LOS ANGELES >> John Amos, the football player turned actor acclaimed for his roles in the 1970s TV series “Good Times” and the miniseries “Roots,” died Aug. 21 in Los Angeles at age 84 . said his son Kelly Christopher (KC) Amos.

Amos’ death, which a press release said was from natural causes, was only announced today.

“It is with sincere sadness that I share with you the passing of my father,” his son said in a statement.

“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved all over the world,” he added.

Amos played the father, James Evans, in 61 episodes of the mid-1970s sitcom “Good Times” and also played the elder Kunta Kinte in the TV miniseries “Roots,” based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel about slavery. In the same decade, he also played TV weatherman Gordy Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

Amos also had a brief professional football career in the 1960s.

During the filming of “Good Times,” Amos often advocated for more authentic representation of the black American family, criticizing the show’s writers for leaning toward racial stereotypes.

He was also a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and honorary master chief of the United States Coast Guard.