#Repost from @thedayafter2016 with @regram.app ... John A. Amos, Jr. was born Dec. 27, 1939 in Newark, NJ. He attended Colorado State University, where he graduated with a degree in sociology. Amos was an athletic youth and played various sports, including college football and boxing. He earned a Golden Gloves title and later signed to play professional football with the Denver Broncos followed by a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs before he was released from the team due to injuries. His career on stage and screen began with a writing gig for The Leslie Uggams Show in 1969. One of his first major roles came in 1970 when he was cast as Gordy Howard, the weatherman on the The Mary Tyler Moore Show. In 1973 he appeared on Sanford and Son before being cast on Norman Lear’s Maude. But in the 1976 sitcom Good Times, he drew audiences in with his memorable performance as the hardworking dad, James Evans, Sr. opposite mom, Florida (Esther Rolle). Lear had intended the series to cover more serious social issues but audiences fell for Jimmie Walker and he became the focus of the show. After Amos voiced dissatisfaction with the direction the show and its depiction of the Black family, he was fired; his character killed off in the emotional 2 part episode entitled, “The Big Move.” “I could have begged. They made it obvious to me that I could come back and be a good boy; but I'd rather be in Roots than Good Times.” Amos’ next role came in the biggest television event of the 1970s when he played older Kunta Kinte/Toby in 1977’s epic miniseries, Roots. The series, which received rave reviews, also shattered viewership records, many of which still stand. Amos continues to be a recognizable presence on television shows and movies. Having a lifelong passion for sailing, he founded the Halley’s Comet Foundation to introduces inner-city children to sailing and possible maritime careers. He is a veteran of the New Jersey National Guard and is an Honorary Master Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard. #johnamos #goodtimes #estherrolle #kuntakinte #roots #halleyscometfoundation #fathersday #normanlear #notsolongago #nsla