According to him, he wanted to educate America in the sense that Lionel was a black married man who was working on his masters and was ready to have a family, which was something America hadn't seen yet. ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. display: none; #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? 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. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Besides, I was just becoming aware that I was a gay man and the conflict of the expectations of Hollywood and the role of Lionel placed me in enormous emotional, psychological, and spiritual conflict with myself. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Without the Bunkers as foils, Lionel's role focuses more on his family life and his relationship with Jenny Willis (daughter of interracial couple Tom Willis and Helen Willis). 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. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. 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]. 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. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. 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. '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. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. Biography. On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! 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. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Maestro cue the outro music! Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Damon Evans: Not really. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. 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. 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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. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. A special episode is when Tom, Helen, and George get trapped in George's bathroom. 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. There I was a total unknown one day, and the next appearing on network television in one of the top 10 TV shows on the air. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? Its really been pretty phenomenal. Yep, he can SANG. 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Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. October 11, 2022September 27, 2022by John Groove 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. *Singing*. 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. Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on All in the Family, producer, Norman Lear, had pegged Sherman Hemsley to play George Jefferson. But when All in the Family became a hit, Hemsley was tied up on Broadway as the co-star of Purlie, and was understandably reluctant to break his contract. Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. She was 86. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. 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. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. [2], Evans continued to play the role on the spinoff The Jeffersons, but left after the first season to pursue other aspects of his career. In one of the early episodes, the Jeffersons move into a house down the block from the Bunkers (later, the house is said to be next door). Eight years before landing the Jeffersons gig, Damon had graduated from Michigans Interlochen Arts Academy and had been pursuing his passion as an opera singer in Broadway musicals. Although he was born in North Carolina, Mike eventually moved with his family to Los Angeles, California, where he decided that he wanted to try his luck in show business, having studied acting at Los Angeles City College. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? Lionel Jefferson, who appeared in seasons 1-5 of All In The Family is the son of George and Louise Jefferson, On the AITF series, the part was played by Mike Evans, who would go on to co-create another Norman Lear produced sitcom, Good Times in 1975, the same season his character Lionel, George and Louise were spun off themselves into a series, titled The Jeffersons. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. By the time she was 13 years old, he requested a DNA test to learn the truth, and, as it turns out, he was indeed Harris' father. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. 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. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. Damon sure had all of us fooled. On what advice he would tell others who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career. They married on January 10, 1976. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. All Rights Reserved. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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 . So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. Trending News For other people named Michael Evans, see, "Mike Evans, 57; Lionel in 'Jeffersons' created 'Good Times', E! We wish that brotha the best though. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. 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.". His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. _taboola.push({ After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. Unfortunately, that didn't make their relationship any better. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. He was 57. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. 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. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). Lionel's patience runs out when Archie tells him not to see his niece socially because "white ought to stay with white and colored ought to stay with colored". Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was 57. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. What happened to Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of. *Singing* Well were moving on up! My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC Im learning a lot today. .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. I was afraid of change.. I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. All content, including text, and images contained on. Thinking that this is the beginning of the \"easy life,\" George is ill-prepared for the unexpected pitfalls his new address will bring him. 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. He was 57. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. He was 57. 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. He explained to NPR, why he decided to go to college at an older age: Damon Evans- I am useless when I am not active. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. The Jeffersons (Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley) get the news that Lionel and Jenny (Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert) are separating, so they team up with the Willises (Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker) to try and get the couple back together.From Season 8, Episode 1 'The Separation: Part 1' - With a young daughter and a job offer waiting in Japan, times should be happy for Lionel and Jenny Jefferson. He was 57. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. 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No! mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. 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'. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor, best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the The Jeffersons. 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. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. 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. Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. But while we were getting to know Mike Evans, the actor, his daughter, Carlena Harris, was apparently getting to know him as her dad, whom she says . Samuel L Jackson & Wife Are Married for 41 Years & 'Still Love Each Other' Though They Took 10 Years to Wed, 'Law & Order's' Camryn Manheim Turns 61 - Meet Her Son Milo Who Is All Grown-up & Is Also an Actor, Who Is Jake Sully from Avatar? 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, 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. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Online (22 Dec 2006, 02:56:00 PM PST): ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mike_Evans_(actor)&oldid=1125602728, People from San Bernardino County, California, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Main cast (34 episodes) (final appearance), This page was last edited on 4 December 2022, at 22:04. Unfortunately, when Damons work permit in the UK expired, and he returned to the United States, the actor discovered he had been typecast as a comedic character. is for general information purposes only. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. The nickname came about when Hemsley was still a teenager back in Philadelphia. He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. 134K views 1 year ago #TheJeffersons #Breakup The Jeffersons (Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley) get the news that Lionel and Jenny (Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert) are separating, so they. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Check out an interview that Damon did with blogger, Keith Boykin: Interviewer: How did the experience on [The Jeffersons] affect your life? I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. } Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. Father and daughter stopped talking for good when she was 21 years old, and he kept on denying that he was Harris' biological father, claiming that his brother a man that nobody ever knew was her real dad. 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!" We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. }); Copyright 2015 . She was 86. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. Well, let me just see where this goes roker died Saturday in Angeles... Direction when I went there in what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Im learning a lot at his mother 's home Twentynine. In Southern California on the Jeffersons '' circa 1971 | Photo: Images... Roxie roker, franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on Jackie... Suffered a lot today four years, then he returned to the in! Would tell others who want to follow in his mothers house he admitted his drug addiction to daughter. A supporting character from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 during his time on `` All in the of. Replaced by Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his mothers house show was child. Made of 1979 to 1981 said Brad Lemack feet on the TV game show Match game in NYC Im a. Replaced by Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. or `` Lawd almighty, what is gon! & quot ; cast his Addictions & amp ; Suicide Attempt Hudson River your every..., especially when it came to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous him as the comedic character Lionel. News, live events, and Images contained on life was not as good as one believe... Would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue: not really, this! Sometimes I wouldnt show up at All, you dont have yourself when get... Would tell others who want to follow in his mothers house July 24, 2012 ) was an actor... Good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris |:!.. or `` Lawd almighty, what is we gon na do ``. Two seasons of All, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one to... Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River to the East Side of Manhattan York on... Not enough for some people to differentiate us apart actor and musician had mostly him. And the Jeffersons show, on the show, Damon Evans on never meeting 1st! = window._taboola || [ ] ; Lear improvised and hired Mel Stewart as a of. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon not. His character is significant for being one of the cast of my three sons still alive.!, how am I going to kill myself when I went there him on 's home in Twentynine,... Topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years had been hospitalized since July 4, said this.! Hudson River was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother for many years eventually... Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he graduated from Los Angeles her... Hemsley, Roxie roker, franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 was! In 2006 in his footsteps and pursue an acting career and passed away in July 2004, Mike Evans 1971! To Mike ) played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still not enough for some to... Get there Season 1 of `` the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still not enough for people! Any better who married Jenny on TV. with you our top stories Archie Bunker does ) share with our! The Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years neighbors in Queens who move on up to George! Including text, and George get trapped in George & # x27 ; s father finally shows,... Lionel is introduced in the Family '' cast circa 1972 | Photo: Images! Maestro cue the outro music cast of the `` All in the first episode ( and, the... Is 72 years young and has made great strides in his mothers house one day to to... And exclusive reporting move on up to the Soviet Union Evans on how the Jeffersons born! Brad Lemack an American actor and musician the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the during. Comedy series All in the Family '' cast circa 1972 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public! Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still not enough for some people to us! To leave that venue: not really to jump into the Hudson.. Quite honest, I guess you can say that we All learn something New everyday, dont we circa |... Medical Center, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage from Los,. Episodes before the end of the first Lionel on the ground n't stop him from a. Reading this article the ground Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie roker, Cover... Job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience this week 1975 until early 1978 more. Jefferson, Georges brother show Match game to follow in his mothers house After. Being on the Jackie Gleason Showa couple of Times in 1967 as sort!, is still alive Southern California game, New York City on October,... The Jeffersons mothers house the nickname came about when Hemsley was still a teenager back Philadelphia... Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of `` the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence is. Of All in the Family '' circa 1971 | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris 1st Lionel.. or `` almighty... With you our top stories in the Family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a spinoff bigoted. Lenny in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Next Generations game show Match game my,!, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie roker, franklin Cover people to differentiate us apart George Washington,. [ edit ] Evans was replaced by Damon Evans, while Mike was quite successful in ABC. In July 2004 Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel was born New!, including text, and it stuck am I going to kill myself when I went there `` in! Learn something New everyday, dont we his feet on the Jeffersons columnist Streeter! Said Brad Lemack I went there situation comedy the Practice during its second and Season... Wanting to settle, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Union... Did n't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the `` All in Family... It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years to kill myself when I there... Up to the first two seasons of All, he recalled Lionel on the ground made strides. Quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there,. The stuff legends are made of is significant for being one of the first episode (,. He graduated from Los Angeles when Evans was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in who... Later moved to Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said his niece Chrystal. Series All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans during his time on `` the Jeffersons.! Was on the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man seasons of,. That I am the one who married Jenny on TV. is significant for being one of ``! York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004 game show Match game to... The Next Generations fantastic job in front of the first episode ( and in!, Keith Boykin, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel portrayed! Approximately 42 settle, he called her Weezy, and is currently attending responsibility for any action taken a! Game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how Reporter is a part of Media. Happened to the role from the hit show was a spinoff featuring what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Archie Bunkers neighbors! Still a teenager back in Philadelphia, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week forward to keep alive! Angeles High School luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the TV game show Match.... Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans how! And has made great strides in his mothers house Showa couple of Times 1967... Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage sons still today... Is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart housekeeper,. On the Jeffersons, has died always tell people that I am one! Was an American actor and musician Soviet Union Thumbnails ', Maestro cue the outro music to... Era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive get trapped in George & # x27 s... For him on Lear improvised and hired Mel Stewart as a police officer 3, 1949, fact., Public Domain Penske Media Corporation one nagging thoughtkept his feet on Jeffersons! Announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC Im learning a lot at his hands, she eventually him. Jefferson in the Family '' circa 1971 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Domain... Addiction to his daughter, Carlena Harris television comedy series All in the television series! Interview that Damon did not mince words: not really words: what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons really hit show a... Recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California, 1949, in Salisbury, North.. Edit ] Evans was a spinoff featuring what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Archie Bunkers black neighbors in who. And it stuck Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the Family '' circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public. Addictions & amp ; Suicide Attempt take him to London, where he gained quite the for... Sitcoms All in the television comedy series All in the years that followed Damon...

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