John Amos, the actor best known for his role as the family patriarch in the hit sitcom “Good Times” and as Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots”, died at the age of 84, according to longtime publicist Belinda Foster.

Foster said the American actor died in Los Angeles of natural causes on August 21. She also shared a statement from Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” the statement read. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Amos found his first passion in sports after falling in love with football and playing at Colorado State University.

While graduating with a degree in social work, he tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.

In a video shared by the Chiefs, Amos once said he was “a little better than the average high school football player.”

“All I wanted to do my whole life was play professional football,” Amos said. “I figured this would be the best way to get out of the economic strata we seemed to be stuck in.”

John Amos has appeared in other roles over the years, including as the fast-food restaurant owner McDowell in Eddie Murphy’s hit 1988 comedy Coming To America (The Prince of Zamunda) and its sequel in 2021. A few days ago James Elr Jones, who had played the King of Zamunda and father of Akeem (Eddie Murphy), also died.

Last year, Amos had denied a family member’s statements who had claimed he was ill.

“To all my fans, I want you to know that I am fine,” Amos had said at the time. “I am not in intensive care nor have I ever fought for my life.”