John Amos’s family and close friends have revealed the circumstances surrounding the actor’s death, expressing how they were kept in the dark throughout the ordeal.
John Amos passed away from natural causes at the age of 84 on August 21, 2024, but the news was kept private until October 1, 2024, causing a rift among family members and close friends.
John Amos attends the 2015 Doe Fund “Sweet: New York” event at The Bowery Hotel in New York City, on May 7, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
John’s goddaughter, Amy Goudy, released a heartbreaking statement on behalf of family and close friends. She shed light on the shocking news of his death, which has left them devastated and searching for answers.
John Amos at the “Showing Roots” screening at the SVA Theatre in New York City, on May 17, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
According to the statement, the family was only made aware of his death through media reports, 45 days after John passed away. The family revealed that they were not notified by any authorities or individuals close to him, leaving them in shock and heartache.
John Amos attends the Althea screening and panel discussion at One Time Warner Center in New York City, on October 5, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The statement read, “We do not have a death certificate, nor do we know where or why he died, but we know he was suffering from congestive heart failure and dementia. We fear he was likely cremated to avoid any potential investigation into the conditions surrounding his final days.”
John Amos arriving at the “Today Show” taping at the NBC Rockefeller Center Studios in New York City, on May 11, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
John Amos known for his iconic roles in “Good Times” and “Roots,” was a loving father, friend, and figure to many. However, this statement highlights a rift within the family, primarily involving John’s son, Kelly “KC” Amos.
John Amos as James Evans, Sr. in the CBS television situation comedy, “Good Times,” on January 1, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
According to the family, KC, Eugene Brummet, and Belinda Foster had isolated John from his close friends and relatives over the past year.
They controlled access to him and severed ties with key family members, including John’s daughter, Shannon Amos, his brother, Leslie “Syl” Franklin, and his grandchildren, Quiera Colston and Jhazz Williams.
Shannon Amos mourns her dad in her Instagram stories dated October 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stories/officialshannonamos/
Despite efforts to stay connected, the family claims KC monitored John’s calls and cut him off from those who cared about him the most. Other people who couldn’t contact John were his business manager, Paul Baldessare, his niece, Sherri Korsun, and his former accountant.
The family also revealed that while KC portrayed an image of a close father-son bond on social media, the reality was far more complex. John was allegedly being given verbal prompts to maintain a narrative that wasn’t reflective of his true situation.
John Amos visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City, on October 10, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The family also expressed concerns about John’s well-being in his last days. They shared, “We were deeply concerned that our father may have been neglected and isolated during his final days as we recieved photos from concerned neighbors and a medical professional. One photo even prompted an Elder Abuse investigation to no avail.”
John Amos attends the Rashad Jennings Foundation’s 2nd Annual Giant Night Of Comedy at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City, on September 26, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
These concerns mirrored a previous family experience when KC allegedly prevented Shannon from being involved in their mother’s final days.
In addition to the emotional toll of losing their patriarch, the family now faces the distressing possibility of foul play. They question why no medical professionals, coroner, or authorities informed them of John’s death and why KC did not notify any family members directly.
The family reiterated, “We believe there are critical questions that need answers, especially since we believe KC likely made the decision to have John Amos cremated without the family’s knowledge. We suspect these actions may have been taken to alter potential wills and collect life insurance or other benefits.”
Further complicating the matter are KC’s past struggles with addiction and mental health issues, as well as previous arrests, which have raised further suspicions about the circumstances of John’s death.
The family’s anguish is compounded by the involvement of Eugene and Belinda, who they believe may have taken advantage of John’s vulnerability while claiming to be his spokesperson. They accused the two of exploiting the actor’s status as an elder.
Therefore, as they mourn the loss of their beloved father, the family finds themselves not only grieving but also fighting for justice and clarity, refusing to rule out the possibility of foul play.
“At a time when we should be grieving and celebrating our father’s remarkable life, we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of seeking justice and clarity,” the statement concluded.
Other family members and friends have spoken out individually, mourning the loss of the legendary actor but condemning the circumstances surrounding his death.
Sherri Korsun pays tribute to her uncle John Amos, from Shannon Amos’s Instagram stories dated October 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stories/officialshannonamos/
Sherri, who knew John as “Uncle Sonny,” wrote, “Our hearts are torn because we all just found out today. It’s so hard to write because families don’t operate this way.” Meanwhile, Shannon, who shared Sherri’s words on her Instagram stories, also penned, “The truth will always reveal itself.”
Shannon Amos speaks on the circumstances surrounding her dad’s death on her Instagram stories on October 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stories/officialshannonamos/
KC has yet to respond to any of these allegations or shed light on the circumstances surrounding John’s death. However, John had previously denied that he had suffered elderly abuse at the hands of his son in a video shared in 2023.
The actor, who was in a hospital bed in Memphis, with his son by his side, said he had been hospitalized due to a water retention issue and was under great medical care.
John noted that before entering the hospital, he had been experiencing ongoing issues with Shannon, feeling that she had taken advantage of him. He attributed his experiences of elderly abuse to her actions.
As for KC, his social media portrayed a picture of a supportive and loving son. His last post on Instagram about his father showcased a close bond between them. The two met basketball player Bill Walton, taking several pictures with him, which KC shared when he passed away.
He paid tribute to Bill, writing, “He was as genuine as they come & his vibrant personality had us smiling from ear to ear. He will certainly be missed by the great many people who he inspired.”
Other heartwarming posts from KC showed him tenderly shaving his father’s beard, capturing a moment of care between the two.
On one Father’s Day, KC shared a joyful selfie with his dad, both smiling and looking happy. In the photo, KC bore a striking resemblance to John, with many commenting on how alike they looked.
Today, the privacy and lack of details surrounding John’s death have become significant concerns for the rest of the family, who would love for KC to shed more light on the situation.
