#14: John Amos Now
John Amos became a household name through Good Times and Roots, earning acclaim for his commanding performances and powerful portrayals of family men. He continued to work in both film and television, appearing in Coming to America, The West Wing, and The Ranch.

Still active today, Amos’s Maude legacy remains vital as part of the show’s groundbreaking push for representation and authenticity. His early role helped expand the scope of what American television families could look like — strong, loving, and full of dignity.