Gather ’round, because today we’re going to dive deep into the life and times of the one and only John Amos!
You may know him as James Evans Sr. from the groovy television series Good Times, but there’s so much more to this American acting icon. This post will go through john amos net worth in 2023, his early life and acting journey!
John Amos Net Worth 2023
John Amos has earned his wealth through a combination of income sources, primarily stemming from his successful acting career. As of 2023, John Amos net worth is estimated to be around $3.2 Million!
Here are some of the main ways John Amos has accumulated his wealth:
Acting
John has appeared in numerous television shows and movies over the years, such as Good Times, Roots, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Coming to America, and The West Wing. Acting has undoubtedly been his primary source of income.
Theatre
In addition to his on-screen work, John has also appeared in various stage productions. Although theatre work may not be as lucrative as film and television, it can still contribute to an actor’s income.
Royalties and residuals
Actors often receive royalties and residuals for their work, especially if a show or movie becomes successful or continues to air in syndication. These payments can provide a steady income for years after a project has been completed.
Book sales
John Amos is also a children’s book author, and the sales of his book, “A World Without Color,” may contribute to his income, albeit likely to a lesser extent compared to his acting earnings.
Public appearances and endorsements
Like many celebrities, John Amos may occasionally make paid public appearances or participate in endorsements for various brands and products.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount John Amos earns from each of these sources, it’s safe to say that his lengthy and successful acting career has played a significant role in building his net worth.
The Early Years: Humble Beginnings for a Future Star
Our main man John was born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. From the beginning, John Allen Amos Jr. was destined for greatness.
Before he turned his sights to acting, he tried out a few different career paths, including a stint as a Golden Gloves boxer and a time in the New Jersey Air National Guard. Talk about a well-rounded dude!
John Amos: The Acting Journey Begins
John’s passion for acting kicked off in the late 1960s with an appearance in The Purlie Victorious.
From there, he made his way to the small screen with guest appearances on popular shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Sanford and Son. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that he landed his most famous role as James Evans Sr. in the hit CBS television series Good Times.
With his no-nonsense attitude and powerful screen presence, John quickly became a fan favorite.
A Few of John Amos’ Best-Known Roles
| Role | Show/Movie | Year |
| Gordy Howard | The Mary Tyler Moore Show | 1970-1973 |
| James Evans Sr. | Good Times | 1974-1976 |
| Kunta Kinte | Roots | 1977 |
| Cleavon Buford | Coming to America | 1988 |
| Admiral Percy Fitzwallace | The West Wing | 1999-2004 |
Keepin’ the Good Times Rollin’: John’s Life After James Evans Sr.
John’s career didn’t end with Good Times (thank goodness!). He went on to star in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots as Kunta Kinte, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination.
He’s also appeared in films like Coming to America (1988), where he played Cleavon Buford, and television shows such as The West Wing (1999-2004), where he portrayed Admiral Percy Fitzwallace. To this day, John Amos continues to grace our screens with his undeniable talent.
Famous Quotes and Amos-isms
We can’t talk about John Amos without mentioning some of his most memorable quotes and zingers. Here are a few of our favorites:
- “Ain’t we lucky we got ’em, Good Times!” – James Evans Sr., Good Times
- “I love you, man. You’re one of the good ones.” – Cleavon Buford, Coming to America
- “Now that’s what I call a man!” – Kunta Kinte, Roots
Here are some lesser-known facts about this legendary actor:
Football Career: Before his acting days, John Amos was quite the athlete. In the 1960s, he played professional football in the United States and Canada.
He was a part of the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the British Columbia Lions. Although his football career didn’t last long, it’s still an impressive feat!
Stand-up Comedy: John Amos dabbled in stand-up comedy early in his career. He performed in various comedy clubs before transitioning to acting. His experience in comedy certainly played a role in his ability to deliver those hilarious one-liners in many of his roles.
Activism: John Amos is not just an actor; he’s also an advocate for social justice and has been involved in various humanitarian projects throughout his life.
For example, he’s been a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and has worked to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans.
Theatre Work: In addition to his television and film work, John Amos has also been involved in theatre. Some of his stage credits include August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fences” and the Broadway production of “Tough to Get Help.”
Children’s Book Author: John Amos is a man of many talents, and one of them is writing! He authored a children’s book called “A World Without Color,” which tells the story of a young boy named John who discovers the importance of racial harmony.
Education: John Amos attended Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in sociology. This educational background likely helped inform his acting and his interest in social issues.
John Amos, A National Treasure
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this little trip down memory lane, it’s that John Amos is a true legend.
From his early days as a boxer and serviceman to his unforgettable roles on the big and small screens, John has left an indelible mark on American culture. Here’s to you, John Amos—thanks for all the laughs and the good times!
FAQs!
John Amos was born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey.
John Amos’s big break came in the early 1970s when he was cast as Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
John Amos is best known for his role as James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series Good Times, which aired from 1974 to 1976.
Before his acting career, John Amos was a Golden Gloves boxer, played professional football, and served in the New Jersey Air National Guard.
John Amos received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries Roots.
John Amos has been married twice. He was first married to Noel Mickelson from 1965 to 1975, and then to Lillian Lehman from 1978 to 1979.
John Amos has two children, a son named K.C. Amos and a daughter named Shannon Amos.
John Amos’s net worth was estimated to be around $3.2 million as of 2023
Yes, John Amos authored a children’s book titled “A World Without Color,” which focuses on the importance of racial harmony.
In addition to Good Times, John Amos has appeared in shows like The West Wing and movies such as Coming to America and its sequel, Coming 2 America.
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