John Amos: A Comprehensive Look at the Net Worth of a Hollywood Legend
John Amos is a revered Hollywood actor and producer, who has had an enduring career in the entertainment industry. Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos was raised by his mother, Annabelle P. Amos, and his father, John A. Amos Sr., who worked as an auto mechanic. He is best known for his iconic role as James Evans Sr., in the 1970s television sitcom, Good Times. However, Amos has amassed an impressive net worth beyond his Good Times days. In this article, we will dive deep into his career trajectory and how he built his wealth over the years.
Early Life and Career
John Amos launched his career in the entertainment industry in the mid-1960s, working as a writer on The Leslie Uggams Show, a variety show. He made his debut as an actor in the 1970 film, The Trial of the Moke, directed by Stan Lathan. Subsequently, he landed prominent roles in television shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Maude, and Roots. However, it was his role as James Evans Sr. in Good Times that catapulted him to the upper echelons of Hollywood high society.
Good Times aired on CBS from 1974 to 1979, and Amos was cast as the hardworking and patriarchal head of the Evans family. The show tackled pressing issues of the time, including poverty, race relations, and unemployment. Amos’ portrayal of James Evans Sr. was critically acclaimed, and he received widespread recognition for his performance. When Amos was eventually fired from Good Times following a creative dispute with the show’s producer, Norman Lear, he went on to pursue other opportunities.
Amos’ other notable roles include his portrayal of the character Cleo McDowell in the 1988 Eddie Murphy movie, Coming to America. In 1990, he played the protagonist in the TV series, Uncle Buck. In addition, Amos has lent his voice to some popular animated features such as The Lion King, Batman: The Animated Series, The Cleveland Show, and Justice League. He has landed guest roles in popular television shows such as The West Wing, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Psych. In a nutshell, Amos’ acting career has offered him numerous opportunities and financial stability.
Awards and Accolades
John Amos has not only acquired immense wealth but has also received accolades throughout his acting and producing career. He earned an Emmy Award nomination in 1977 for his role in Roots. Besides, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Image Awards for his incomparable contribution to the entertainment industry. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the African-American society through their artistic excellence and cultural influence.
Business Ventures and Property Ownership
Apart from his acting career, John Amos has dabbled in several business ventures. He has established his own production company, Amos Productions, where he serves as the CEO. He has produced movies like The Watermelon Heist, The Sophisticated Gents, and a comedy named Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling. As a result, he has not only generated additional income but has also gained creative control over some of the projects he has worked on.
Amos also owns several properties scattered across America. He owns a house in Atlanta, Georgia, which he purchased for $460,000 in the year 2000. Moreover, he also bought a two-story house in Encino, California, which spans an area of 2,905 square feet. The mansion comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a swimming pool, and he purchased it for $750,000 in September 1998. His ownership of these properties corroborates his financial success and ability to make profitable investments.
Salary and Endorsement Deals
As of 2021, John Amos’ net worth stands at an impressive $3 million. His salary from his early career is not readily available in the public domain. However, his leading roles in Good Times, Roots, Coming to America, and other hit films and TV shows would have undoubtedly capped up his salary. Moreover, Amos earns a considerable sum for his voice acting in animated features, including a guest role in The Simpsons and as a central character, Admiral Whiskers, in the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants. Additionally, Amos has earned significant support and recognition from some major multinational corporations, such as PepsiCo, which he has represented as a brand ambassador.
Estimated Earnings from Various Sources
Today, John Amos’ net worth primarily stems from his various earnings as an actor, producer, writer, and voice actor. His acting credits span over four decades and have earned him considerable acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Furthermore, he has earned a sizeable sum through his business ventures and endorsement deals. Given below is an estimated breakdown of Amos’ earnings over the years:
Acting Credits – $2 million
Producer/Writer Credits – $0.5 million
Voice Acting – $200,000
Endorsement Deals – $400,000
Business Ventures – $100,000
Total Earnings: $3 million (as of 2021)
Conclusion
John Amos is a highly successful actor and producer who has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. He has amassed an impressive net worth through his various acting credits, business ventures, and endorsement deals.