Actor John Amos has died at the age of 84, his son has announced.

Amos rose to fame in the 70s with his portrayal of hard-working father James Evans Sr. on TV show Good Times.

He then gained critical acclaim for playing Kunta Kinte Roots, a 1977 miniseries about the horrors of slavery, which earned him an Emmy nomination

In 1988, Amos played Cleo McDowell in Coming to America alongside Eddie Murphy.

It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement.

John Amos has died at the age of 84 (J.Sciulli/WireImage)

“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement.