John Amos’ Two Children: Get to Know Shannon and K.C. Amos
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- UPDATED AUGUST 08, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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John Amos, best known for his iconic role as James Evans Sr. on Good Times, passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 84. While he was considered “America’s dad” on-screen, in real life, he was the proud father of two children: Shannon and Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos.
Amos became a father during his marriage to artist Noel “Noni” Mickelson. The couple welcomed daughter Shannon in 1966, followed by son K.C. in 1970. Though they divorced in 1975, both parents remained integral in their children’s lives.
According to Shannon, her father had a much more dynamic personality than the stoic TV dad he portrayed. “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.”
K.C. shared a similar reflection. “I don’t think James Evans was quite as fun as my father,” he said in February 2024. “Pop really liked to have fun. But then again, there was the tough-love part… He never babied me.”
In his later years, the family faced challenges regarding his care. In June 2023, Shannon accused an unnamed caregiver of elder abuse and launched a GoFundMe campaign after receiving what she described as a “distressing” call from her father. Her claims prompted an investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Shannon Amos, 59
Shannon Amos was born on August 5, 1966, in New Jersey. When she was young, her mother moved the family to Los Angeles to support John’s rising acting career. She and K.C. were raised in Sylmar, California, on a property that included horses.
In her youth, Shannon simply saw her dad as a loving parent. “As a child, I just saw what he did as a job,” she shared with AmoMama. “But as I got older, I began to understand the impact he had—especially as a strong Black man and father figure on television.”
Despite John discouraging his kids from pursuing show business, Shannon carved out a successful career in the industry. She became a producer, working on shows like Yo! MTV Raps and America’s Most Wanted, and handled marketing campaigns for major films like I Am Legend and Blood Diamond.
In 2003, Shannon produced her brother’s first indie film, The Watermelon Heist. Speaking on the Out Front with Vince Noble podcast, she said, “I chose to do what I thought I was supposed to do—to honor my family’s legacy.”
Shannon is also a mom. She welcomed her daughter, Queira Noelle, on November 30, 1991.
Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, 55
Born on October 18, 1970, K.C. grew up alongside his sister in Sylmar, California. Like Shannon, he was drawn to entertainment and followed in his father’s footsteps—both in front of and behind the camera.
After acting in a few projects, K.C. found his passion in directing and production. “His advice helped me discover who I am,” K.C. wrote in a 2014 blog post about his dad. “Watching him work on live TV and film inspired my love for cameras and storytelling.”
In 1996, K.C. earned a Grammy nomination for directing the music video for James McMurtry’s “Where You Hide the Body.” He went on to direct projects for artists like Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe.
A Look at John Amos’ Marriages
In addition to his memorable on-screen roles, John Amos experienced love and marriage in his personal life. He married artist Noel “Noni” Mickelson in 1965, and the couple had Shannon and K.C. before divorcing in 1975.
He later married actress Lillian Lehman, though little is publicly known about their relationship.
Following his passing in August 2024, K.C. confirmed the news in a statement shared on October 1.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he wrote. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.
