John Amos tributes: Al Roker, Wendell Pierce and more

Hollywood is mourning the loss of trailblazing actor John Amos.
The Emmy-nominated “Good Times” and “Roots” star died on Aug. 21 at age 84, a representative for the actor confirmed on Tuesday, leading to an outpouring of tributes.
“This one hits different,” “Bad Boys” star Martin Lawrence wrote on X. “My condolences go out to the family of a true legend, John Amos.”
Amos was best known for playing the older Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries “Roots” and James Evans Sr. on the classic CBS sitcom “Good Times.” He departed the latter series following disagreements with the writers over the way Black characters were depicted.
His many other memorable roles included Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on NBC’s “The West Wing,” weatherman Gordy Howard on CBS’ “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and Cleo McDowell in the film “Coming to America.”
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In an Instagram story, Joshua Malina, Amos’ former co-star on “The West Wing,” said he “grew up watching and loving” “Good Times,” so it was a “thrill” to work with the actor on the NBC show. “A great guy, and a total pro,” Malina wrote. “R.I.P.”
John Amos,’Good Times’ and ‘Roots’ trailblazer and ‘Coming to America’ star, dies at 84
“A great actor,” “The West Wing” star Bradley Whitford agreed on X. “An amazing career. Rest in peace, John. Well done.”
“The Wire” star Wendell Pierce tied the loss to the recent passing of James Earl Jones, noting they were both “titans” of theater and film. “I witness them both display great talent,” Pierce said on X. “I am forever in their debt.”
The actor “brought dignity, grace and honesty to his roles,” “Today” show weatherman Al Roker reflected on Instagram.
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“I remember him as Gordy The Weatherman at WJM when (I) was just starting as a TV weather guy in 1974 and seeing him as a role model,” Roker said. “And when he quit ‘Good Times,’ people respected him for his stand. He will be missed.”
Jimmie Walker, Amos’ former co-star on “Good Times,” also told People magazine he “was a great actor and my condolences go out to his entire family, friends and his many, many fans.”
In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, remembered him as “a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold,” adding that “he was loved the world over.”