Born on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos originally pursued a career in football. He played in the Continental Football League and the Atlantic Coast Football League and was signed by the Denver Broncos in 1964. Unfortunately, his football career was cut short due to an injury before the season began.

Amos found greater success in acting, with his breakout role as weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which he played from 1970 to 1973. However, he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of James Evans, the hardworking father on the classic sitcom Good Times. Although only 34 when cast, Amos convincingly portrayed a father of three, leading his family in a low-income housing project.