The unsung heroes of film & TV part 29. John Amos.

Certain actors give off an aura of power and importance. It's what makes them an automatic go-to choice for characters in positions of power. Other actor's have a great tough guy presence. You'll genuinely believe they could kick your head in without breaking a sweat. And then other actor's are flat out hilarious without even trying. That deadpan humour that very few do well. Then you have actor's capable of all three. A rare thing indeed. John Amos is one of those actors. This fella has had a career and a half. His first screen appearance was the cult classic Vanishing Point and 47 years later he's proved he is well capable of moving with the times by starring in Netflix sitcoms too. 

He's acted in one of the most controversial blaxploitation films of them all. Been fed through the propeller of a Boeing 747 by a 90's action hero. Starred in one of the defining TV shows of all time. He's coached the world's great athlete. He has given spiritual guidance to none other than the A-Time and military guidance to none other than President Jed Bartlett. He's been touched by an angel and had dealings with the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Starred in George A. Romero horror anthologies and taken on Stallone, Danny Trejo and Hank Hill. He's been in westerns, thrillers, action movies, drama's, comedies, sci-fi and too many shows to even begin to name for nearly half a century and I hope he continues to do so. Check out his career here

Greatest Hits

Roots. The older Kunta Kinte. A brilliantly dignified heartbreaker of a performance. The scene where his daughter Kizzy is taken from him will stay with you forever. A true career making role.

Die Hard 2. Major Grant. A soldier with far more to him that meets the eye. Handy with a knife. Doesn't do well on planes. 

Coming To America. Cleo McDowell. Owner and proprietor of McDowells. Not McDonald's. Definitely not McDonalds. Chancer and social climber extraordinaire. Hilarious.

The West Wing. Admiral Percy Fitzwallace. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff in Jed Bartlett's White House. No time for nonsense or lack of military know-how. Doesn't do well with road side bombs.

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