John Amos, the prolific TV actor cherished for his roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, The West Wing, and Roots, has passed away at the age of 84.In a statement from his family, it was revealed that Amos died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home on August 21. However, the news was not made public until today.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” said his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, in a statement reported by Deadline. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father.”