Noel J. Mickelson was the first wife of actor John Amos, known for his iconic roles in Good Times and Roots. While much of the world recognizes John Amos for his groundbreaking roles in television, his first wife, Noel J. Mickelson, also led an impactful life as an artist, equestrian, and environmentalist. Their relationship, filled with love and challenges, was notable not just for their personal connection but also for the racial and social barriers they faced as an interracial couple during a time when interracial marriage was illegal in many states.
Their journey together began in college, where they met at Colorado State University. Despite the societal hurdles, their bond grew, and in 1965, they made the bold decision to marry. Noel and John’s love story, as well as their shared experiences, left an indelible mark on both of their lives, and their children continue to carry forward their legacy today.
The Beginning of Their Love Story: Overcoming Societal Challenges
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos’ love story was marked by defiance and resilience. At a time when interracial marriages were illegal in 16 states, their decision to marry was a bold stand for love and equality. John was attending Colorado State University on a football scholarship when he met Noel, who was an artist and equestrian. Their connection was instant and profound, despite the challenges of their time.
Shannon, their daughter, often reflects on how her parents’ love transcended societal limitations. She shared in an Instagram post that their marriage was not only about love but also about overcoming the prejudices and struggles that many interracial couples faced during the 1960s. This backdrop of racial tensions and segregation adds a layer of depth to their bond and makes their story even more remarkable.
Noel Mickelson’s Career and Legacy: Artist, Equestrian, and Environmentalist
Noel J. Mickelson was more than just the wife of a famous actor—she was an accomplished individual in her own right. Known for her work as an artist, Noel had a deep appreciation for nature, which she often conveyed through her art. She was also a skilled equestrian, gaining recognition for her prowess in the riding community. Her love for animals and the environment extended beyond her career; she was an advocate for sustainability and environmental protection.
Her influence on her children, Shannon and K.C., was profound. Both children inherited her creative spirit and her passion for nature. K.C. once shared a throwback photo of his mother and spoke about how she instilled in them the importance of creativity and discipline. While her life was cut short, her impact on those who knew her is undeniable.
John Amos: From Football to Hollywood Stardom
John Amos, who would later become a television icon, began his career with aspirations in professional football. However, after deciding to pursue acting, he moved to Los Angeles with his wife, Noel, and their children. It was in L.A. that Amos’ career began to take off, with roles in television series such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Good Times. His role as James Evans in Good Times brought him widespread recognition, marking him as one of the first Black fathers portrayed on television.
Despite his rising fame, John never forgot his roots. Throughout his career, Noel was his steadfast supporter, helping him navigate the entertainment industry while raising their children. Their partnership was a key aspect of Amos’ success, and together, they created a family dynamic that was both supportive and loving.
Life as an Interracial Couple During the Civil Rights Movement
Living as an interracial couple during the 1960s and 1970s was not easy. In addition to facing discrimination from society at large, Noel and John also experienced personal challenges as they navigated a world that was not always welcoming. Their marriage took place at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, a time when racial tensions were at their peak.
Their union was not just a personal commitment but a political statement against the racism and segregation that were deeply entrenched in American society. The legal battles and societal pressures that Noel and John faced only strengthened their bond. Shannon often shares stories of how they confronted racism together and how their parents taught them to stand up against injustice, no matter the cost.
Raising a Family: Shannon and K.C. Amos
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos raised two children together: Shannon and Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos. Both Shannon and K.C. followed in their parents’ footsteps, with careers in the entertainment industry. Shannon worked behind the scenes in the television industry, while K.C. ventured into film production and editing.
As children of an interracial couple, Shannon and K.C. were acutely aware of the challenges their family faced. Shannon recalls how she and her brother were shielded from racism as children, but there were moments that brought them face-to-face with the harsh realities of the world. For example, Shannon once shared a powerful story about their family encountering a racist who threatened their father with a gun, an experience that changed how they saw the world.
Through it all, Noel and John provided a loving, supportive environment that allowed their children to flourish, regardless of the difficulties they faced.
Noel Mickelson’s Health Struggles and Final Years
After Noel and John’s divorce in 1975, Noel’s life took a difficult turn. She remarried and lived in California with her second husband, a Disney special-effects engineer. In 1996, she faced a tragic medical complication during a hysterectomy that left her blind and a quadriplegic. Despite these challenges, Noel remained strong and continued to live life with dignity.
Her second husband cared for her until his death, and Noel’s children, Shannon and K.C., often visited her to provide love and support. Her health struggles did not define her, but instead, her resilience and the love she shared with her family did. In her final years, Shannon made it her mission to fulfill her mother’s wish to travel the world. After Noel’s death in December 2016, Shannon began taking her mother’s ashes to various locations as a way to honor her memory.
The Legacy of John Amos in Hollywood and Beyond
John Amos’ career is marked by a series of trailblazing roles that helped break down racial barriers in Hollywood. He was one of the first Black actors to portray a strong, loving father figure on television, challenging the stereotypical portrayals of Black men at the time. His portrayal of Kunta Kinte in Roots remains one of his most iconic roles, earning him both critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
While John’s legacy in Hollywood is widely known, his personal life with Noel J. Mickelson is equally impactful. Together, they navigated the challenges of their time, and their love story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, commitment, and love.
Reflections from Their Children: Shannon and K.C. Amos
Shannon and K.C. Amos have often shared their reflections on growing up as the children of John Amos and Noel J. Mickelson. Shannon, in particular, has been vocal about the influence her mother had on her life. She often posts on social media, sharing personal anecdotes about her mother’s unwavering support, wisdom, and the valuable lessons she imparted to her children.
K.C. has also shared fond memories of his mother, particularly recalling how she taught them the importance of hard work, creativity, and perseverance. Both children continue to honor their mother’s memory, carrying forward her legacy through their own work and actions.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Family and Culture
Noel J. Mickelson’s life may have been marked by personal struggles, but it was also filled with love, strength, and resilience. She was not only the wife of a famous actor but also a woman who made her own mark in the world as an artist, equestrian, and advocate for the environment. Her relationship with John Amos, and their shared experiences, continue to inspire their children and many others.
Her legacy, along with John’s, reminds us of the power of love in the face of adversity and the importance of leaving a positive mark on the world, regardless of the obstacles we face.
FAQs
Who was Noel J. Mickelson married to?
Noel J. Mickelson was married to actor John Amos in 1965. They had two children, Shannon and K.C. Amos, before divorcing in 1975.
What did Noel J. Mickelson do for a living?
Noel J. Mickelson was an artist, equestrian, and environmentalist. She had a passion for nature and animals, which she expressed through her art and her advocacy for sustainability.
How did John Amos and Noel J. Mickelson meet?
John Amos and Noel J. Mickelson met while attending Colorado State University. Despite the racial barriers of their time, their love blossomed, and they married in 1965.
What challenges did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos face as an interracial couple?
As an interracial couple in the 1960s, they faced significant societal and legal challenges. Interracial marriage was illegal in many states until 1967, when the Supreme Court ruled it legal nationwide.
How did Noel J. Mickelson pass away?
Noel J. Mickelson passed away in December 2016, after facing significant health struggles, including blindness and quadriplegia following a medical procedure. She passed away surrounded by her family.