East Orange Holds Tribute For Beloved Late Actor John Amos (WATCH)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — East Orange hasn’t forgotten about John Amos.

City officials and the late actor’s family recently hosted a memorial celebration honoring the trailblazing Essex County native, who was affectionately known as “America’s Father.”

Amos died earlier this year at the age of 84. Read More: Actor John Amos Dies; Essex County Native Was America’s ‘TV Father’

Born in Newark and raised in East Orange, Amos became a beloved father-figure across the nation for his role as James Evans, the tough-but-loving patriarch of the 1970s television show, “Good Times.” The hit series was one of the first sitcoms with an all-Black cast. He also gained wide praise for his performance as Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries, “Roots,” which also premiered in the 1970s. Amos’ other acting work includes “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Coming to America,” among many other roles.

Beyond the screen, Amos was a passionate humanitarian, advocating for children with disabilities and joining Nelson Mandela in the fight against apartheid.

Amos’ impact on the local level has been just as powerful, according to the City of East Orange:

“The first Black child to integrate his all-white elementary school and a star athlete in East Orange High School's Class of 1958, Amos stayed intimately connected with his hometown, getting haircuts at Modern Era Barbershop and attending basketball and football games, supporting the East Orange-Barringer ‘Old Guard’ tradition. Fittingly, the newly-renovated football field at Paul Robeson Stadium will be named in his honor.”

Amos’ hometown hasn’t forgotten about him, either.

An evening of tribute in the late actor’s memory took place in East Orange on Nov. 23. Presented by Amos’ family and the city, the event took place at the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts – the site of his alma mater, East Orange High School.

Watch video footage from the ceremony below, or view it online here.

The program, hosted by AJ Calloway, included a eulogy from Pastor Maria Norales Crompton of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, musical performances by Monifah, TL Cross, Karen Poole, C.O.R.E., Elmwood’s Sanctuary Choir and the Cicely L. Tyson Middle/High School Choir, and remarks by Mayor Ted Green, family and friends, former castmates (Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter). It also included a touching video tribute from Amos’ daughter, Shannon Amos.

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