John Amos / American Actor, Director, Author & Philanthropist
After so many years in the industry and an amazing career, how do you still keep going?
What keeps me going is that there are still so many good stories to tell. I always read my scripts first to see what kind of story I will be telling, all my work has to be of substance and mean something.
Your son KC works closely with you, could you share information on the Kicking It with Pops project?
Kicking It with Pops is a project from my son KC’s point of view about my life so far. He sheds light on the amazing career I’ve had, my travels, my experience in sports, my childhood as well as experiences until now. There’ll also be appearances from some of my close friends such as Jamie Foxx and Anthony Anderson, it’s truly set to be entertaining.
What do you think actors should take into important consideration in today’s filmmaking age?
They should take advantage of technological advances. Actors such as myself did not have such growing up. They have a distinct advantage in carving their future and they should use whatever they can to grab those special moments that they see playing out right in front of them.
How has Hollywood shown you the divide between black actors compared to other races?
That’s stuff from so long ago, I’d rather not look back to 40/50 years ago. Right now I see filmmakers of all races and genders who are doing amazing things and it’s great to watch.
How do you keep focused to your character on set as you shoot?
The best way to keep focused for me is through eating some good home-cooked meals, haha. When we shot Coming 2 America recently in Atlanta at The Tyler Perry Studios, and it was always a bit chilly so I’d enjoy the tasty warm meals on set and just keep going.
You’ve mainly played positive black fathers in your roles, what does that mean to you?
Playing positive black fathers creates a balance for all the other negative roles and bad imagery that’s been out there, it means a lot to me. On the other side of this, I urge that young black men stay safe out there and always be respectful, everybody wants to go home at the end of the day.
Your favourite work so far?
One is the biopic my son KC is currently creating as director, the second would be Halley’s Comet, I love the entertainment value and educational value in it. There’s also Kicking It with Pops, we’ve got some great content coming that will keep the viewers entertained.
What would you like to say to South African filmmakers?
The future of filmmaking lies in Africa and South Africa is doing amazing work, some wonderful stories about your heroes and heroines are being brought to viewers all over the world. We’ve also all still got a lot of traveling to do, it’s eye-opening and it’s inspiring.
Follow John Amos!
Instagram: officialjohnamos
Twitter: @therealjohnamos
Facebook: @officialjohnamos
-Bridgette Makhela
bkoolmedia 