John Amos Net Worth: Age, Height, Wife, Bio, Career as 2025
John Amos, the iconic American actor and former football player, has left an indelible mark on television and film. With an estimated net worth of $4 million, his career spanned several decades, making him one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
John Amos Net Worth is estimated to be around $4 million in 2025. Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, he is 85 years old. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 180 lbs, John has made a significant impact in both television and film. Best known for his roles in Good Times and Roots, he also had a brief career in football.
Amos was married twice, first to Noel J. Mickelson, with whom he had two children, and later to Lillian Lehman. His career in entertainment began in the 1970s, and his breakthrough role was in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
John Amos Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Allen Amos Jr. |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1939 |
| Age | 85 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Occupation | Actor, Former Football Player, Producer |
| Net Worth | $4 million (approximately) |
| Spouse(s) | Noel J. Mickelson (1965-1975), Lillian Lehman (1978-1979) |
| Children | Shannon Amos, Kelly Christopher Amos (K.C.) |
| Famous For | Good Times, Roots, The Mary Tyler Moore Show |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Colorado State University (Degree in Sociology) |
| Known For | Breaking Stereotypes and Portraying Real Representation of African Americans in Media |
Early Life and Education
Born in Newark, New Jersey, John Amos grew up in a working-class household with an auto mechanic father and a domestic worker mother. Despite financial challenges, Amos excelled academically and athletically.
He attended Colorado State University, where he not only played football but also discovered his love for theater. His degree in Sociology provided a strong foundation for his later roles that often portrayed characters grappling with social issues.
Early Career and Football
Amos’s journey into entertainment was unconventional. He initially pursued a career in professional football, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, after realizing his true passion lay in acting, he shifted focus towards the arts. This move proved to be pivotal, as his next steps would launch him into the world of television and film.
Turning Point in His Life
Amos’s breakthrough came in the late 1960s when he appeared on The Leslie Uggams Show. He started as a writer and performer, marking the beginning of his television career. His time on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as Gordy Howard in 1970 showcased his comedic skills, opening doors for more significant roles.
John Amos Net Worth
John Amos has accumulated an impressive net worth of $4 million through his decades-long career in television and film. However, his financial journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
Real estate issues, such as a costly foreclosure in the early 1990s, affected his wealth, but his diverse roles in movies and TV shows ensured a steady income.
What Affects John Amos Net Worth?
Several factors have influenced John Amos’s financial standing over the years:
- Acting Career: Amos’s extensive work in both television and film is the primary source of his wealth. His roles in Good Times, Roots, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show solidified his place as a Hollywood legend.
- Real Estate Challenges: Amos faced difficulties when he purchased a home in 1990 for $337,000, only to struggle with its sale and experience foreclosure.
- Diverse Income Streams: Beyond acting, Amos has written and produced, adding additional layers of income to his career.
Breakthrough Roles
Amos’s career took off with roles that broke new ground in television:
- Good Times (1974-1979): Perhaps his most iconic role, Amos played James Evans Sr., a hardworking father who struggled with the challenges of poverty. His portrayal resonated deeply with audiences and addressed societal issues such as race, poverty, and family dynamics.
- Roots (1977): As Kunta Kinte, Amos portrayed a character whose journey through slavery profoundly impacted the African American experience. His work in Roots earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for an Emmy Award.
- Other Notable Roles: Amos also starred in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The West Wing, Coming to America, and Die Hard 2, showcasing his range in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Marriages and Family
John Amos has been married twice. His first marriage was to Noel J. Mickelson in 1965, which lasted until 1975.
Together, they had two children, Shannon and Kelly “K.C.” Amos. He later married Lillian Lehman in 1978, though the marriage was short-lived, lasting only a year.
Philanthropy and Legacy
John Amos’s contributions to the entertainment industry are matched by his dedication to philanthropy. He has been involved in youth mentorship and has long advocated for better representation of African Americans in media.
His work on Good Times and Roots changed the landscape of television and film, and his characters continue to inspire new generations of actors and viewers.
Notable Works
- Good Times: A sitcom that tackled issues such as race, poverty, and family, Amos’s portrayal of James Evans Sr. set a new standard for African American father figures on television.
- Roots: A cultural milestone, this miniseries dramatized the history of slavery and its impact on African American identity. Amos’s portrayal of Kunta Kinte is still remembered as one of his finest roles.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Though John Amos is no longer active on social media, his influence continues to be felt. His past interactions with fans remain a testament to his legacy. Here are his known social media accounts:
| Platform | Username | Link | Followers |
|---|---|---|---|
| @johnamos_official | (@johnamos6920) | 30k+ | |
| @JohnAmos_Real | (@therealjohnamos) / X | 15k+ |
Interesting Facts About John Amos
- He was a college football player at Colorado State University before turning to acting.
- Amos played the role of Kunta Kinte in Roots, which became one of the highest-rated television programs of all time.
- He left Good Times after three seasons due to creative differences with the producers, citing concerns about the portrayal of African American characters.
John Amos vs Jon Heder Net Worth
When comparing the net worth of John Amos to that of Jon Heder, known for his role in Napoleon Dynamite, there is a notable difference. While Jon Heder has a net worth of approximately $15 million, John Amos’s wealth is around $4 million.
The discrepancy highlights the different trajectories of their careers, with Heder being part of several successful films and projects post-Napoleon Dynamite, while Amos’s work has had more of a cultural impact, particularly with his groundbreaking roles in television.
Conclusion
John Amos’s legacy is far more than just his net worth; it’s about the doors he opened for African American representation in media, his memorable roles in iconic shows like Good Times and Roots, and his lasting influence on the entertainment industry.
His career and personal life, filled with both triumphs and struggles, reflect the journey of a man who has touched the hearts of millions.
FAQs
When did John Amos die?
John Amos passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84 due to congestive heart failure.
Why did John Amos leave Good Times?
John Amos left Good Times after three seasons due to creative differences with the producers. He felt that the portrayal of Black characters was becoming stereotypical and wanted to see more authentic storytelling.
