Why Was John Amos Fired fromGood Times?The Late Actor Spoke About His Shocking Exit in a 2020 Interview

Mar. 15, 2025

John Amos and Esther Rolle on ‘Good Times’ in 1975.Photo:CBS Photo Archive/Getty

CBS Photo Archive/Getty

Costarring Esther Rolle, Jimmie “JJ” Walker, Johnny Brown, Ralph Carter,Janet Jackson, BernNadette Stanis, Ja’net DuBois and more,Good Timespremiered on CBS in 1974. TheNorman Lear-produced sitcom aimed to showcase the life of a poor Black family striving for better and navigating their daily ups and downs while living in the housing projects of Chicago.

After three successful seasons, Amos was killed off the show in a move that shocked viewers. It seems the decision had been a long time coming, however, as Amos explained the struggles he had with the writers during his tenure.

Ralph Carter, Esther Rolle, John Amos, Jimmie Walker and BernNadette Stanis on ‘Good Times’ in 1974.CBS/Getty

CBS/Getty

And while he and Lear had “a few emotional discussions,” writers became a bit more open to taking notes and suggestions on how to make the show authentic and true-to-life. Still, Amos admitted his delivery of said notes perhaps wasn’t always the best.

“I wasn’t very tactful in my complaints about the script or script points,” he said. “I wasn’t the most diplomatic guy so very often it would end in me saying, ‘Well, let’s go outside,’ and these were Hollywood writers, they weren’t used to that,” he recalled.

Ultimately, things got to the point where the writers of the show simply couldn’t work with Amos anymore and he was let go ahead of season four.

Though Amos and Lear didn’t end on the best terms when it came toGood Times, the pair would work together on three additional pilots years later and manage to establish a great relationship. The two even reunited to revisit the show onLive in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family and Good Timesin 2019.

“It was wonderful. I was tearful because all the old wounds had been healed,” Amos said of the reunion withLear, who died in December of 2023at 101 years old.

He elaborated to PEOPLE in an early 2024 interview.

“Ultimately we were friends, and it was a tumultuous relationship, which is what I loved about it,” he said. “There was conflict in it. But there was also harmony at times when we worked together. It was magic, who was mentored, I knew I was in the hands of probably the most innovative and important figure ever to grace television, or any studio production facility. He was one in a lifetime, master innovator, and he had tremendous character.”

Ellie Kemper, Norman Lear, John Amos, Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Pharoah.Eric McCandless via Getty

Eric McCandless via Getty

Outside ofGood Times,Amos was known for his work inThe Mary Tyler Moore Show,Roots, Coming to AmericaandThe West Wing,among other series.

On Oct. 1, the Emmy-nominated actor’s son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos announced the beloved actor had died on Aug. 21.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. wrotein a statement to PEOPLE. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over."

“My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life,” he added. “Most recently inSuits LAplaying himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor,America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

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John’s daughter and K.C.’s sister, Shannon Amos, with whom he’s beenfeuding for over a year, revealed she learned of the actor’s death via the media.

“Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st,” she said in anInstagram post. “We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.”

She continued, “This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.”

“My family and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of love, calls, and texts. Please continue to hold our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you,” she concluded her post.

A back-and-forth between family members and friendscontinues to play out publicly.

source: people.com