Roots Actor John Amos’ Cause of Death Revealed

Following John Amos’ Aug. 21 death, which was announced Oct. 1, his death certificate offered details about the Roots star’s death at age 84.

By Will Reid Oct 02, 2024 9:14 PMTags

In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2024

John Amos’ cause of death has been confirmed.

The Roots star, who died Aug. 21 at age 84, succumbed to congestive heart failure, according to his death certificate obtained by TMZ. The document also states that no autopsy was performed on his body, and he was cremated Aug. 30, nine days after his passing.

But while the Good Times alum passed in August, it wasn’t until October that his son, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, confirmed his death.

“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over,” K.C. told Deadline in an Oct. 1 statement. “Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”

The statement continued, “My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life…. most recently in Suits LA playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad. He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero.”

Following the news, the actor’s daughter, Shannon Amos, revealed she only learned of her father’s death after it was reported in the press.

“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,” she wrote on Instagram Oct. 1 alongside a video of herself and her father. “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.”

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“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,” she wrote on Instagram Oct. 1 alongside a video of herself and her father. “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’s post comes more than a year after she accused K.C. of elder abuse, alleging her brother gradually took control of their father’s affairs, neglected his medical needs and isolated him from loved ones. In 2023, she told The Hollywood Reporter, “This has not only affected me but his grandchildren, his nieces, people he’s worked with and friends he’s had for decades.”

Despite the family drama, John told THR at the time, “Whatever we’re going through is our business, not the business of the public.”

E! News previously reached out to K.C. for comment.

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