Shannon Amos, the daughter of legendary actor John Amos, has shared her shock and devastation after learning through media outlets that her father had passed away nearly six weeks earlier. The news of Amos’ August 21 death, widely known for his roles in Good Times and Roots, was confirmed just this week by his son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos. The 84-year-old actor reportedly died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home.
A Family Left Stunned by Media Reports
In an emotional Instagram post, Shannon Amos revealed the distress of learning about her father’s death from media coverage, writing, “I am without words… Our family has just received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st. We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.”
The announcement has raised concerns within the family, as no explanation has been given for the significant delay between John Amos’ passing and the public acknowledgment of his death. Deadline has reached out to representatives for Kelly Amos seeking further details regarding the situation.
Family Tensions and Ongoing Questions
The Amos family has experienced internal discord in recent years, particularly surrounding John Amos’ health. Earlier in 2023, Shannon Amos accused her brother Kelly of neglecting their father’s care, alleging that the actor had suffered from elder abuse and financial exploitation. These claims were denied by both Kelly and John Amos, with an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department being closed due to lack of evidence.
Despite the disagreements, John Amos remained hopeful about maintaining familial ties. Speaking to People magazine last year, Amos commented, “We are still family, and we love each other, and that’s the bottom line.”
A Bittersweet Farewell
In her recent Instagram post, Shannon shared a heartfelt video of her and her father slow-dancing to Luther Vandross’ emotional hit “Dance With My Father,” reflecting on the pain and peace of the moment. “This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing,” Shannon wrote. “Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.”
As the family navigates the grief of losing the iconic actor, there are still unanswered questions regarding his final days. However, the legacy of John Amos as a cherished TV father and respected figure in entertainment continues to resonate with fans and loved ones alike.
Source: Deadline
