Noel J. Mickelson was a remarkable woman who lived a quiet but meaningful life. She was best known as the first wife of actor John Amos, famous for his roles in “Good Times” and “Roots.” Noel was an artist, equestrian, and worked as an environmental activist during her lifetime. She married John Amos in 1965 when interracial marriages were still illegal in many states. Their relationship was brave and ahead of its time during the Civil Rights era.
Noel and John had two children together, Shannon and K.C. Amos. Both children followed creative paths in the entertainment industry, with K.C. becoming a director and Shannon working as an actress and producer. The couple eventually divorced in 1975 after ten years of marriage. Noel preferred to stay away from the spotlight and lived her life privately. She passed away in December 2016, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and courage.
Introduction
Noel J. Mickelson was a woman who lived an interesting life away from fame. She became known to many people as the first wife of actor John Amos. John was a famous television star who appeared in popular shows during the 1970s, including his iconic role in the nuclear Black family sitcom “Good Times” and the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots.” Noel herself was a talented artist, craftswoman, and accomplished equestrian who loved creating beautiful things. Her story deserves to be told because she was more than just a celebrity’s wife.
Noel was born in Iowa, United States, and grew up during a time of great change. She came from Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. She was a white woman who fell in love with John Amos, a Black man whose ancestors traced back to Ghana. Their marriage in 1965 was considered controversial because interracial couples faced discrimination and legal barriers. They chose love over fear and built a family together despite the social barriers and racial tensions of the 1960s. Noel was also passionate about protecting the environment and worked hard for causes she believed in.
Most people don’t know much about Noel because she chose to live privately. She raised two children who both became successful in the entertainment industry. After her divorce from John Amos, she continued her work as an artist and architect. Noel lived a full life doing what she loved until her death in December 2016. This is her untold story that shows strength, creativity, and quiet courage.
Who Was Noel J. Mickelson?
Noel J. Mickelson was an American artist, environmental activist, architect, and carpenter who lived a private life despite her connection to Hollywood. She gained public attention primarily through her marriage to actor John Amos, but she had her own remarkable identity as a creative professional and social advocate. She studied fine arts at Colorado State University, where her passion for arts and nature shaped her career path.
Key Facts About Noel J. Mickelson
| Attribute | Detail |
| Full Name | Noel J. Mickelson |
| Profession | Artist, Environmental Activist, Architect, Carpenter, Equestrian |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish descent |
| Education | Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University |
| Known For | First wife of actor John Amos |
| Marriage | John Amos (1965-1975) |
| Children | Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos |
| Notable Work | Environmental activism and artistic projects |
| Death | December 2016 |
| Legacy | Pioneer in interracial marriage during the Civil Rights era |
Marriage to John Amos
A Love Story Ahead of Its Time
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos fell in love during the 1960s when America was deeply divided by racial issues. Their paths crossed at Colorado State University, where John played football and studied sociology while she pursued her fine arts degree. Their instant connection challenged the social norms of the era. Their relationship was considered taboo because Noel came from Eastern European Jewish roots and John was Black. When they married in 1965, interracial marriages were still illegal in sixteen states across the country, during the height of the civil rights movement. Their union was a bold statement against racism and showed incredible courage during the Civil Rights era.
The couple faced many challenges from society and real dangers Shannon later revealed that an armed racist confronted her father with a gun. Despite facing discrimination, criticism, and social pressure from all sides, they remained committed to each other and their love. They stood together even as institutionalized discrimination was still prevalent throughout the country. Two years after their wedding, the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 1967 finally made their marriage legally recognized nationwide. Their marriage lasted for ten years and produced two talented children who carried forward their parents’ creative legacy and pioneering spirit. Noel and John’s relationship represented hope and progress during one of America’s most turbulent times in history.
Family Life
After graduation, they moved to New Jersey, where the actor was originally from. Though they landed jobs as social workers in New Jersey, Noel supported John’s dreams of becoming a professional football player. “Being an artist herself, she understood my reluctance to accept the 9-to-5 world,” John later said. When he eventually set his eyes on the entertainment industry and transitioned from social work to stand-up comedy in Greenwich Village, Noel stood by him.
Noel and John Amos had two children together: daughter Shannon Amos, born in 1966 in New Jersey (a year before interracial marriages became legal nationwide), and son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, born in 1970. Both of whom pursued successful careers in the entertainment industry.
- Shannon Amos became a producer, writer, and wellness advocate, working on various television projects with major networks including BET, VH1, Warner Bros, TV One, and Oprah Winfrey Network, and founding her own production company, Afterglow Multimedia.
- K.C. Amos followed in his father’s footsteps and became a director and actor, working behind the camera on numerous film and television productions, including music videos and indie films, earning a Grammy Award nomination for his directing work.
The family moved to Los Angeles as John’s acting career took off with roles in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Coming to America,” and other television shows. They settled in Sylmar, a suburb of Los Angeles, where they raised their children on a property with horses, reflecting Noel’s love for equestrianism. As an accomplished equestrian, she skillfully rode horses and won numerous riding awards, earning recognition as one of the best endurance riders.
Noel created a structured home life, including a strict 6:00 PM dinner time rule. Despite divorcing in 1975, Noel remained dedicated to raising her children and supporting their creative ambitions while maintaining her privacy away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Both children inherited their mother’s creative spirit and artistic influence.
Children of Noel J. Mickelson
Shannon Amos
Shannon Amos is the daughter of Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos, born into a family of creativity and talent. She carved her own path in the entertainment industry as a producer, writer, and entrepreneur. Shannon has worked on various television projects and became known for promoting health and wellness through cultural storytelling. She honors both her parents’ legacies while building her own successful career.
- Shannon is an Emmy-nominated producer who has worked with major networks including BET, VH1, and Oprah Winfrey Network.
- She founded Afterglow Multimedia, a production company focused on creating meaningful content about health, wellness, and social issues.
- Shannon is a passionate advocate for holistic healing and frequently shares her journey of wellness and self-care with her followers.
- She maintains a close relationship with her family and often speaks publicly about her father’s legacy in films like “Coming to America” and her mother’s influence on her life.
She has shared how her mother, whom they lovingly called ‘Noni,’ created a safe space for emotional expression, describing her as “a rock” who offered warmth and understanding during difficult times. Shannon reflected on her mother’s approach to grief: “My mother used to call it grief-letting, telling me, ‘Sweetheart, let your river of tears flow.'”
K.C. Amos
K.C. Amos (Kelly Christopher Amos) is the son of Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos who followed his father into the entertainment world. He worked as a director, producer, and actor in Hollywood for many years. K.C. has directed episodes of various television shows and worked on film projects throughout his career. His projects reflect a blend of creativity and boldness, something he no doubt inherited from his parents’ pioneering spirits. He learned the value of hard work and creativity from both his parents, which shaped his professional journey.
- K.C. maintained a relatively low profile compared to other Hollywood personalities despite his family connections.
- He focused on working behind the camera rather than seeking fame in front of it.
- K.C. collaborated with his father on several projects over the years, strengthening their bond through shared creative work.
- Like his mother Noel, he preferred to let his work speak for itself rather than chasing the spotlight.
K.C. frequently posts throwback photos of family moments on social media, highlighting his mother’s structured approach to family life and her role in shaping their childhood. He once posted a photo of his mother with a horse, recalling her winning numerous riding awards: “Basically the best endurance rider you ever see this side of the Mississippi.”
Noel J. Mickelson’s Career and Passions
Noel J. Mickelson was a talented artist who expressed herself through various creative mediums throughout her life. She studied art and architecture at Colorado State University, which gave her a unique perspective on design and visual expression. Before meeting her future husband, she had already established herself as a skilled carpenter and equestrian, combining her love for craftsmanship with her connection to nature. Noel created beautiful works that reflected her vision of the world around her. Her artistic talent was something she cultivated independently, separate from her husband’s Hollywood career in shows like “Good Times,” “Coming to America,” and “Roots.”
Artistic Pursuits
- Noel worked as a professional artist and created paintings, sculptures, and other visual art pieces that showcased her creative abilities.
- She studied architecture and applied her knowledge to both her artistic projects and environmental design work.
- The versatile interests of Noel laid the foundation for her later work as an architect, environmentalist, and artist, skills she would maintain throughout her marriage and beyond.
- Noel’s art often reflected themes of nature, harmony, and the human connection to the environment.
- She preferred to keep her artistic work private and rarely sought public recognition or exhibitions of her creations.
- Her children inherited her creative genes and both pursued careers in the arts and entertainment industry, working behind cameras for major networks and production houses, continuing the artistic legacy of their family.
Beyond creating art, Noel was also passionate about environmental activism and sustainable living. She dedicated much of her time to causes related to protecting nature and promoting ecological awareness. Noel believed in living harmoniously with the environment and worked on projects that reflected these values and her environmental values. Her commitment to both art and environmental causes showed her deep sense of purpose and conviction.
Legacy of Noel J. Mickelson
Noel J. Mickelson left behind a legacy of courage, creativity, resilience, and quiet strength that continues to inspire people today. She broke social barriers through her groundbreaking interracial marriage during the Civil Rights era and raised two highly accomplished children who carry forward her artistic spirit. Though her name isn’t splashed across headlines, Noel’s influence runs deep. Her life story reminds us that some of the most impactful people choose to live with dignity and purpose away from the spotlight.
- Noel was a pioneer who challenged racial prejudice and defied prejudice by marrying John Amos in 1965 when interracial marriage was still illegal in many states a quiet act of courage in a divided America.
- She played a pivotal role in supporting John Amos during his early career struggles as he transitioned from social work to entertainment.
- She raised two accomplished children, Shannon and K.C. Amos, who both became successful in the entertainment industry and continue to impact entertainment and culture.
- Her work as an artist, carpenter, architect, and environmental activist showed her commitment to creativity and protecting the planet.
- Noel chose to live privately and maintain her dignity rather than seeking fame through her celebrity connections.
- She remains an example of strength, independence, and authenticity for women who forge their own paths while supporting their families.
- Her marriage, at a time of racial tension, remains a testament to love’s ability to defy prejudice and overcome social barriers.
Early Life and Personal Background
Noel J. Mickelson was born in Iowa, United States, during a time when America was experiencing significant social and cultural changes. She grew up in a family with Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Details about her early childhood and family background remain largely private, as Noel preferred to keep her personal life away from public attention. She grew up with a passion for art and creativity, which later shaped her career choices. Her early passion for arts and nature instilled in her values of independence, courage, and a deep appreciation for nature and environmental causes.
Noel pursued education in art and architecture at Colorado State University, which reflected her creative talents and intellectual curiosity. She was known to be an intelligent and free-spirited woman who wasn’t afraid to challenge societal norms. Her educational background gave her the skills to work professionally as an artist, architect, and carpenter throughout her life. Growing up during the mid-20th century, she witnessed the Civil Rights Movement firsthand, which likely influenced her decision to marry John Amos despite the social risks, legal barriers, and institutionalized discrimination of that era.
Professional Life and Passions
Noel J. Mickelson built a diverse professional career that combined her love for art, architecture, environmental activism, and craftsmanship. She worked as an artist creating various pieces that expressed her unique creative vision and connection to nature. Her professional journey included roles as an architect and environmentalist while maintaining her passion as an accomplished equestrian. Her architectural background allowed her to approach design with both aesthetic beauty and functional purpose in mind. Noel’s work reflected her belief in living sustainably and harmoniously with the environment, which became a guiding principle throughout her career.
Being an artist herself, she understood and supported John’s transition from social work to entertainment, proving instrumental in his early career choices as he moved from stand-up comedy in Greenwich Village to television acting. On their Sylmar property, she combined her love for horses with family life, creating a unique environment that reflected her environmental values.
Beyond her artistic endeavors and skilled crafts, Noel was deeply committed to environmental causes and worked as an activist for ecological preservation. She dedicated significant time and energy to projects that promoted environmental awareness and sustainable living practices. Her passions extended beyond her personal art to making a positive impact on the world around her. Noel’s professional life was marked by authenticity and purpose, as she chose meaningful work over seeking fame or public recognition. Her artistic talents and creative spirit lived on through her children, who credit Noel for nurturing their own creative expressions.
Later Years and Health Challenges
Noel found love again after her divorce from John Amos, marrying a Disney special-effects engineer and moving to a California ranch. Her life took a dramatic turn when complications from a routine hysterectomy in 1996 left her blind and quadriplegic. Her second husband became her primary caregiver, supporting her through these challenging health conditions until his death about nine years later.
In her final years, she expressed regret about not being able to travel the world—a wish that her daughter Shannon later honored by taking her mother’s ashes on global journeys. Surrounded by her family, Noel J. Mickelson passed away in December 2016, eight years before her first husband, John Amos, who died of natural causes at 84 on August 21, 2024.
A Mother’s Impact Through the Eyes of Her Children
Noel J. Mickelson’s influence lives on through her children’s memories and social media tributes, where they often share stories about their mother, whom they lovingly called ‘Noni.’ Shannon has shared how her mother created a safe space for emotional expression, describing her as “a rock” who offered warmth and understanding during difficult times and helped her acknowledge and experience grief through what she called “grief-letting.”
K.C. frequently posts throwback photos of family moments, highlighting his mother’s structured approach to family life and her role in shaping their childhood. Both children acknowledge their creative careers stemmed from their mother’s artistic influence, with Shannon working behind cameras for major networks and K.C. directing films. As Shannon wrote about her parents: “As a child I didn’t know my parents were different colors. I only saw them as my parents—the two people who loved me. All I knew was their love.”
A Legacy in Hollywood and Beyond
Noel J. Mickelson’s legacy extends far beyond her connection to Hollywood through her marriage to John Amos. She raised two children who became successful figures in the entertainment industry, passing down her creative spirit and strong values. Shannon and K.C. Amos both honor their mother’s memory by pursuing meaningful work and maintaining the integrity she demonstrated throughout her life. Her influence on her children’s careers and character shows how her legacy lives on through the next generation.
Beyond Hollywood, Noel’s true legacy lies in her courage to challenge social norms and live authentically according to her values. She was a pioneer in interracial marriage during an era when such unions faced severe discrimination and legal barriers during the height of the civil rights movement. Her work as an artist, carpenter, architect, and environmental activist showed her commitment to making the world more beautiful and sustainable. Noel proved that a meaningful life doesn’t require fame or public attention, but rather dedication to one’s passions, family, and principles. Her genuine connection with John Amos transcended race and background, proving that love could defy the social barriers of their time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Noel J. Mickelson John Amos’s first wife?
Yes, Noel J. Mickelson was John Amos’s first wife, and they were married from 1965 to 1975. John Amos was married twice—to Noel and later briefly to actress Lillian Lehman.
When did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos get married?
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos got married in 1965 during a time when interracial marriages were still illegal in many U.S. states, during the height of the civil rights movement.
How many children did Noel J. Mickelson have with John Amos?
Noel J. Mickelson had two children with John Amos: daughter Shannon Amos (born 1966) and son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos (born 1970), both of whom work in entertainment.
What did Noel J. Mickelson do for a living?
Noel J. Mickelson worked as an artist, architect, carpenter, equestrian, and environmental activist throughout her professional life. She had a fine arts degree from Colorado State University.
Why did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos divorce?
The specific reasons for their divorce in 1975 remain private, as both Noel and John kept their personal matters away from public discussion.
When did Noel J. Mickelson pass away?
Noel J. Mickelson passed away in December 2016, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, courage, resilience, and environmental advocacy.
What was Noel J. Mickelson’s ethnicity?
Noel J. Mickelson was of Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. She was a white American woman whose groundbreaking interracial marriage to John Amos challenged societal norms of the 1960s.
Did Noel J. Mickelson remarry after divorcing John Amos?
Yes, Noel remarried a Disney special-effects engineer after her divorce and moved to a California ranch. Her second husband cared for her after she became blind and quadriplegic following complications from a hysterectomy.
What is Noel J. Mickelson known for besides being John Amos’s wife?
Noel J. Mickelson is known for her work as an artist, architect, carpenter, accomplished equestrian, environmental activist, and for being a pioneer in interracial marriage during the Civil Rights era.
Are Shannon and K.C. Are Amos successful in their careers?
Yes, both Shannon and K.C. Amos has built highly successful careers in the entertainment industry as producers, directors, and creative professionals, continuing their mother’s artistic legacy.
Conclusion
Noel J. Mickelson lived a life filled with courage, creativity, resilience, and quiet strength that deserves to be remembered. She was more than just John Amos’s first wife she was an artist, architect, carpenter, equestrian, environmental activist, and loving mother who made her own mark. Her decision to marry across racial lines in 1965 showed incredible bravery during a difficult time in American history, challenging social barriers and racial prejudice during the Civil Rights era. Noel chose
