The late John Amos had a daughter and son who followed in his entertainment path

John Amos with his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, Shannon Amos and K.C. Amos, at the 1st Annual “A Celebration of Heroes” Power Heroes Gala on December 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Photo:

John Amos, who died on Aug. 21, 2024, played America’s dad in his role as James Evans Sr. on Good Times, but in real life, he was the father of two 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren: Shannon and K.C. Amos.

According to Shannon, John was more complex than the dad viewers saw on television but had similarities to his Good Times persona. “My Dad was no joke when I was young,” she told AmoMama in 2021. “He was always strict, but he was also very funny and super adventurous.”

The Roots star added, “All families go through trials and tribulations of some sort … We are still family … that’s the bottom line.”

John Amos with his son K.C. Amos in 2005. ; John Amos and his daughter Shannon Amos.

Shannon Amos, 58John Amos and his daughter Shannon Amos during Cure Autism Now Celebrates Third Annual “Acts of Love” After Party.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mickelson moved Shannon to the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles at a young age to support John’s acting career. She and K.C., who was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 four years after his sister, grew up there on a property with horses.

Though The Hollywood Reporter reports that the Roots star discouraged his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren from following in his footsteps, Shannon grew up to become a producer, working on shows like Yo! MTV Raps and America’s Most Wanted. She also handled marketing for I Am Legend and Blood Diamond.

In 2003, she produced K.C.’s first indie feature, The Watermelon Heist. “[I] chose to do what I thought was what I was supposed to do, which would be … to honor … my family’s legacy,” Shannon explained on the Out Front with Vince Noble podcast.

John Amos with his daughter Shannon Amos.

She spoke of her decision to leave producing on Out Front with Vince Noble, saying, “I wasn’t feeling as fulfilled as I thought I would … even in the pinnacle of my career. I became disenchanted.”

“Before she passed, I asked her if she had any regrets,” Shannon told AmoMama of her mother, who had become blind and a quadriplegic after what The Hollywood Reporter states was a hysterectomy gone wrong.

Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, 55John Amos and son K.C. Amos attend the Norby Walters 25th annual night of 100 stars Oscar viewing gala on February 22, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.

John Amos and son K.C. Amos arrive at the 2015 Voice Arts Awards on November 15, 2015 in West Hollywood, California.

The following year, he received accolades at the Sundance Music Festival for his movie Syphon Gun, which earned an honorable mention for the short filmmaking award.

“A big high point” for the filmmaker came with 2003’s The Watermelon Heist, which he collaborated on with Shannon.

He teamed up with his famous father on several occasions before his death, including 2015’s Mercy for Angels, which he co-produced and directed and in which John played God.

“Having my own son working with me as a filmmaker, it’s a blessing because we can capture these moments of inspiration,” John explained to PEOPLE in 2024 while discussing America’s Dad, a docuseries the Coming to America actor had been working on with his son for a few years.

“My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life,” he added. “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. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”