Remember Dad James Evans from Good Times?' His Real Kids Are All Grown Up

Publish date: 2024-05-17

John Amos, one of the most recognized black actors, is famous for his role as a father-of-three in “Good Times,” and in real life, John is a dad to two grown-ups who are doing well in their respective fields.

Despite starring in several films and TV series, John is still known today for portraying the character of James Evans in the 1970s sitcom “Good Times.”

Today, the prolific actor is a proud dad to Shannon and K.C Amos from his first marriage. John turned 79 last December and received birthday wishes from his kids. The proud dad was impressed because he took to social media to thank Shannon and K.C.

DOTING REAL-LIFE DAD

Sharing a picture with Shannon to Facebook, John wrote:

“Thanks for the birthday wishes Shannon! –Dad”

The heartwarming father-daughter image showed Shannon, a successful writer/producer & founder of Afterglow Multimedia, LLC, leaning affectionately against her dad as they both smile for the camera.

The “Coming To America” actor bundled up in a black jacket and cowboy hat and his daughter equally braved the cold in a beige sweater and denim pants.

John’s “Thank You” post to K.C., a Grammy-nominated director, was not much different, except this time, father and son were at a game.

The photo was a selfie taken by K.C., and both men looked excited. John even gave a “Thumbs Up” sign for the camera.

“Thanks for the birthday wishes K.C.! Always good times. –Pops” wrote the former social worker alongside the adorable image.

PERFECT TV DAD

It may come as no surprise to many that John is an amazing dad. His character on “Good Times” came to be considered by many as the embodiment of an ideal father.

John played the role from 1974 to 1976 before he was fired from the show because he had issues with the executive producer and writers of the show drifting from its original theme.

FALLING OUT WITH THE SHOW

The series was initially intended to portray a positive image of a poor, African-American family struggling to make ends meet and dealing with societal issues in Chicago’s ghetto, but soon became wrapped around a comical character, watering down the positive content and enforcing TV stereotypes of black people.

Despite getting fired, John’s character remains one of the most memorable from the show that ran for six seasons.

GLOWING REVIEW 43 YEARS ON

The comments left under a biography video about John speak volumes about the impact he had on viewers’ lives:

“John Amos great actor, he, in my opinion, made the show Good times so enjoyable to watch!”

“Wow, Mr. Amos has a background in Social Work, this explains his passionate advocacy for positive content on Goodtimes when the producers wanted to portray ongoing negative content.”

“John Amos. Super-dad! Even until this day there is no father figure like John Amos. It's just no comparison.”

“Growing up without a Positive Male Role Model, he became my "imaginary" father. I credit him with my parenting style.”

AFTER "GOOD TIMES"

John would go on to play other memorable characters, including the adult Kunta Kinte in “Roots” and Cleo McDowell in “Coming To America.”

The Emmy-nominated actor has been married three times: to artist/equestrian Noel Mickelson from 1965-1975 and to actress Lillian Lehman from 1978–1979. His current spouse is Elisabete De Sousa and they have been married since 1982.