Why John Amos Was Cast In Another Norman Lear Sitcom After Being Fired From Good Times

John Amos, the actor known for his role in the 1970s sitcom Good Times, was fired from the show due to disagreements over the portrayal of Black characters. This led to a strained relationship between Amos and Norman Lear, the creator of Good Times and Norman Lear's world. However, despite their creative differences, the two remained friends outside of the industry.

This friendship allowed Amos to return to Lear's production team for a different show, 704 Hauser, a 1990s sitcom about a Black family. Although the show did not receive widespread viewership, the personal relationship between Amos and Lear was much improved, as they had both matured and were willing to listen to each other more.

Both shows showcased Amos' ability to challenge mainstream thinking, as he portrayed a Black conservative character on 704 Hauser. Their collaboration did not stop there, as the two worked together on multiple pilots after Amos was asked not to return as James Evans on Good Times. While these projects did not make it to air, Amos expressed pride in their work, calling 704 Hauser a courageous show.

Their final collaboration was a special titled Live in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family and Good Times, which took place in 2019. Norman Lear passed away in 2023, and Amos paid tribute to his former colleague, expressing joy that they were able to bury the hatchet and work together in the final months of Lear's life.