Staff Report
The family of John Amos, best known for his role as James Evans Sr. on the classic sitcom Good Times, is embroiled in turmoil following the actor’s death at 84 on August 21, 2023. The news was shared by his son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, who informed authorities but waited until October 1 to publicly announce the passing.
According to reports, John Amos died from congestive heart failure in Inglewood Hospital, and he was cremated nine days later, sparking outrage among his children, particularly his daughter, Shannon Amos. She claims she only learned about her father’s death through media reports in October and expressed her devastation on Instagram, stating, “We are left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago.”
Shannon made shocking allegations regarding the circumstances of her father’s last moments, claiming someone impersonated her as his daughter in the emergency room. She pointed to Belinda Foster, who allegedly posed as a publicist, asserting, “Someone was in the ER the night my father died and pretended to be his daughter. I’m his only daughter.”
Speculation about family rifts is not new; tensions have reportedly existed between K.C. and Shannon for years. In June 2023, Shannon accused K.C. of elder abuse and financial exploitation of their father, claims that K.C. denied. A police investigation found no evidence to support her allegations. The situation has escalated, with John Amos expressing concerns that Shannon was taking advantage of him financially and emotionally during a phone call with his lawyers.
Adding to the family’s distress, John’s goddaughter, Amy Goudy, criticized K.C.’s handling of the situation, stating in a post, “K.C. will rot for this,” and accusing him of preventing family members from being present during John’s final hours. Goudy also suggested that K.C. and others might have sought to manipulate John’s affairs for personal gain, given K.C.’s past struggles with addiction and mental health issues.
Shannon and K.C. are the only children from John Amos’ first marriage, and their strained relationship has further complicated family dynamics, especially concerning their mother, who became a blind quadriplegic after a stroke in 1996. Disputes over her care led to longstanding conflicts between the siblings.
In a heartfelt Instagram message, Shannon acknowledged the outpouring of love for their father while grappling with the emotional turmoil surrounding his death. She expressed a desire to honor his legacy: “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. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.”
As the family continues to navigate their grief, they remain determined to uncover the truth about John Amos’ final days and the events surrounding his death.
PHOTOS
PHOTO #1 – John Amos
PHOTO #2 – Cast of Good Times
Caption: Amos pictured with the cast from Good Times. From left: Ralph Carter (Michael), BernNadette Stanis (Thelma), Jimmie Walker (J.J.), Esther Rolle (Florida), John Amos (James).