FAMED for films like Coming To America, actor John Amos has sadly passed away aged 84.
During his life the movie star was married twice, which included to actress Lillian Lehman.
Tributes poured in for the popular actor John Amos after he died on August 21, 2024 (his death was made known on October 1, 2024).
As well as Coming To America, he starred in Die Hard 2 and Dr Doolittle.
On the small screen he was best known for his Emmy-nominated role in Roots, Good Times and starring in The West Wing.
Away from his acting career, John was married twice, with actress Lillian Lehman being his second wife.
Life with Lillian
John and Lillian were married in 1978, following his divorce from Noel Mickelson – who he had two children with.
However, the couple were only together for a year before calling it quits in 1979.
The former pair were then reunited in the 1992 film Night Track, where they played a married couple.
Speaking about playing her ex-husband’s onscreen wife, Lillian said on set at the time: “It’s strange that I happen to be playing my ex-husband’s wife, but it really isn’t that hard because neither of us harbored any bad feelings after our marriage and we both respect each other as actors.”
She added: “Still, it was especially strange because neither of us knew we’d be performing with each other until we got to Mobile to start filming.
“The person who cast us didn’t even realize that John and I had been married!”
Star of the big and small screen
Lillian has enjoyed an impress career as an actress both in the movies and on TV.
Over the years she has become best known for playing professional characters like doctors and judges.
When you are an actor, you have to consider yourself blessed if you are thought of as anything that allows you to work consistently.”
Lillian Lehman
Speaking about why she often bags this type of role, she told Montgomery Advertiser in 1992: “I’ve been told I express an authoritative presence, but also a sense of compassion.
“I’ve tried out for parts like nurses and clerks, and been told ‘Sorry, Lillian, but you’re just not the nurse type. You’re the doctor type.’
“Still, when you are an actor, you have to consider yourself blessed if you are thought of as anything that allows you to work consistently.”
Fans may recognise her from TV shows such as L.A. Law, Macgyver, General Hospital and The Closer.
In the movies, her biggest roles include starring alongside Steve Carell in Evan Almighty and Madonna in Body of Evidence.
Life as a professor
Lillian also juggled being a drama professor at California State University Northridge, whilst she was appearing in L.A Law.
She said at the time: “Sometimes it’s tough balancing the two professions.
“You’ll finally wrap up a shoot late at night, and everyone is going out to celebrate, and you can’t because you have grades due the next Friday.”
