Who Was Noel J. Mickelson? Ex-Wife of Actor John Amos – Is She Still Alive?
You might not instantly recognise the name John Amos, but chances are you’ve seen his face in iconic productions like Roots, Die Hard 2, or The West Wing. While his career is well-documented, far less is known about his personal life – particularly his first wife, Noel J. Mickelson.
So, who was Noel J. Mickelson? And more to the point, is she still alive? Let’s delve into what we know about the late Noel J. Mickelson, former wife of John Amos.
A Glimpse into Noel J. Mickelson’s Life
Her Birth and Early Years
Noel J. Mickelson was born sometime in the 1940s, though her exact date of birth remains a mystery. Due to the lack of specific details, her zodiac sign cannot be determined.
Born in the small Midwestern town of Estherville, located in Emmet County, Iowa, Noel had what appears to have been a typical Midwestern upbringing. However, very little is known about her early life – there’s no verified information about her parents, siblings, or early schooling. She did attend Colorado State University for higher education, where her life would change dramatically after meeting John Amos.
Height, Weight, and Ethnicity
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Height: 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm)
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Weight: Approximately 174 lbs (79 kg)
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Ethnicity: White, of Caucasian descent
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Nationality: American
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Religion: While some sources suggest she may have been Jewish, this has never been confirmed
Was Noel J. Mickelson on Social Media?
Given the era in which she lived, Noel was not active on Instagram or other modern social platforms. There is no public account associated with her name, either because she never created one or because it was deactivated after her death.
Career, Passions and Net Worth
Noel was a woman of many talents – an accomplished artist, craftswoman, and a well-regarded equestrian. Although she never achieved the same level of fame as her former husband, she carved out a successful career on her own terms.
At the time of her death in 2016, Noel J. Mickelson was estimated to have a net worth of around $8 million – a figure that highlights her professional success and business acumen. In contrast, John Amos reportedly has a net worth of approximately $3 million.
Love, Marriage, and Race in the 1960s
How She Met John Amos
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos met while both were studying at Colorado State University. According to their daughter, Shannon Amos, it was love at first sight. Their relationship blossomed during a period when interracial couples faced significant social resistance in the United States. Despite this, they persevered.
Marriage During a Time of Change
They married in 1965 – just one year after segregation was formally ended in the U.S. Their union was, in many ways, a quiet act of defiance against lingering societal norms. At the time, John Amos was not yet a household name; he was still playing professional football for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Victoria Steelers.
The Breakdown of Their Marriage
Their marriage lasted for a decade. As John transitioned from a sports career to acting, the demands of fame and his growing workload reportedly created distance between him and Noel. This strain ultimately led to their divorce in 1975.
Children and Family Dynamics
Their Children
The couple had two children together:
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Shannon Amos – Born on 5 August 1966, she has become a prominent wellness travel expert and plant medicine ceremonialist. With over 216,000 followers on Instagram, she has made a name for herself in the world of alternative healing and spiritual exploration.
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Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos – Like his father, K.C. pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He’s an actor, director, and producer, having worked on projects like Tamales and Gumbo (2015), Mercy for Angels (2015), and Huntsville (2016). However, he has remained relatively low-profile compared to his father.
Family Disputes and Legal Trouble
Unfortunately, the relationship between Shannon and K.C. has not always been harmonious. In fact, things became publicly contentious, culminating in accusations of elder abuse concerning the treatment of their father, John Amos. K.C. was even jailed for making threats against Shannon – a rift that was documented by The Hollywood Reporter and other media outlets.
Life After Divorce
While it’s not definitively known whether Noel remarried after divorcing John Amos, there is no public record of a subsequent marriage. She appeared to devote herself to her passions – art, craftsmanship, and horse riding. She may not have been a celebrity, but she was highly respected in her personal and social circles.
When Did Noel J. Mickelson Die?
Noel J. Mickelson passed away in 2016. She was in her seventies at the time of her death. Though her passing wasn’t widely publicised, those who knew her – including her children and ex-husband – spoke of her with admiration and respect.
Her funeral was reportedly attended by close friends, family, and others whose lives she had touched, demonstrating the lasting impression she left on those around her.
