Arsenio Hall is paying heartfelt tribute to his late Coming to America co-stars, James Earl Jones and John Amos, in a moving essay published by News One on October 4. Hall, 68, reflected on the profound impact both actors had on his life and career.

“In all the years I’ve called Hollywood home, I have never once heard anyone say, ‘James Earl Jones is an a——,’” Hall noted, highlighting the rarity of such sentiment in the industry, where relationships can be complicated. He recounted how, during the filming of the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America, Jones was unable to travel and filmed his scenes from New York, yet Hall always sought his advice during the original 1988 film. “Before a scene or during hair and makeup, I might turn to him and ask, ‘How do I approach this one?’” Hall wrote, expressing gratitude for the guidance he received from Jones, whose talent both intimidated and inspired him.

Hall shared a powerful memory of witnessing Jones’ emotional performance in August Wilson’s Fences, where Jones became so moved that “snot comes out of his nose and he wipes it away with the back of his hand.” Afterward, Jones humorously referred to it as “method snotting.”

Regrettably, Hall felt he missed out on quality time with Jones during Coming 2 America, but he cherished moments spent with Amos, whom he described as a “human ray of sunshine.” Hall expressed his excitement for every scene he shared with Amos, who had an innate ability to draw people in. “If he was in the room, I instinctively knew I needed to be there, too,” Hall wrote, noting Amos’ intelligence, integrity, and brilliance.

Hall also reflected on Amos’ role as James Evans in the 1970s series Good Times, portraying the struggles of a working-class Black man navigating a racist society. He emphasized that Amos’ performance offered an intimate glimpse into the challenges faced by such individuals.

During the filming of Coming 2 America, Hall observed that Amos’ health was declining, yet he treasured the quiet moments they shared between takes. “Those quiet moments I spent just walking with him and helping him to the set I will cherish for the rest of my life,” he remarked.

In his tribute, Hall emphasized the lessons he learned from both Jones and Amos: the importance of being an unselfish performer and the value of kindness. “They helped me understand that when you’re kind to the people around you, then you’re kind to your own performance,” he wrote.

He concluded with a poignant message: “We, those who love them, must water their flowers so that generations to come may know their beauty. In front of the camera and off the set, John Amos and James Earl Jones were amazing men; they were kind men; they were good men. And ain’t we lucky we had ‘em.”