“I’d just like to be remembered as someone they enjoyed watching and they enjoyed having in their homes.” John Amos once said about his contribution and hoped people would leave their worries behind while watching him. Amongst many families who exactly did this, one was Magic Johnson. Growing up with six siblings, Amos was a gateway.

“My six siblings, parents, and I always looked forward to watching Good Times together as a family! It was one of my favorite shows, and John was one of my favorite actors. Thank you for bringing laughter and joy to countless households! You’ll be missed 🙏🏾.” Magic Johnson’s tweet was in response to Complex Pop Culture‘s tweet, “John Amos has passed away at the age of 84. May He Rest in Peace. 🕊️” Before being a star who took away people’s pain, Amos wanted to succeed in sports.

A running back for the Colorado State, but got turned away from the Denver Broncos. In 1967, Amos signed a free agent contract with the American Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs. But that dream was short-lived due to injury, but the coach at the time helped him with a life lesson.

Coach Hank Stram said, “Young man, you are not a football player. You are a young man who happens to be playing football.” Amos wanted to say farewell to his teammates with a poem. “When [Stram] saw the team’s reaction to the poem he said, ‘I think you have another calling’.” That’s what the Good Times star said in an interview in 2012.

Amos’ publicist, Belinda Foster, confirmed to The Times the sad news about passing. Amos died of natural causes in Los Angeles on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. The announcement of his death did not occur until October 1, 2024.

How ‘Good Times’ became the best time for everyone

Amos was part of the show for three seasons, and there was a unique thing about the Norman Lear program. Because it became the first TV show to follow an African American, two-parent. household. Amos played James Evans, a hard-working Korean War veteran, which resonated with audiences.

The hardworking and devoted father figure role was a sharp wit character and did everything he could to provide for his family. That’s why the tough-loving patriarch received love from the audience. And to date, fans like Magic Johnson remember the role very fondly. Fans will get to watch him in a new role as Amos also had a role in the upcoming series ‘Suits LA.’

“That’s a good feeling, to know that some stranger sitting in some remote town somewhere laughed to the point that he forgot his ongoing miseries or problems and said to his family, ‘Hey, John Amos is on. Come in here! Let’s get a laugh.’ I mean, is there anything better than that?”

Despite huge success, Amos cared for the audience and how the shows impacted their life. That’s why Magic Johnson remembers the ‘Good Times’ and, just like everyone else, remembers John Amos.