Veteran actor John Amos, of \u201cGood Times\u201d and \u201cComing to America\u201d fame, has been honored with a mural in Downtown Memphis.\u00a0The late Hollywood star had become a regular visitor to the Bluff City and was connected to several film projects being developed by local company MVP3, prior to his passing in August 2024. <\/p>\n
The Amos mural, located at 88 S. Front Street, was officially unveiled on Sept. 15, with mural artist Cameron Hill, Amos\u2019 son K.C. Amos, and MVP3 head Marie Pizano, among those in attendance for a ceremony. <\/p>\n
A new mural, depicting actor John Amos, Jr. (center), flanked by his father and son, located at 88 S. Front Street.<\/p>\n
Space for the mural was provided by Beale Street entrepreneur Prince Mongo, and was sponsored by the MVP3 Foundation, the City of Memphis, Memphis Councilman Edmund Ford Sr., with additional support provided by Hyatt Place Memphis Germantown.<\/p>\n
The MVP3 Foundation, founded by Pizano, \u201crevitalizes communities through arts, mentorship, and education, empowering youth and creatives to find their voice and pursue their aspirations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Friends and family of the late actor John Amos Jr. gather around a new mural of him and his father and son in Downtown Memphis.<\/p>\n
Based on a photo from the early \u201890s, the image captures three generations of Amos men: John Amos Sr., John Amos Jr. and K.C. Amos. Pizano noted that the mural \u201chighlights the impact of legacy and the vital role fathers play in the lives of families and communities.\u201d She noted that Amos, known as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Dad\u201d for his many fatherly roles on screen, was a supporter of MVP3\u2019s mission to \u201cinspire hope and healing through the arts.\u201d<\/p>\n
K.C. Amos and Marie Pizano during the Sept. 15 mural unveiling ceremony in Downtown Memphis.<\/p>\n
As part of the ceremony, Robrecus \u201cRico\u201d Parker, a Southwest Tennessee Community College student, was awarded the second MVP3 John Amos Grant. The grant recognizes students who \u201cembody media integrity and purpose, furthering [Amos\u2019] legacy of mentoring and uplifting future storytellers with heart and truth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mural will also be showcased in New York City, as part of a Times Square digital campaign that is currently running through Sept. 20, highlighting the efforts of the MVP3 Network streaming platform.<\/p>\n
Bob Mehr is a music and features reporter for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at mehr@commercialappeal.com<\/p>\n