NBC’s Suits LA recently aired a heartfelt tribute to the legendary John Amos in the episode titled Good Times. The episode was dedicated to the late actor, who passed away last summer.
Known for his roles in Roots and Coming to America, Amos left an indelible mark on television and pop culture. His final role in Suits LA offered a fitting tribute to the man who became a cultural icon and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Amos made a guest appearance in the first episode of the spinoff, portraying himself. In episode 7, the story centers on attorneys Ted (Stephen Amell) and Rick (Bryan Greenberg) as they celebrate Amos’s life and legacy following his passing.
The episode’s title, Good Times, is a clear nod to the legendary sitcom that made Amos a household name, with his portrayal of the strong yet loving father figure, James Evans.
Ted and Rick reminisce about their longtime friendship with Amos and the impact he had on their lives, both personally and professionally. In one poignant moment, Ted raises a glass and states, “He’s gone and he’s still putting us back together. America’s father.”
However, the tribute doesn’t end with just fond memories. The episode addresses the fact that Amos, despite his towering legacy, never received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ted and Rick, feeling the injustice of this oversight, take it upon themselves to push for a posthumous star for the actor.
But in a twist that stirs emotions, they discover that there is a mandatory two-year waiting period before a deceased person can be nominated for a Walk of Fame star.
This revelation leads to a heated exchange where Ted passionately defends Amos’ incredible contributions to television. “The man’s a legend. He’s an icon,” Ted argues, adding, “John Amos was the Sidney Poitier of television. He broke new ground for Black America and he was a father figure for all of America. He should’ve had a star decades ago.”
The episode serves not only as a tribute to John Amos but also as a commentary on the broader issue of recognition and legacy, particularly for Black actors who have paved the way for future generations.
In our exclusive interview, Troy Winbush shared his feelings on honoring such a monumental figure. Winbush, who worked with several great African-American actors, expressed how moving it was to be part of an episode that celebrated someone who had influenced the careers of so many.
“While we were doing that actual scene, I actually started to cry because we’re losing all of our greats,” Winbush shared. “And to hear of his passing, to hear of Lou Gossett Jr.‘s passing, to hear of Richard Roundtree‘s passing… It’s tough. We know we all have to go at some point, but it doesn’t make it feel any better.”
Reflecting on the experience, Winbush admitted, “It’s funny, in my career, I’ve had a chance to work with some great African-American actors. And to have that experience, dedicating an episode to an African-American actor who had paved the way for a lot of us to be on screen is a tremendous, tremendous blessing.”
Though John Amos was not honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during his lifetime, Suits LA has ensured that his contributions to television and culture will not be forgotten.
The heartfelt tribute in Episode 7 stands as a reminder that true legends leave an imprint far beyond the boundaries of recognition and awards, living on through their work and the lives they touched.
Photo Credit: David Astorga/NBC
