John Amos’ Death Revealed After Six-Week Silence Amid Family Feud

‘Good Times’ Star Passed Away in August, Leaving Behind a Legacy and Ongoing Family Disputes

John Amos, beloved star of the 1970s sitcom Good Times, passed away from congestive heart failure on August 21 in an Inglewood, California, hospital. However, the actor’s death remained unannounced for more than six weeks, reportedly at his own request, due to ongoing family conflicts. The public only learned of his passing earlier this week, sparking emotional reactions and further tensions among his children.

According to reports from People and TMZ, Amos’ death certificate confirms that no other medical conditions contributed to his passing, and no autopsy was performed. His remains were cremated on August 30, with his son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, listed as the informant who registered the death with Los Angeles County. K.C.’s address was also recorded as the “place of disposition” for his father’s remains.

K.C. Amos shared a heartfelt tribute to his father, saying, “He was a man with the kindest heart… loved the world over. Many fans saw him as their TV father. He lived a good life, and his legacy will endure through his works in television and film.”

However, the family dynamics surrounding Amos’ care in his final years continue to draw attention. His daughter, Shannon Amos, revealed that she only learned of her father’s passing through media reports. “We are devastated, left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago,” she wrote on Instagram, expressing her frustration at being kept in the dark.

The strained relationship between the siblings was well-known, with Shannon previously accusing K.C. of elder abuse and financial misconduct. Shannon alleged that her brother isolated their father from family and friends, mismanaged his finances, impersonated him, and neglected his medical needs. She filed official complaints in New Jersey and Colorado, and a brief police investigation was conducted in Los Angeles, though it was closed without further action in April.

K.C. has denied the allegations, accusing his sister of trying to smear his reputation. Earlier this year, John Amos himself dismissed the claims of abuse, stating that his son was “a caring, thoughtful human being” and rejecting the accusations as baseless. Amos and K.C. were reportedly working on a documentary to counter what they described as “false narratives” about the actor’s life and legacy.

Belinda Foster, John Amos’ long-time publicist, also defended K.C., denying any wrongdoing. “I represented John for over 30 years, and he was like a father to me,” Foster said. “Shannon’s claims of abuse are false. K.C. and others, including myself, cared for him deeply.”

Foster further explained that a court order prevented K.C. from contacting Shannon at the time of their father’s death. “A no-contact order issued by the New Jersey Superior Court barred K.C. from communicating with Shannon directly or indirectly,” she stated. “John feared that Shannon might turn his passing into a spectacle, as she had done with other parts of his life.”

According to Foster, it was John Amos who personally requested the delay in announcing his death, wanting to avoid additional drama.

The tragic passing of the television icon has brought to light the deep fractures within his family, casting a shadow over the legacy of a man cherished by millions for his warmth, talent, and contributions to television history.