Noel J. Mickelson: The Untold Story of John Amos’ Ex-Wife

Noel J. Mickelson is a name that often flies under the radar, overshadowed by the fame of her ex-husband, actor John Amos. While many people know John Amos for his iconic roles in Good Times and Roots, not much has been written about Noel, a woman who lived a life full of artistic pursuits and courage. In this article, we’ll explore the untold story of Noel J. Mickelson, from her early life to her legacy, shedding light on who she was beyond her famous marriage.

Early Life and Background

Noel J. Mickelson was born and raised in the United States, growing up in a small town in the Midwest. While much about her early years remains private, we know that Noel’s upbringing in rural America shaped her worldview, particularly her love for simplicity and nature. Despite her quiet beginnings, she would go on to lead a life filled with challenges, creativity, and resilience.

Education and Career Aspirations

Noel attended Colorado State University, where she would meet her future husband, John Amos. During her time at the university, she was passionate about the arts, excelling in various creative fields. Although much of her career aspirations were tied to her love of art, Noel wasn’t publicly recognized for her work. She practiced painting and sculpting privately, dedicating her life to creative expression.

Her love for horseback riding was another defining characteristic of her personality. Noel was deeply connected to nature, and horseback riding became a way for her to stay grounded despite the challenges that life threw her way.

Artistic Pursuits and Hobbies

One of the lesser-known facts about Noel J. Mickelson is her deep passion for art. Throughout her life, she was involved in various artistic pursuits, from painting to sculpting. Though she didn’t gain widespread recognition for her work, Noel’s commitment to creativity never wavered. Her artistic side reflected her introspective nature and the sense of peace she found in creative expression.

In addition to her love for the arts, horseback riding was one of her cherished hobbies. She spent much of her free time riding horses, a passion that brought her joy and relaxation. This love for nature and animals defined Noel’s private life, even as her marriage to a Hollywood star brought attention.

Meeting John Amos: A Love Story

Noel J. Mickelson met John Amos during their time at Colorado State University. Their love story began in the 1960s, an era filled with social and political turmoil, especially surrounding issues of race. Despite these societal challenges, Noel and John fell deeply in love and began a relationship that would eventually lead to marriage.

Shannon Amos, their daughter, once referred to her parents’ meeting as “love at first sight.” The couple faced challenges, particularly due to the societal norms of the time, but their affection for one another persisted.

Marriage Challenges and Social Context

When Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos married in the mid-1960s, they defied societal expectations. Their interracial marriage took place during a period when racial tensions were high, and many states still had laws prohibiting such unions. Despite these obstacles, Noel and John pushed forward, showing immense bravery in their decision to be together.

The couple faced legal challenges due to discriminatory laws that existed in parts of the country. They experienced firsthand the racism that was prevalent at the time. One chilling incident occurred in Arizona, where a white man, armed with a shotgun, harassed John and their young child, a painful reminder of the discrimination they faced as a family.

Life as John Amos’ Wife

While John Amos was rising to stardom in Hollywood, Noel J. Mickelson remained a steadfast presence in his life. She supported him during his early career, standing by him as he transitioned from professional football to acting. John Amos found fame with roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, and Roots, all while Noel remained in the background, providing stability for their family.

However, living in the spotlight wasn’t easy. Noel managed to keep her privacy despite being married to a celebrity, focusing on raising their two children and pursuing her own interests. This balance of private life and public exposure was something she handled with grace.

Children and Family Legacy

Noel and John Amos had two children: Shannon Amos and K.C. Amos. Both children followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in the entertainment industry, although each took a different path.

Shannon Amos became a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. She has worked on various television and film projects and is now heavily involved in wellness and healing retreats through her company, Sumanah Luxury Travel.

K.C. Amos pursued a career in filmmaking, directing, and editing. He worked on various film and television projects, showcasing his creativity much like his mother did, albeit in a different medium.

Noel’s legacy lives on through her children, who both carry her artistic spirit and commitment to creativity.

Post-Divorce Life and Personal Growth

After her divorce from John Amos in 1975, Noel J. Mickelson chose to live a more private life. The reasons for their separation remain private, but Noel continued to focus on her personal growth and artistic endeavors. She did not seek the limelight, preferring a quieter existence, away from the media’s attention.

Her post-divorce years were characterized by personal reflection and further dedication to her passions, including her art and love of nature. Even though she stepped out of the public eye, her influence continued to resonate with those who knew her closely.

Impact and Legacy

Although Noel J. Mickelson never sought fame, her life story is a powerful example of quiet resilience, creativity, and the power of love. She not only faced the challenges of being in an interracial marriage during a turbulent time but also remained true to herself through her dedication to art and family.

Noel’s legacy is carried on by her children and the lives she touched through her artistic spirit and personal strength. While her life may not have been in the spotlight like her ex-husband’s, her influence is undeniable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who was Noel J. Mickelson?

A: Noel J. Mickelson was the ex-wife of actor John Amos, known for her artistic pursuits and her resilience in the face of societal challenges during their interracial marriage.

Q: What were Noel J. Mickelson’s hobbies?

A: Noel was passionate about painting, sculpting, and horseback riding. She spent much of her life dedicated to the arts and nature.

Q: How did Noel J. Mickelson meet John Amos?

A: Noel and John met while attending Colorado State University in the 1960s, eventually falling in love and marrying despite the societal challenges of their interracial relationship.

Q: What happened after Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos divorced?

A: After their divorce in 1975, Noel lived a more private life, focusing on her personal growth and artistic endeavors.

Q: What is Noel J. Mickelson’s legacy?

A: Noel’s legacy lives on through her children, Shannon and K.C. Amos, who have pursued successful careers in the entertainment industry, and through the personal resilience and creativity she embodied throughout her life.

Conclusion

Noel J. Mickelson may not be a household name, but her story is one of courage, love, and quiet strength. Her marriage to John Amos came at a time when interracial relationships faced harsh criticism, yet they stood together through the challenges. Her passion for the arts, dedication to family, and resilience in the face of adversity make her an inspiring figure whose legacy continues to influence those who knew her. Noel J. Mickelson remains a testament to the power of love, creativity, and perseverance.