Noel J. Mickelson is known for being an enthusiastic horseback rider and artist, but she is best known for being married to well-known actor John Amos. They remained in love and disobeyed social expectations throughout the stormy 1960s, which is a monument to their enduring connection. Here, we examine Noel J. Mickelson’s life, providing insight into her upbringing, marriage, and legacy.
John has been captivating audiences and receiving nominations for major honors like the NAACP Image Awards and Emmys since the 1970s. But he’s not just into show business. John has achieved a variety of achievements outside of the spotlight, as evidenced by his unique designation of Honorary Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard.
Noel J. Mickelson Wiki
Full Name | Noel Mickelson |
Nick Name | Noel |
Gender | Female |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Residence | United States |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Former Spouse | John Amos |
No Of Children | 2 |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Noel J. Mickelson hails from Iowa, USA
Noel J. Mickelson originated from Estherville, a quaint city nestled in the heart of Emmet County, Iowa, USA. Growing up in this serene Midwestern setting, she cherished the simple pleasures of life that surrounded her during her early years.
Noel J. Mickelson and her daughter, Shannon Amos
Unfortunately, the details of her upbringing, including her birth date, remain veiled in mystery, casting a cloak of uncertainty over her true age. Similarly, insights into her family background are scarce; the identities of her parents remain undisclosed, and any potential siblings remain unknown.
Although the specifics of her high school years remain ambiguous, it is confirmed that she pursued higher education at Colorado State University. It was during her time at the university that fate intervened, intertwining her path with that of John Amos, leading to a significant chapter in her life.
Noel J. Mickelson’s Parents And siblings
The enigma surrounding Noel J. Mickelson’s family continues, as concrete information about her parents remains elusive, and there are no mentions of siblings in the accessible records.
Search findings offer little insight into the existence of siblings, and details such as her parents’ ages, professions, or identities are notably absent. As a result, the specifics regarding Noel J. Mickelson’s immediate family members remain undisclosed and shrouded in mystery.
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos crossed paths during their college years
Details surrounding the precise circumstances and timing of Noel J. Mickelson’s initial encounter and subsequent romance with John Amos remain somewhat obscure. However, our investigation suggests that their paths first crossed during their college years. Both Amos and Mickelson were students at Colorado State University, where they serendipitously met one day and found themselves drawn to each other. Their connection blossomed into a relationship, with their daughter Shannon fondly recalling it as ‘love at first sight’.
During their college years, Amos was not yet involved in filmmaking but was passionately engaged in football. He was an active member of the Colorado State Rams football team, representing the university with fervor. While Mickelson’s field of study remains undisclosed, we do know that Amos graduated with a degree in sociology.
The exact commencement of Mickelson and Amos’s courtship remains uncertain, but their love endured throughout their university experience despite societal disapproval. Their relationship faced criticism due to the racial disparity between them; Amos, a black American man, and Mickelson, a white woman. In an era marked by heightened racial tensions in America, interracial relationships and marriages were met with societal taboos and disapproval, yet their bond persevered.
Education and Meeting John Amos
Noel pursued higher education at Colorado State University, where she crossed paths with John Amos. Their meeting during their college years marked the beginning of a significant chapter in her life. At the time, Amos was passionately engaged in football, playing for the Colorado State Rams, while Noel’s field of study remains undisclosed. Their connection blossomed into a deep relationship, characterized by Shannon Amos, their daughter, as ‘love at first sight.’
A Marriage Against the Odds
In the 1960s, interracial marriages were met with significant societal disapproval, and Noel and John faced considerable obstacles. Despite the heightened racial tensions and legal barriers in several states, they decided to marry in early 1965. Their wedding, although not widely publicized, was a profound personal event, symbolizing their defiance against societal norms.
Their union was not just a personal milestone but also a significant socio-political statement. At the time, racial segregation laws in about 16 states prohibited marriages between black and white individuals. Although the exact location of their wedding is unclear, they likely married in a state where their union was legally recognized.
Did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos’ Marriage Break Any Laws?
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos faced legal obstacles due to the racial tensions prevalent during their marriage. At the time of their wedding in 1965, racial segregation laws still existed in about 16 states across the United States, prohibiting marriages between black and white individuals. Though the exact location of their wedding remains unclear, it is likely that Mickelson and Amos sought out a state where their union would be legally recognized.
Their marriage, therefore, was only deemed lawful in certain regions of the United States, while in others, it was considered illegal under existing racial laws. This legal disparity placed additional burdens on the couple, subjecting them to discrimination and persecution.
One especially upsetting event happened while Mickelson and Amos were traveling cross-country. They were stopped for gas in Arizona by a white man with a loaded shotgun who insulted Amos and their daughter with racist remarks. They were devastated and humiliated by the horrific experience, which forced them to face the brutal reality of racism in America.
This upsetting anecdote, recounted years later by Mickelson’s daughter Shannon, served as a pivotal moment that prompted discussions about the pervasive nature of racism within American society.
John Amos rose to prominence after marrying Noel J. Mickelson
Alright, let’s clarify the timeline here – Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos tied the knot before John’s acting career took off. Back in 1965, when they exchanged vows, John wasn’t yet gracing the screens of Hollywood; he was making waves on the football field, playing for teams like the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the mid 1970s, after being married for almost five years, John made the decision to pursue acting. His fame was progressively built by his early performances on programs like “The Funny Side” and “The Tim Conway Comedy Hour.” But it was his 1974 role as James Evans, Sr. in the popular sitcom “Good Times” that catapulted him to widespread fame.
Throughout John’s journey in the spotlight, Noel stood by him every step of the way. As John starred in blockbuster movies and acclaimed series, earning nominations and accolades such as the TV Land Awards, Noel remained his steadfast support. In 2020, he was even honored with induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
Therefore, even though John wasn’t quite a household name in Hollywood when he and Noel tied the knot, her presence with him unavoidably attracted notice and sparked interest in the lady who was behind the successful actor.
Noel J. Mickelson Children
John Amos and Noel J. Mickelson leave behind a cherished legacy through their two children
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos were proud parents to two children: Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher Amos, fondly called K.C. Amos. With John’s increasing success after their marriage, the couple devoted themselves to offering their children the finest upbringing imaginable, showering them with love and providing for their needs with care and dedication.
Shannon Amos
Shannon, born on August 5th, 1996, reflects warmly on her upbringing, filled with love and care from her parents. She holds dear the precious moments spent with her mother, treasuring their bond deeply. In recent years, Shannon has found her calling in the realms of healing arts, wellness, and travel. She now orchestrates wellness retreats globally and has launched successful ventures such as Sumanah Luxury Travel, Sumanah Soul Century Retreats, and Sumanah Heal @ Home.
K.C. Amos
John Amos alongside his son, K.C. Amos
K.C. Amos, whose real name was Kelly Christopher Amos, enjoyed his childhood spent with his family’s extended relatives while appreciating his father’s noteworthy television roles. K.C. was inspired by John’s profession to explore acting, writing, producing, editing, and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Among his noteworthy productions are “Tamales and Gumbo” (2015), “Huntsville” (2016), and “Mercy for Angels” (2015).
Even if their paths diverge, the brothers remain close and have a great deal of respect for their father, who they view as their main inspiration. They still succeed today in their own pursuits, living up to the morals and ideals that their parents taught them.
Financial Legacy
Noel’s estimated net worth in 2024 was around $8 million, reflecting her successful career as an artist, craftswoman, and equestrian. While she received a divorce settlement from John Amos, the exact figure remains undisclosed. Her financial success is a testament to her diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
Conclusion
Noel J. Mickelson’s life is a rich tapestry of passion, resilience, and defiance against societal norms. Her marriage to John Amos, amid the racial tensions of the 1960s, stands as a symbol of love’s triumph over adversity.
Beyond her role as a supportive spouse, Noel carved out her own legacy as an artist, equestrian, and feminist. Her story, though marked by challenges, ultimately reflects a life lived with purpose and passion, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her and those who learn about her journey.