The Admirable Admiral Percy Fitzwallace | The West Wing

[@catb8834]

RIP John Amos. The absolutely perfect Admiral Fitzwallace. One hell of an actor.

[@fionam7768]

And a fine human being, by all accounts (which in itself is pretty impressive these days too) 😢❤😢❤

[@adzisme]

The Admiral was very likely Amos’ finest role. It was always good to see him in this role, because he nailed it.

[@stevedodd295]

Very true! 😢❤

[@P2501-y6u]

For the amount of time he had on screen he was always my favorite character. Every scene was gold

[@ianhiscock9440]

Fitz and Leo in the situation room, “…the laws of nature don’t apply!” Yes, TWW was often a liberal wish fulfilment fantasy, but here’s an example of Sorkin demonstrating the complexity and moral dilemmas at play in leadership at the highest level. The world isn’t an easy place. RIP John Amos, a fabulous portrayal.

[@itsjustme8947]

As a retired flag officer, I can say that Mr. Amos conducted himself like the best of us. I wonder who coached him during the show. He played the part of a flag officer who EARNED his stars. Rest in Peace, Sir.

[@leoperidot482]

Here are actors who played flag officers. See if you can name the movies. MARTIN BALSAM. ERNEST BORGNINE. JAMES CAGNEY. CHARLES CALLAHAN. KEVIN CONWAY. MATT DAMON. JEFF DANIELS. ROBERT DUVAL. DALE DYE. SAM ELLIOTT. HENRY FONDA. GLENN FORD. MORGAN FREEMAN. JAMES GANDOLFINI. LOUIS GOSSETT JR. ELLIOTT GOULD. KELSEY GRAMMER. GENE HACKMAN. JARED HARRIS. STERLING HAYDEN. BURT LANCASTER. TOMMY LEE JONES. KARL MALDEN. GERALD MCRANEY. ROBERT MITCHUM. LIAM NEESON. PAUL NEWMAN. CARROL O'CONNOR. RYAN O'NEAL. GREGORY PECK. ROBERT REDFORD. JASON ROBARDS. GEORGE C SCOTT. TOM SELLECK. SAM SHEPHERD. BILL SMITORVICH. G D SPRADLIN. DONALD SUTHERLAND. FRED DALTON THOMPSON. JOHN TRAVOLTA. JOHN WAYNE. ANTHONY ZERBE.

[@philiphendersonjr1760]

Thank you for your service.

[@leoperidot482]

Who conducts the worst of 'us'?

[@itsjustme8947]

@@leoperidot482 Politicians.

[@edbarrett3620]

Thank you for your service sir. My father was in the Navy on the USS Gearing, destroyer #710. And if anyone in my family here’s that number in any reference you will receive “that’s the number of the ship my dad was on”. So as a flag officer you would know the answer to this question, should Admiral Fitzwallace have referred to himself as a “soldier” or a “sailor” in that scene with Leo talking about war and peace time?

[@DelusionThread]

At 6:05: "It's an honor to meet you, Admiral." And the priceless response: "I imagine it would be, yes." Classic! RIP Admiral.

[@blackcat4859]

It's similar to when John Marbury has his brilliant introduction of himself to Kate Harper. When he's done she says it's a pleasure and he says "yes, isn't it". Brilliant

[@johnclark8484]

Hank Kingsley on the Larry Sanders Show to guest Hugh Hefner, desperate to get to the Mansion: "It would really be something to get invited to one of those parties." Hefner: "Yes, I imagine it would be."

[@derekfiedler772]

That was when I knew I was going to love his character.

[@markjohnston8631]

John Amos was a first-rate actor and a class act in so many ways. His portrayal of Admiral Fitzwallace was pitch-perfect, and losing him to a terrorist explosion at the end of Season 5 was heartbreaking, as is the passing of John himself. RIP.

[@jfelrod1960]

Well said! Thank you sir!

[@paulfurman6240]

As a kid watching Good Times, when he left the show, they wrote him out by killing him off. I actually thought he died. I was very confused when I saw him on another show. He was always great in anything he did.

[@TheNukewarfare2]

“I’m an admiral in the US Navy and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Beat _that_ with a stick.” -Admiral Percy Fitzwallace RIP John Amos

[@ScottRothsroth0616]

Timestamp: 7:02 .

[@P2501-y6u]

One of the best scenes in the show. "It did disrupt the unit. The unit got over it" should be a codified American motto

[@kevinkredens7628]

Brilliant!!

[@bgold2007]

I'm not your son. I'm a captain in the US Navy and you're under arrest, you son of a bitch.

[@jamielancaster01]

He was also AWESOME in the TV show ‘Good Times’.

[@pwalker69]

Now why did I stop to watch this video! Now I'm sitting here crying tears over this wonderful man who has been not only my father figure but Black America's father figure for decades. RIP John Amos. I admired you on the big and little screens just as much as I admired my father.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

A sound and appropriate tribute. John Amos was LARGE!

[@soothesayer06]

I am a retired US Army Officer. I have seen a lot of military portrayals and without a doubt John Amos played this role as if he was actually an actual flag officer in the Navy. Mannerisms, voice, decisiveness, honesty. If our government worked this way just imagine the greatness, we'd all see in ourselves and country.

[@kardulla]

The cast and government portrayed on TWW was the single greatest american government ever portrayed, staffed with the perfect government officers that could never exist.

[@davidholman48]

And now we have Trump. God help us.

[@abrajamlincolnman]

Thanks for putting this tribute together, team! Rest in peace, beloved John Amos. 🫡❤️

[@waynebambury4323]

He dominated every scene he was in. Brilliant writing of course, but wow John Amos was a absolute Boss. "Beat that with a stick", "The laws of nature don't even apply here". FARK

[@NareHarry]

I live in The Netherlands and have been a huge admirer of TWW from the beginning. I have the complete DVD set and watched it time and again. In my humble view, it shows us how a great nation and the most powerful military in the world should be run. With extremely smart, good, honest and hardworking people. Percy Fitzwallace of course being one of them. Who knows, maybe one day...

[@reuben.x.herrera1930]

Hopefully we don't let you down.

[@kimbercafe11]

Its not looking good if trump gets back in there.​@reubenherrera9827

[@P2501-y6u]

He was my favorite character. The Pericles 1 scenes were my favorite. He was realistic about risking lives and moral about killing people, and he was also professional enough to show Bartlett the correct choice through suggestion. His advice was always restrained but not unfeeling

[@danielh1830]

Sat next to John Amos on an airplane for 5 hours. Let's just say he got the armrest! Nice guy he was.

[@Iwasthedanger]

Admiral Fitzwallace is one of those, "Guest character that feels like a main character." Same with Danny Concannon. Considering how much they both stick out in my memory of the show, it's weird to think that both got maybe a few minutes in a few episodes per season.

[@LAC2131]

Oh, someone made a Fitz supercut. Thank you. I loved this character and John Amos so much. He was always taking up space in scenes without taking up all of the space, a great scene partner. A gorgeous character actor. RIP, Mr. Amos.

[@bensayles1541]

Fitz was absolutely one of my favourite characters and I loved the episodes he was prominently featured. John Amos was a treasure.

[@joncarroll2040]

John Amos and John Spencer were masters of their craft. Amos delivering some great lines and Spencer responding without speaking is amazing to watch.

[@lesterwormley6760]

Fitz owned the screen whenever he was in a scene. RIP to a great actor, John Amos.

[@coconutwater2141]

Honestly, would have watched a whole show based around Fitzwallace and Nancy McNally.

[@joncarroll2040]

A truly impressive feat given the actors with whom he shared the screen.

[@craighanson-rc1md]

I tried to get Fitz to run for president but sadly he was busy filming west wing.

[@oldfrend]

he had the manliest nose i've ever seen.

[@billgallaher339]

Thank you for putting this together. RIP John Amos - a real class act.

[@da.reverend]

Of all the roles I saw John Amos play over the years, Admiral Percy Fitzwallace is my favorite, by far.

[@jamesrawlins735]

It was John's favorite as well.

[@marcboss6]

The role he was born to play.

[@da.reverend]

@@jamesrawlins735 So happy to hear that.

[@theresesolimeno4651]

My favorite Fitzwallace scene is at 14:34, when he and Leo start out talking about shampoo and he goes into his speech about how he can't tell when it's peacetime or wartime. Brilliant writing by Sorkin, but excellent acting as well.

[@dechala70]

Nice speech but factually inaccurate.

[@markshaw7253]

When the British archers were captured at Agincourt, the French cut off their thumbs so they could no longer draw their bows.

[@theresesolimeno4651]

@@dechala70 Um... It's fiction. There was never a President Bartlett nor a country called Qumar. Doesn't make it any less powerful.

[@FlintF]

@@markshaw7253 I didn't know you needed thumbs to draw a bow.

[@dechala70]

@@theresesolimeno4651 he was talking about an historical event that actually happened.

[@maryjaneschramm8333]

John Amos, by his character's stolid demeanor, terse comments, subtle humor, and eloquent silences, was able to affirm who and what he was far better than many of the other actors in WW's fine ensemble cast. That's a mission accomplished.

[@user-eb6xc3fq2m]

This guy had such range! He could do drama and he was funny as Hell. You are watching a true actor.

[@darrensoutham3854]

Damn he was a Great actor. Anything with him in it just somehow improved 10 fold. A true legend

[@waldo1967]

Admiral Percy Fitzwallace: Have you changed shampoo? You have, I can tell. 'Cause your hair seems bouncy and more manageable. Leo McGarry: I like to look good for you.

[@TT-dv9er]

That. One caught me off guard.

[@Geekylori]

One scene not covered here was in the pilot when Leo asked Fitzwallace what he thought about a young black man holding the door open for the president (talking about Charlie). His answer is fabulous.

[@phillyphan1994]

I have some real honest to god battles to fight, Leo.

[@paulbarry3400]

I absolutely love that scene. Nailed his character from his first lines.

[@varianschirmer9375]

I thought that scene about Charlie's hiring was in Episode 3 "Proportional Response"... Prior to Bartlett yelling at Charlie in the Oval Office... ...which is when Leo [taking Fitzwallace's advice about sitting the President down] took him aside to defuse the situation before the president addressed the country.

[@dee_dee_place]

Mr. Amos was a fabulous actor. Thank you for sharing your talents with us, Dear Sir. Rest Easy.

[@Father_Gamer]

RIP John Amos, legendary actor, incredible performance on The West Wing. I was so sad when they wrote him out.

[@ricebrown1]

RIP Mr. Amos. Fitzwallace was a real one.

[@kw7807]

The cadence - his speech-perfection..

[@BradGlew]

He’s such a POWERFUL actor… I always love seeing him in literally anything. He’s so good.

[@BradGlew]

I literally just had the same thing. Absolutely.

[@TheMIB76]

Thank You for this tribute to a great character, actor, and person, John Amos.

[@blackcat4859]

I love that first couple of scenes. When Bartlett gave the reasoning of a disproportionate response I was completely on board with him. Then Fitzgerald gave him the disproportionate response and explanation of why they shouldn't do it I thought, well there is that.... Perfectly written.

[@pwp8737]

too bad that in real life there were no military men like that when Bush the idiot plunged us into a criminal war because his daddy was dissed.

[@TimoRutanen]

It's an interesting conundrum though. If the cost of business is too low, then the enemy conducts too much business, but if it's too high, then we're conducting too much business.

[@markjefferies2005]

I keep wondering if he should have taken all 3 options given to him...

[@heidipatriciabruun8515]

Too bad President Bartlett wasn’t on my ballot.

[@SocialAssasin]

there had to of been something in the middle between those two options.

[@fredricksmith-something.2125]

Amos actually served in the NJ national guard and was an honorary Master Chief. RIP Sir

[@mazk4658]

‘I can’t tell when it’s peace time and war time anymore,' said 25 years ago and still relevant today.

[@simonbridges3835]

More so

[@lesterrobinson1713]

@@simonbridges3835 It's peace time when we stop making war. When we are stationed all over the world, I wonder what peace are we looking for?

[@whogg0521]

Man. Fantastic compilation. I never got to finish watching this series…He has ALWAYS been a great actor. I think he was ahead of his time. Imagine the roles he would have now.

[@fionam7768]

I mourned Fitz, I will mourn Mr Amos - they both made me feel better, more hopeful about this beaten up old world...😢

[@TimothyWhitfield-lu3lz]

This show was by far the best show on tv I loved this show and I must say I looked at this clip almost everyday RIP JOHN AMOS😊

[@mikesouthern7666]

John Amos….ABSOLUTE GOAT on the West Wing. May you Rest In Peace Admiral Fitzwallace.

[@avatarmikephantom153]

I had the honor of meeting John Amos over a decade ago when he had his one man show “Halley’s comet.” He was such a nice man and was willing to spend a moment talking to a fan. I have a picture with him. RIP legend.

[@jerielk.6975]

Fitz and Nancy McNally were brilliant in every scene they were both in. Really a highlight of the show. John Amos was also trailblazing in "Good Times." RIP John.

[@glenbateman5960]

One of my favorite characters on TWW, and brilliantly portrayed by Mr. Amos. RIP, Fitz.

[@brinkeguthrie]

THE BEST. "It's an honor to meet you." "Yes, I imagine it would be."

[@gregdeandrea1450]

17:05 "He can't cancel the trip Leo. You've got to tell him he can't cancel it." One of my favorite lines in the show.

[@ChrisColeChicago]

When Sorkin wants a line to hit hard, "You've got to..." is one of the ways he does it.

[@toolman55]

This was my favorite role Mr. Amos played. His recent death stands out in my mind as a heavy loss. He was on my short list of actors I truly enjoyed and respected.

[@pierrelevasseur2701]

Not to mention losing James Earl Jones around the same time. John Amos was not on my radar until I saw him on TWW. His first appearance, I thought, isn't that the guy from Good Times (which I didn't really watch)? He's good. How come we don't see more of him? With his passing, I read more about John Amos. He apparently clashed with the Good Times writers about the characters saying essentially that's not how black people think and act. All the writers were white. He got canned for it. So kudos to him for that in trying to put out a better product.

[@FlintF]

Name one TV series that came after The West Wing and equalled its quality. What an amazing parade of first class actors.

[@Jspooner1]

the newsroom but to be fair Aaron Sorkin wrote both

[@jackkarns2484]

Fair point, but Hill Street Blues from the 80s was a key series that helped lay the base for ensemble casts.

[@stevenevert9162]

From Good Times to West Wing and Everything in-between, John Amos gave us some Fantastic Acting. Thank You Mr. Amos, while we're going to be missing You, we've got a lot of Wonderful Memories of Your Work.

[@Ladco77]

"Is this gonna get ridiculous?" "Absolutely."

[@patticake4566]

Thank you John Amos. Your work was loved by many.

[@yutakatakagi3961]

Admiral Fitzwallace was my favorite recurring character! RIP John Amos.

[@jlee1522]

Man, Mr. Amos is so good. Every scene he was in is spectacular. RIP

[@tmoore4075]

This is perfect. RIP.

[@tommyg2660]

I’ve never watched this show but after this I’m about to binge the shit outta this show.

[@margarmargar1871]

You absolutely should!

[@integritymatters5114]

Colorado State University grad, met him a couple times. Nice guy.

[@Elthenar]

The first one is both one of my favorite bits with Fitzwallace and one of my all time favorite things from TV. It both asks a question i also ask, and provides both sides of the argument. Where Fitz shines is how Leo tries to talk over him to manage the president and Futz shuts him down and then respectfully but firmly corrects the president

[@rginla]

Rest in Peace, and thank you for all of your great works!

[@Paul-q9h]

Perfect acting, this guy is absolute class. RIP to you sir

[@johnmh1000]

Rest in quiet peace John. I loved and respected your wonderful acting in the West Wing. Thank You.

[@josephthomasjr.6551]

The writing on The West Wing was cracklingly intelligent. And the acting was-if humanly possible-even BETTER! With profuse apologies to the late, great Newton Norman Minow, not all of television is a "vast wasteland"!

[@NonSenseMcGee]

21:51 just classic. "You guys getting strippers or something?" RIP Mr. Amos!

[@arthurprice4460]

He dies in every TV series... Good Times.. West Wing..Roots...RIP... VERY GREAT ACTOR. ..😢😢😢😢😢

[@isisnmagic1812]

The west wing was the best show ever made for tv, they had the best actors and the best storylines.

[@blackcat4859]

I love the scene at 11:50 Bartlett and Fitzgerald went at it over the year but the level of respect Bartlett has for him at that moment is very touching. Two men always working for the common goal.

[@jwells1914]

RIP John Amos! Legendary actor and Admiral Fitzwallace was one of the best recurring characters ever written.

[@harborwolf22]

"Alright... You guys getting strippers or something?" One of the best delivered lines on the show.

[@billbubnis3128]

I totally forgot he was an actor in all of these scenes. He was THE definitive admiral.

[@Craigtuckett]

Humility. The President is telling you well done and instead of saying thank you, you congratulate the President. 😳👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@ryanmarshall3487]

11:05. I’ve watched this series more times than I can count, and I always wondered if Fitz got the answer about the carpet. Always wished that when he retired, that they would’ve had a quick scene that had Bartlet giving him the answer.

[@MrWhiterunGuard]

The Admiral is one of the few people able to go toe to toe with John McClane.

[@dgodfrey8953]

RIP...I wish they would have added the scene where he tells Leo he's got honest to God real battles to fight...

[@mattchadbourne7034]

Man, John Amos was such an underrated actor. He was absolutely brilliant in this role. He'll be missed.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing a great actor and a very very wonderful gentleman. Condolences to this gentleman and blessings to his family!❤

[@gussta1]

I loved every scene he was in....such a great character.

[@karenwagner6880]

Loved Fitz! ❤

[@whiskeytango9769]

This show was so well done.

[@lobby-3alliance196]

I loved John Amos as James, because he showed that Black men loved and cared about their families, going against the societal stereotype, and years later when I seen John Amos in this role, I was flabbergasted and joyful, yet felt a sense of pride in that character, because a Black man was in a position of power and respect and earned his way into the White House, well before Barack Obama came on the scene !

[@MyTruth1771]

❤

[@charlesvigneron565]

YES, YES, YES, goddammit I'll buy more seasons to watch. Awesome acting all around.

[@salesoperatives7179]

I love this show and have watched the entire series a few times. John Amos was my absolute favorite guest actor, and one of the best that has ever lived.

[@joemathis6551]

Nice!!! I, for one, would have liked to see the clip where Nancy McNally calls him Admiral Sissy-Mary.

[@spdcrzy]

12:33 "I never get to make this call" is such a sad line in retrospect.

[@gwhizz6627]

These scenarios are examples of why we have to have the very best in the oval office. It's not a game or reality show when it comes to our men and women in harm's way. We have some difficult days ahead America, I hope we can make the men & women that died in Nam proud. Never bow. Semper Fi

[@jlousy1901]

RIP... loved this role for John Amos... the range he carried was amazing

[@thetravelinpenshow9620]

Loved you with JJ...loved you with Akeem...and especially loved you with The West Wing. Thanks for the memories. You are sorely missed, Sir. RIP John Amos

[@WhisperingPeace]

Goodness, what an epically awesome show! The scripts were firstrate, especially in the early seasons. And John Amos is a forever fav of mine. ❤👍❤️

[@karmicbreath]

Ahhh now here's what I was waiting for! Good job, channel!

[@KhemistryIBMOR]

The late John Amos was a great actor. Rest in peace.

[@RandyandJenniferBahr]

My favorite character on the series. So good.

[@tyronehenry8183]

Admiral Fitzwallace. MY all time favorite John Amos roll!!! R.I.P.🙏

[@gigibluestockings5168]

Thank you.😌🎉

[@MrKbsweeney]

I never agreed with the politics, but I love this show to this day. So smart.

[@belloutdoors5217]

Thats the way it should be. Both parties wanting the best for America but debate the policies that we disagree on.

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

There was a lot of TWW that I didn't see. Looking forward to watching the series again in its entirety, and seeing John Amos again as ADM Fitzwallace.

[@mattwho81]

Opening scenes remind of a line from Yes Prime Minister: “When politicians demand options we give them 3 choices, two of which upon examination are exactly the same and the third will lead to WW3 within 72hours.”

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

I loved John Amos in this role. He was perfect for it. Rest in Peace Mr Amos. What an actor.

[@Ritapita73]

I miss both these men so, SO much.

[@davecrupel2817]

"give me your parents phone number. I never get to make this call." Got that line is both hilarious, and simply beautiful. 😂❤❤❤

[@rottingcorpse6002]

I grew up watching John Amos. So glad I got to enjoy him in "The West Wing". Thanks for your craft work, Mr.Amos.

[@reginaldshort8486]

I wish someone had the brains to make Mr. Amos the star of his own series. He could’ve been a judge, business tycoon, secretary of state or even the Head of State. He will be missed.

[@cdjhyoung]

We have watch for a year what the non-proportional response would look like as the Israelis take on the Arab world after the October 7 attacks. Of the many great performances on West Wing, John Amos always delivered such a strong, moral character in a show that dealt with often less moral out comes. From what I understand, that moral fiber existed in his off screen personal life also. Rest in Peace Mr. Amos.

[@mikeg12345]

Funny enough that’s a good point, though I’d argue they don’t have the luxury of dealing in proportionality given their geopolitical reality. But an interesting point and connection to the scene nonetheless. Ah John Amos…what a loss…

[@fjkulwin]

West Wing was amazing.

[@mickimurr]

Percy Fitzwallace was one of the stalwart characters of the show. This was a great scene and Sam going out after him totally belittled his own stance as the Admiral finished with "Ya"..

[@mikeanagnostou4399]

John Amos and John Spencer were my two favorite actors in The West Wing. When they were in a scene you couldn’t take your eyes off of them.

[@jockinafrock]

A titan. Besides the towering performance of John Amos, the writing of the character is sublime. Aaron Sorkin nailed this. We should get Sorkin to write Admiral Fitzwallace's entire backstory into a series. Imagine watching him enlist, and come up through the ranks to become Chairman. Suggestions to play Fitz at various stages of his career? I'll kick off with Michael B Jordan as a young Navy recruit.