John Amos - Actor Profile

John Amos

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 27, 1939
Birth Place: Newark, New Jersey, USA

About John Amos

John Amos (December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024) was an American actor and retired football player. He is best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries "Roots" and for portraying James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series "Good Times." He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he played numerous supporting roles in movies such as "The Beastmaster" (1982), "Coming to America" (1988), "Lock Up" (1989), "Die Hard 2" (1990) and "Coming 2 America" (2021). Prior to acting, he played on the Colorado State Rams football team and in 1964, he signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Denver Broncos and in 1967 signed a free agent contract with the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Both of these contracts did not land him a spot on the teams and played a final season in the Continental Football League with the Victoria Steelers before pursuing acting.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Amos reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of John Amos's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Amos remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best John Amos Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Amos's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Amos.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 The Last Rifleman Lincoln Jefferson Adams Hit Similar →
2022 Me Time Gil Average Similar →
2022 Block Party Dennis Average Similar →
2021 Because of Charley Grandpa Flop Similar →
2021 Coming 2 America Cleo McDowell Average Similar →
2020 The Truth About Santa Claus Bob Flop Similar →
2019 Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times" Fred Davis Average Similar →
2019 Uncut Gems Neighbor 33F Hit Similar →
2016 Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You Self Hit Similar →
2015 Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration Self / Gordy Howard (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2015 Bad Asses on the Bayou Earl Average Similar →
2014 Act of Faith Mr. Brady Average Similar →
2013 American Lowrider Slick Flop Similar →
2012 Madea's Witness Protection Pastor Nelson Average Similar →
2012 Zombie Hamlet Edgar Mortimer Average Similar →
2007 All Over Again Coach Zeller Flop Similar →
2006 Voodoo Moon Dutch Flop Similar →
2006 Dr. Dolittle 3 Jud Flop Similar →
2005 Shadowboxing Хилл Flop Similar →
2004 Countdown Admiral Melory Average Similar →
2004 My Baby's Daddy Uncle Virgil Flop Similar →
2004 TV in Black: The First Fifty Years (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2000 Disappearing Acts Mr. Swift Average Similar →
2000 Something to Sing About Rev. Washington Average Similar →
1998 The Players Club Freeman Average Similar →
1997 The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda Booker Hutch Flop Similar →
1995 Hologram Man Wes Strickland Flop Similar →
1995 For Better or Worse Gray Flop Similar →
1993 Night Trap Capt. Hodges Flop Similar →
1992 Mac Nat Average Similar →
1991 Ricochet Reverend Styles Average Similar →
1990 Die Hard 2 Major Grant Hit Similar →
1990 Two Evil Eyes Det. Legrand Average Similar →
1989 Lock Up Captain Meissner Hit Similar →
1988 Coming to America Cleo McDowell Hit Similar →
1988 Bonanza: The Next Generation Mr. Mack Super Hit Similar →
1986 Shark's Paradise Taxi Driver Average Similar →
1985 American Flyers Dr. Conrad Average Similar →
1983 Dance of the Dwarfs Esteban Flop Similar →
1982 The Beastmaster Seth Average Similar →
1980 Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story Bumpy Johnson Flop Similar →
1980 Touched by Love Tony Flop Similar →
1979 Willa Virgil Flop Similar →
1978 Cops and Robin Officer Bill Bundy Average Similar →
1976 Future Cop Officer Bill Bundy Flop Similar →
1975 Let's Do It Again Kansas City Mack Hit Similar →
1973 The President's Plane Is Missing Marine Corporal Average Similar →
1973 The World's Greatest Athlete Coach Sam Archer Flop Similar →
1971 Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Biker Flop Similar →
1971 Vanishing Point Super Soul's Engineer Hit Similar →

John Amos - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Amos?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Amos is "Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has John Amos acted in?

John Amos has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Amos?

Other notable films include "Bonanza: The Next Generation", "Uncut Gems", and "Vanishing Point".