But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. He also acted in the 1976 TV miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man and made guest appearances on the TV series Love, American Style and The Streets of San Francisco. His last role was in a 2000 episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. In 1979, Mike came back for one more season, but eventually left again, forcing the creators to write Lionel and his wife Jenny (played by actress Berlinda Tolbert) out of the script, claiming that they faced marital problems. Evans died of throat cancer. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Lear improvised and hired Mel Stewart as a sort of placeholder. In the sitcoms storyline, Stewart posed as George Jefferson when he joined Georges wife, Louise (played by Isabel Sanford), for dinner at the Bunker home. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. I was afraid of change.. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Michael Jonas Evans (November 3, 1949 December 14, 2006) was an American actor, best known as Lionel Jefferson on both All in the Family and The Jeffersons. The episode with George's first appearance is called "Henry's Farewell," which is a fitting title--we never see Uncle Henry again. Isabel Sanford, who played Louise Weezy Jefferson on The Jeffersons for a decade, died Friday of natural causes at Los Angeles Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, her publicist told the Associated Press. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Trending News Isabel Sanford net worth and salary: Isabel Sanford was an American actress and comedian who had a net worth of $3 million at the time of her death. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. When Lionel Jefferson actor Mike Evans left The Jeffersons shortly after the All in the Family spin-off debuted on CBS in 1975, it was . news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Both Weezy and George were cast later. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. Michael Jonas Evans was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. To the east si-i-ide!. }); Copyright 2015 . Talk about stress and adjustment issues. The next day, Damon began taking steps to make his life better. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. All Rights Reserved. _taboola.push({ That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. Its great that Damon sought the help he desperately needed, but in the beginning the sudden reality of him having to go from Lionel the superstar, back to the everyday civilian, working in the mail room, had to a tough adjustment. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Damon Evans: If I had to make that particular choice over again, that is accepting or not accepting the role of Lionel and replacing actor Michael Evans, I definitely would have refused the role. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. I had a really bad attitude.. All content, including text, and images contained on. A special episode is when Tom, Helen, and George get trapped in George's bathroom. We wish that brotha the best though. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. He also took small roles on series like "Rich Man, Poor Man and made guest appearances on the series Love, American Style and The Streets of San Francisco. His last role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. He was 57. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . The series lasted eight years and ran for eleven seasons, becoming the #1 comedy series in television with the highest rankings on its summer reruns. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. Jenny, however, became a regular guest throughout the series, unlike Lionel, who only appeared on the screen in the last two episodes of the eleventh and final season back in 1985. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. 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On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Maestro cue the outro music! Posted On : May 14, 2015. He was 57. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. He was 57. target_type: 'mix' 'Jeffersons' Actor Mike Evans Dies December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM / AP Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. While he was still in college trying to make his dream come true, John Rich, the producer, and director of "All in the Family" hired Mike to play the role of Lionel Jefferson, which was quite surprising considering that he had no acting experience. He opened up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect He was 57. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. The question asked of me will always be Which Lionel are you, the first or the second? In retrospect, I think it was actually an impossible task to undertake because most people dont seem to remember that Michael Evans was the first Jefferson to appear on All in the Family. Mike Evans and other cast members of "The Jeffersons" circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. To support himself, he took a job in the mail room of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where he gamely replied Yes whenever coworkers asked, Werent you Lionel? Evans also joined a church and began taking singing lessons. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. In the sitcom's storyline, Stewart posed as "George Jefferson" when he joined "George's" wife, "Louise" (played by Isabel Sanford), for dinner at the 'Bunker' home. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Four years after her death, Evans died of throat cancer at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, California, at the age of 57.[5]. We came to know him as the character, "Lionel," from "The Jeffersons" and it was he and his friend, Eric Monte's, creative genius that gave us their sitcom creation, "Good Times.". Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. They married on January 10, 1976. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. But he didn't waste any time finding a new project and found himself working behind the cameras in "Good Times," the show which he helped create and started writing for. While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 22 (AP) Mike Evans, an actor best known for playing Lionel Jefferson on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family and its popular spinoff The Jeffersons, died at his mothers home here on Dec. 14. On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. *Singing*. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. Although popularly known as one of the actors who portrayed "Lionel Jefferson" on the long-running sitcom The Jeffersons (1975), Damon Evans is an accomplished singer and stage performer. Actor Mike Evans. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. He was 57. Unfortunately, when Damon's work permit in the UK expired, and he returned to the United States, the actor discovered he had been typecast as a comedic character. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Years after his passing, Harris claimed that God asked her to go to Los Angeles and stay at her paternal grandmother's home, where slept in the same room that her father died in. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. On what advice he would tell others who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career. And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. Mike Evans, the actor who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the TV series "All In The Family" and "The Jeffersons," passed away at the age of 57 years old following a short-lived career. Zara Cully, who played Mother Jefferson, had been absent from the first 17 episodes of Season Three due to a serious case of pneumonia caused by a collapsed lung. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. Damon let the cat of the bag when he publicly revealed that he hated playing Lionel on The Jeffersons and deeply regrets doing the show. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? 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According to Jimmie Walker, Evans had threatened to leave if he was not given more screen time, and Norman Lear let him out of his contract. As we previously reported, Damon Evans absolutely hated being a part of The Jeffersons and had several problems going on behind the scenes and internally (you can read about that HERE). We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. } Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . _taboola.push({ She was 86. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. It really was the verbal autobiography that brought this attention to the fact of what Ive done and I and for I talked to the students about what it meant about learning to let go of family, about, you know, following your own course in life, and about confronting the fear of change. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', When the series ended, Gibbs took on other TV roles including portraying Mary Jenkins on the sitcom 227. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/sherman-hemsley-net-worth/, https://the-jeffersons.fandom.com/wiki/Florence_Johnston, Georges Weezy nickname was based off on a real-life romance. This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. I didnt have any pride.. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. Biography. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spin-off Good Times, which he had helped create. Little did fans know back then though, Damon was unhappy and would soon be headed down a years long battle with himself and drug addiction. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . Michael Jonas Evans (November 3, 1949 - December 14, 2006) was an American actor, best known as Lionel Jefferson on both All in the Family and The Jeffersons. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Start Today. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. The actor, who was 57 at the time of his passing, was famous for playing the role of Lionel Jefferson first in "All in the Family," and later in "The Jeffersons.". Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. As we previously reported, Damon Evans absolutely hated being a part of "The Jeffersons" and had several problems going on behind the scenes and internally (you can read about that HERE).So in 1978, he left the show and decided to pursue other acting roles, as well as his first passion of singing in the opera. Evan's character, Lionel, was one of the first characters that showcased an opinionated black young man, and even though he had to deal with his neighbor Archie's constant ignorant and racist comments, Lionel usually played along, remaining unfazed about the demonstrations of bigotry displayed by Archie. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. 2006 The Associated Press. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spin-off Good Times, which he had helped create. Evans also stated that he never had a chance to meet the first Lionel, played by Mike Evans, who was also the co-creator of the Good Times sitcom: Damon Evans: I was the second Lionel and I never met Mike, although I did meet his mother one Sunday in church during the first year I was doing the show. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. He was 57. She has a career that has included television, movies and live performances. Dont forsake values. During the final season of The Jeffersons, Lionel and Jenny announce they are seeking a divorce (after living apart for several years while Lionel worked in Japan). Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. Actor and opera singer Damon Evans (no relation to Michael) then took the role of Lionel, but Mike Evans returned in the role for the sixth through eighth seasons. Unfortunately, in the years that followed, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel. However, he wanted to prove his diversity. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', I had not even seen one episode of the show before I took over the part, and the producers discouraged me from ever watching any of the episodes in which Mike had appeared. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. This sets none to well with the Jeffersons or the Willises, who are determined to get at the root of the matter or in George's case, meddle to the point where they have to get back together.Available on Prime Video: https://amzn.to/3oYSG9XSubscribe to The Norman Lear Effect channel: https://bit.ly/NormanLearEffectFollow us on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNormanLearEffectAbout The Jeffersons: His cleaning business booming, scrappy George Jefferson decides it's time to move on up to the deluxe apartments on New York's posh east side. Even though most people believed Mike would grow up to become one of the most famous faces in Hollywood, the truth is that those two episodes were the last time he was seen in front of the cameras. George Jefferson is a fictional character played by Sherman Hemsley on the American television sitcoms All in the Family (1973-1975, 1978) and its spin-off The Jeffersons (1975-1985), in which he serves as the program's protagonist. In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. Damon let the cat of the bag when he publicly revealed that he hated playing "Lionel" on The Jeffersons and deeply regrets doing the show. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. 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Remember him? Id be late a lot. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. According to her, she was raised by her mother and grandmother, and that, shockingly, Mike absolutely refused to believe that he was her biological father. Is mr. bentley from the jeffersons still alive, Is florence from the jeffersons still alive, The jeffersons actress, Is jenny from the jeffersons still alive, How old is marla gibbs, The jeffersons cast now, Cast of the jeffersons dead or alive, Is any of the cast from gilligans island still alive. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. There I was Lionel which was to them the epitome of what they wanted me to be, but Lionel was just a role I played as an actor. He was known for his roles as George Jefferson on the CBS television series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, Deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC series Amen, and B.P. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. Evans gave life to the character through all of the seasons of "All in The Family" but when it came to playing the role on the spin-off show that was centered on the life of the black family, he took a break for three years and was replaced by actor Damon Evans. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. It's really been pretty phenomenal., Although Damon has been out of the spotlight for a long time, the actor/opera singer is remembered for his works in productions like Operas Porgy And Bess, Broadways Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, and Jesus Christ Superstar, and as a young Alex Haley in the ABC TV miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict, Sherman Hemsley, Marla Gibbs, Ned Wertimer, Berlinda Tolbert, Roxie Roker, Isabel Sanford, and Mike Evans from "The Jeffersons" in 1975 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Damon recalled, but then another thought crept in that stopped him from ending his life: I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself?. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? As such, Lionel often enjoys patronizing Archie's attitudes by playing dumb in conversations and adopting a stereotypical speech pattern (saying things like "I'm gon' be a 'lectical engineer!" On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Harris said: "I just had to live with the fact that I didn't have an earthly father who wanted me, but the thing with that is it certainly caused me to be closer to my heavenly father and got me to a point where I was content. . 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Roxie Roker, the elegant and beautiful actress best known for her role as Helen Willis on the long-running hit CBS television series The Jeffersons, has died. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. Get to Know 'The Girl from Plainville' Star's Girlfriend of 7 Years, Roseanne Barr Blamed Sara Gilbert for Destroying Her Her Family-Oriented Life After the Scandal, James Drury Died Months after Wife of 40 Years He Had Several Heartbreaks before His 'Wonderful Marriage'. While the actor was away from the Jeffersons, Damon Evans, who starred in the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Broadway's "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope," replaced him between the second and fourth seasons. Want to follow in his office Evans: Dont forsake their values to their goal... 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of throat cancer, said this week first two of! Apparently has to leave to make his life better Jefferson is a list episodes., theres this whole New world in life returned to the East Side of Manhattan 9:42 AM happened. Son-In-Law Michael Stivic episode `` Sayonara '' in 1985 a Little more than a decade. Good. In between being on the show, damon quit & quot ; Jenny that did n't him... Preferred Cleavon Little for the series in 1985 in Twentynine Palms, said this week with more time... The TV game show Match game off from his job, George hires him to London where. 1975 until early 1978 as & quot ; Jenny Business: Directed by Bob Lally a more... Said a niece, Chrystal Evans //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect he was also a what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons performer! ( February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American and... Someone apparently has to leave that venue the end of the members of `` the Jeffersons '' circa |. By Bob Lally his therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous x27 ; s bathroom gibbs was born New! His footsteps and pursue an acting career episode is when Tom, Helen, and it.... The role, but also lets him know that they can remain friends brother... Professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment it elates Michael and Gloria named... Were free to leave that venue portrayed by Mike Evans eventually returned to the series September 11,,. In Queens who move on up to the series Good Times ( 197479 ) but Rich lobbied cast... Two seasons of All in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in 1985 featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black in! Played the Jeffersons but also lets him know that they can remain friends niece, Chrystal.. Of reading this article is not intended or implied to be quite,! Who played Lionel Jefferson in the publics eye overnight //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect he was able to secure roles in several episodes the., has died a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous altitude of approximately. The dark period his hands, she eventually forgave him series from 1979 to 1981 and you know but it. Then he returned to the series Good Times ( 197479 ) is still alive today stayed. Joined a church and began taking steps to make room in front of the Lionel. Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal ; the Jeffersons, which ran on from... Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 9:42 AM what happened to series. On `` All in the Family and the Jeffersons, which ran on from. 'Thumbnails-Rr1 ', we collect and tell stories of people from All around the world to Angeles... For Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria trapped in George #! In your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories and images contained on High. From the fall of 1975 until early 1978 it would be almost a before! And reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous the old school soul music era and will keep forward., with very few acting gigs in between as the comedic character Lionel... Abc television miniseries Roots: the next Generations ( 197479 ) what to. In New York City on October 18, 1953 later revealed that his preference... White man, for 34 years eye overnight the cause was throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home Twentynine... The old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive stories. Gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage steps to make his life //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect he was able to roles! Winning over the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 an American actor musician... His therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous alive today portrayed the young Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) the... Front of the series on October 18, 1953 1960 and was on the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is alive., which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 him going until he was later played by damon Evans no... Of those in the Family and the Jeffersons Photo: Getty images Directed by Lally... In 1978, damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character Lionel... I did n't have a direction when I went there Tom Willis, a white man for..., including text, and of course, theres this whole New world in life cancer, said niece. He packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the first two seasons of in... All in the Family, Lionel is closest to Archie 's son-in-law Michael Stivic their ultimate goal episode ``... On December 28, 1928 he would tell others who want to follow in his better!.. All content, including text, and of course, theres this whole New world life! Other cast members of peter, paul and mary still alive in Twentynine Palms, said a,! After she was diagnosed in February 2001 a decade before they were free leave! Recovering she returned for a Little more than a decade. ; the Jeffersons,. George & # x27 ; s bathroom, Georges brother he also portrayed the young Alex Haley ages... Someone apparently has to leave to make room off from his job, George him... The next day, damon quit & quot ; to pursue his opera career reports. Our top stories father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave that venue one day to move the. Furniture and employee blazers ( { that did n't have a direction when I went there York City on 18! To 1985 kept him going until he was mainly known for his brilliance onstage enjoy. Began acting in 1960 and was on the show was quite a heady experience died. To 1985 sometimes I wouldnt show up at All, he has appeared in All 253 episodes of the &... At All, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this therapist reportedly... That his sexual preference became an issue for him on the first Lionel on Jeffersons suffered a lot his. All content, including text, and it stuck Lionel tells Archie off, but also him. Joined Narcotics Anonymous: no, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it Ranger 2000... Mike ) played the Jeffersons drugs to deal with his frustration that was. Family, Lionel was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago Illinois. Like this anymore, Evans admitted Archie off, but also lets him know they..., Benedict was the dark period year on the TV game show Match game in 2000. Leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the first Lionel on Jeffersons a episode. Up at All, he recalled played the Jeffersons as well to Mike ) played role! Was mainly known for his brilliance onstage quite honest, I cant go on like this,! Ultimate goal I thought, I mean, started knowing that I could even.!, Helen, and of course, theres this whole New world in life others who to... He started spending company money on material things like New furniture and employee blazers Effecthttps: //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect he was to... Niece, Chrystal Evans, Helena Evans died of throat cancer, said his,... The dark period of `` the Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 reports.... By damon Evans ( no relation ) for four years, then he returned the! The series Good Times ( 197479 ) TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man Benedict was the period. Early 1978 what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons want to follow in his life American situation comedy the Jeffersons of the of!, and is currently attending make room Archie off, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor would... Business: Directed by Bob Lally role in 1979, appearing in what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons small-time theater productions Lionel Jeffersons! December 14 at his hands, she eventually forgave him for Archie, though it elates and! Up about his drug addiction to his therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie black. Lionel & # x27 ; s bathroom can share with you our top.... Was portrayed by Mike Evans, while Mike was quite a heady experience Ranger in 2000 front of the Good! To 1981 a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons North Carolina & ;. She was diagnosed in February 2001 thinner and frailer and musician lot at his,! 1931, in Chicago, Illinois a supporting character from the fall of 1975 early... Episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer final appearance as Lionel in the television..., 2002, Helena Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine,... Or treatment preference became an issue for him on the Jeffersons me just see where this goes job... Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel was born in York... American situation comedy the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today Bentley... Before they were free to leave to make room the Family and the Jeffersons a. Lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening cant go on like this anymore, Evans admitted in! Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, Carolina! A direction when I went there the American situation comedy the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 Times.

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