marketing for movies similar to I Am Legend and Blood Diamond.
In 2003, she produced her youthful sibling’s first indie function, The Watermelon Heist. “I selected to do what I assumed was what I used to be alleged to do, which might be to honor my household’s legacy,” Shannon defined on the Out Front with Vince Noble podcast.
Shannon labored within the movie trade for over 20 years earlier than altering her profession path. In 2020, she launched her personal wellness journey firm, Sumanah. She defined her choice on the podcast, saying, “I wasn’t feeling as fulfilled as I assumed I’d… even on the pinnacle of my profession. I grew to become disenchanted.”
In 2021, Shannon settled in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. “My dad at all times inspired me to dwell my finest life,” she advised AmoMama. “And so I do this.”
Shannon has a daughter, Queira Noelle, born on November 30, 1991.
Kelly Christopher “Okay.C.” Amos, 54
Mickelson and Amos’ second baby, a son named Okay.C., was born on October 18, 1970. He grew up along with his father, mom, and older sister within the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles, on a property that included horses.
Like his sister Shannon, Okay.C. adopted his father into present enterprise. After showing in varied roles on each the massive and small screens, he tried his hand at directing. He credited his dad for uplifting his profession, writing in a 2014 weblog, “I believe that his recommendation in my life has helped me uncover who I’m and my ardour for steering and manufacturing work. After watching him work in entrance of the digital camera on a dwell TV present or a movie shoot, I grew to become fascinated with cameras and directing.”
In 1996, Okay.C.’s work on James McMurtry’s “Where You Hide the Body” music video earned a Grammy nomination. He continued to collaborate with high artists, together with Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe. The following 12 months, he obtained accolades on the Sundance Music Festival for his movie Syphon Gun, which earned an honorable point out for brief filmmaking.
A major spotlight for Okay.C. got here in 2003 with The Watermelon Heist, a mission he collaborated on with Shannon. He additionally labored along with his father on a number of events earlier than his demise, together with co-producing and directing the 2015 movie Mercy for Angels. “Having my very own son working with me as a filmmaker is a blessing as a result of we are able to seize these moments of inspiration,” John defined to PEOPLE in 2024 whereas discussing America’s Dad, a docuseries he had been engaged on with Okay.C. for a number of years. He added, “It covers my profession, his profession, and our joint careers. It’s one thing that I believe each father and son will wish to see.”
Okay.C. confirmed his father’s passing in a press release, noting that John “lived a great life” and that his “legacy will dwell on.” He shared, “My father beloved working as an actor all through his whole life,” mentioning John’s latest function in Suits LA and their joint documentary, America’s Dad. He added, “He was my dad, my finest good friend, and my hero. Thank you on your prayers and assist presently.”
In distinction, Shannon, who had public disputes together with her brother and father concerning an alleged elder abuse scandal, claimed she discovered about her father’s demise by way of on-line studies—45 days after it occurred. On Instagram, she expressed her heartbreak, saying, “I’m with out phrases. Our household has obtained the heartbreaking information that my dad, John Allen Amos Jr., transitioned on August twenty first. We are devastated and left with many questions on how this occurred 45 days in the past, studying about it by way of the media like so lots of you.”
A Los Angeles County demise certificates signifies that Amos died of congestive coronary heart failure at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, on August 21 at 5:18 p.m. PT. Amos’ physique was cremated 9 days afterward August 30. The certificates lists Amos’ son Kelly as the one who notified the L.A. County Department of Public Health of his father’s demise.