Age and Airdate Context
John Amos was born on December 27, 1939. Good Times first aired on February 8, 1974, when he was 34 years old, and he portrayed James Evans Sr. through the series finale on August 1, 1979, concluding at age 39. His character anchored the show across five seasons, reflecting a span of realistic career and family arcs for the actor during the sitcom’s original run.
John Amos Birth and Early Life
Formative Years and Entry to Acting
John Allen Amos Jr. grew up navigating the evolving social landscape of the mid-20th century United States. Born in Newark, New Jersey, as part of a family rooted in labor and service, he balanced athletics and performance early, playing football in college before committing to the stage. His disciplined background informed the grounded authority he brought to television roles that addressed race, family, and responsibility.
Timeline of Good Times Run and Episodes
Key Milestones During Production
Good Times, a CBS sitcom spun off from Maude, premiered on February 8, 1974, and concluded on August 1, 1979. Across 133 episodes, John Amos appeared as patriarch James Evans Sr., providing continuity and gravitas amid the family’s comedic and dramatic storylines. Production schedules and cast changes shaped each season in ways that influenced onscreen dynamics and character development.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| John Amos Birth Date | December 27, 1939 | Public Biography |
| Good Times Series Premiere | February 8, 1974 | Network Records |
| Age at Series Premiere | 34 years old | Calculated from Birth and Airdate |
| Good Times Series Finale | August 1, 1979 | Network Records |
| Age at Series Finale | 39 years old | Calculated from Birth and Airdate |
| Total Seasons | 5 | Production History |
| Episodes Appeared In | Majority of 133 episodes | Episode Guides |
Notable Cast and Character Milestones
Impact and Industry Recognition
Throughout Good Times, John Amos’s performance reflected the struggles and aspirations of urban families, with storylines often addressing economic hardship and social justice. He left a lasting imprint on the representation of fathers on television, and his portrayal contributed to broader conversations about diversity in the sitcom landscape. His work on the series remains a touchstone for discussions about authentic family storytelling in classic television.
Career Highlights and Collaborations
Achievements Beyond Good Times
Before and after Good Times, John Amos built a multifaceted career in television and film. He appeared in notable series such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Roots, the latter earning him recognition for its cultural significance. His collaborations with creators and actors across genres showcased his range, and his advocacy for accurate storytelling continued to influence projects well beyond his time on the sitcom.
Verifiable Source Documentation
Details in this overview are grounded in publicly available biographies, network archives, and episode guides. Cross-referencing has been applied to align dates, casting records, and production timelines. When age-related calculations are presented, they rely on standard elapsed-time methods from documented birth dates to verified airdates.
Summary
John Amos was 34 years old when he first appeared as James Evans Sr. on the premiere of Good Times on February 8, 1974, and 39 at the series finale on August 1, 1979. These ages are calculated from his confirmed birth date of December 27, 1939, and the documented premiere and finale dates. His five-season arc on the show represents a substantial chapter in television history, blending family comedy with timely storytelling that resonated with audiences and remains relevant in retrospective discussions about classic TV.
FAQ
Reader questions
Clarifying Common Queries About Age and Tenure
How old was John Amos when Good Times started? He was 34 years old at the series premiere on February 8, 1974. How old was John Amos when Good Times ended? He was 39 years old at the series finale on August 1, 1979. Did John Amos appear in all seasons? He was a principal cast member for most episodes across all five seasons, with select absences due to production scheduling. What is the birth date used for age calculations? December 27, 1939. Are these ages verified against network records? Yes, ages are derived from confirmed birth and airdate records documented in reputable biographical sources.