Have you ever wondered what it was like to actually have “James” as your real Dad? John Amos son, K.C. Amos, spoke out about what it was like to really grow up in the house with the man who was a T.V. father figure to so many of us.

K.C. Amos, on his dad, John Amos. (Via Black America Web):

“One word comes to mind when I think about him [my dad, John Amos] and his role in my life. Inspiration. As a child, I recall spending moments watching television and seeing my dad enter the living room of his TV family and greet them for dinner. Then when he had days off and when we would be out having lunch off the set, people would come over and say he was their hero as a dad. I saw that his role was more than a job; that he was actually helping people through his role as a strong father dedicated to mentoring his TV kids. There were life lessons learned in each weekly episode. It was amazing to watch the show become a hit series, changing the face of television sitcoms, particularly in terms of shows that depicted African-American families.”

He’s a people person who usually finds himself walking into a special moment. There was one occasion recently where he walked backstage on Broadway to greet Tom Hanks. Well, Tom was so glad to see him that he broke out singing the popular jingle from a classic McDonald’s commercial that my dad starred in some years ago. Tom expressed that it was that commercial that inspired him to pursue acting as a child.

I would have to say that the most amazing thing about my dad as a father is that he has taught me to discover my passion, develop it, and give it back in a way that will hopefully make a difference to the lives of others. For that, he is my hero.”

So there ya’ have it ILOSM family, John Amos was a great Dad on T.V. and in real life, which is always a beautiful thing. We give props to Amos for being what he is supposed to be- a father to his children- and for being a great example of what a real Daddy looks like through his on-screen performances. That meant a lot for many of us who may not have had a male role model to look up to in our own households.