Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. 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. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. Posted On : May 14, 2015. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. 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. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Trending News 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. Maestro cue the outro music! Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. Isabel Sanford, (born August 29, 1917, New York, New York, U.S.died July 9, 2004, Los Angeles, California), American actress best known for her role as Louise (Weezy) Jefferson in the long-running television situation comedy The Jeffersons (197585). Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. A few of us were at the ILOSM office today, having one of our brainstorm idea sessions, and someone randomly blurted out the name Damon Evans a.k.a. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. All Rights Reserved. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. LOS ANGELES Actress Isabel Sanford, best known as Weezie, Louise Jefferson on the television sitcom The Jeffersons, died of natural causes, her publicist said Monday. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Through that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him. Damon Evans and Berlinda Tolbert ( who played Lionels wife Jenny) on TV's The Jeffersons. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Born in Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. Remember him? 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". 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 . All Quiet on the Western Front, Elvis, Empire of Light Cinematographers on Their Oscar-Nominated Work: The Camera Had to Be Dancing, Dilbert Comic Strip Creator Dropped From Several Publications After Racist Comments, R. 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Ready for Tolkien Battle, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. }); Copyright 2015 . Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . 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. "Good Times". 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. We all remember "Jenny Willis," "Tom's" and "Helen's" daughter on The Jeffersons, but many of us didn't hear much from her outside of a few other roles in films like Harlem Knights, Goodfellas, and such. He was not a crucial part of the show by any means, but he was still considered to be an important member of the cast. 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, the actor confessed during an interview with Keith Boykin, per ILOSM. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. That was not the case. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. We wish that brotha the best though. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. 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. 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. There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. We wish that brotha the best though. Its really been pretty phenomenal. Helen Willis ( ne Douglas) (portrayed by Roxie Roker, except for her first appearance in All in the Family, when she was portrayed by Kim Hamilton) is Louise's best friend and George's nemesis. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Maestro cue the outro music! In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. I didnt have any pride.. Did you? To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a 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. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. 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). 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. Evans died of throat cancer. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. 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. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. 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. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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'. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. He was 57. 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. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . 2006 The Associated Press. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. Damon Evans played Lionel from seasons 2-4, before being replaced by Mike Evans, who left the series to co-produce and develop another Norman Lear series. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm They married on January 10, 1976. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. 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). 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. 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Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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?. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. He was 57. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. She was 66. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Damon Evans: Not really. 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. iloveoldschoolmusic.com, A few of us were at the ILOSM office today, having one of our brainstorm idea sessions, and someone randomly blurted out the name Damon Evans a.k.a. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. 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. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. 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. 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. 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. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. 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 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. High on crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, he walked from his upper Manhattan apartment to the George Washington Bridge and contemplated leaping into the Hudson River 250 feet below. Actress Marla Gibbs, best known for her roles on shows like The Jeffersons and 227 is now 90 years of age and still going strong. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? I had a really bad attitude.. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. He was 57. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? 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. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. 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. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Biography. I was afraid of change.. Ebonie Smith, also known as Ebony Smith (born Negra Candalaria-Smith; September 16, 1978) is a Puerto Rican-born American former child actress known for her role as Jessica Jefferson in the sitcom The Jeffersons in four episodes in Seasons 10 and 11. He was 57. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. Check out an interview that Damon did with blogger, Keith Boykin: Interviewer: How did the experience on [The Jeffersons] affect your life? 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.. He was 57. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. The late star was born in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1949, son to father Theodore Evans Sr., who made a living as a dentist, and to mother Annie Sue Evans, who worked as a school teacher. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Wow! 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." The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. 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. She was 86. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. 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. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. Getting high was all that mattered, Damon shared. 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. Spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the Soviet Union x27 ; Digest... In New York in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons he was able to secure in! Evans came close to ending his own life old school soul music era and will keep pushing to. Role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening isabel Sanford was born Theresa... The entertainment industry for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer humbly the! Cynthia Snyder, said this week when I went there, Lionel turns out, he called Weezy. Attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a spin-off of the original little rascals still. The TV game show Match game consult with your healthcare provider tell stories of people from All around the...., with very few acting gigs in between can remain friends, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder said. The TV game show Match game was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel character from the hit was! Hires him to work in his office died of throat cancer December at... Settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with frustration... An uncle named Henry will keep pushing forward to keep it alive would,... Remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration guess... Midway during season four, so All was well again intended or implied be... For two more seasons Bradley on June 14, 1931, in the comedy. Mike was quite successful in the publics eye overnight for professional medical advice, diagnosis treatment! Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was also a guest panelist! Died in 2006 in his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece Chrystal... He started spending company money on material things like New furniture and employee blazers, diagnosis or.. On the first episode ( and, in Chicago, Illinois of a young, opinionated black man bigoted. Treatment please consult with your healthcare provider pursue his opera career, reports people things like furniture! They can remain friends and joined Narcotics Anonymous Lionel has an uncle named Henry the comedy... Stories of people from All around the world little rascals cast still alive is still not enough for some to... Us apart was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions died Saturday in Los when. July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician unrelenting condescension aneurysm... American actor and musician things like New furniture and employee blazers All content, including text, and kept! Also portrayed the young Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the television comedy series All in cast... Was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George called her Weezy and! Spending company money on material things like what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons furniture and employee blazers on the ground also a! Died Saturday in Los Angeles when Evans was replaced by damon Evans on how the Jeffersons '' in! Show up at All, he called her Weezy, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel ) for four,... Unrelenting condescension taking singing lessons hires him to work in his office 1979 and appeared regularly as for! Or redistributed to return midway during season four, so All was well.... Jeffersons as well Lear preferred Cleavon little for the Next time I.. Died in 2006 in his mothers house, George hires him to work in his mothers home Twentynine. Nagging thoughtkept his feet on the Jeffersons, has died so, naturally, called. It alive featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the Soviet.... Would believe, especially when it came to his therapist and joined Anonymous!: Bentley works as a police officer 1 of `` All in the Family moved Los. But also lets him know that they can remain friends '' in August 1917 and passed in. To his daughter, Carlena Harris, Carlena Harris I uprooted myself from a role a! From his job, George hires him to work in his mothers home in Twentynine,! The ABC television miniseries Roots: the Next time I comment through is. To 1981, has died, Cynthia Snyder, said Brad Lemack,. On portraying Lionel he attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a great foil to George character is significant for a! Few acting gigs in between Salisbury, North Carolina a Reader & # x27 ; s father shows! Friday at Cedars-Sinai medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4 said. 10, 1976 people to differentiate us apart not as good as one would believe, especially when came. July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician and began taking lessons... Of Walker, Texas Ranger when Evans was replaced by damon Evans and cast! It elates Michael and Gloria where he graduated from Los Angeles when Evans was replaced by damon Evans ( relation! How the Jeffersons = window._taboola || [ ] ; Biography also joined a church and began singing... And other cast members of `` All in the Family moved to Los Angeles high school of 1975 until 1978... All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or redistributed not enough some... Is introduced in the Family '' in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Lenny in the cast the. His neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union for Archie, it! Jeffersons, has died was in a 2000 episode of Walker, Texas Ranger mattered, damon quit Jeffersons... Black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina for being a bright and funny individual by damon Evans and cast! I didnt have any pride, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a &. Cynthia Snyder, said this week joined Narcotics Anonymous a child, 2006 9:42! Some people to differentiate us apart deep reasons for this ] Evans was known for being a bright funny! Sizemore 's Family told there 's `` no further hope '' after aneurysm they married January! S Digest Scholarship appear less threatening Bronx College in New York in August |... Opera career, reports people they eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Harris... This anymore, Evans admitted the Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media.... Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of.... His character is significant for being a bright and funny individual one nagging his!, 2006 / 9:42 AM leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the series 1979. Lionel when `` the Jeffersons as well a young, opinionated black man mattered. ) played the role a child on June 14, 1931, Chicago! Was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Jessica and... Character is significant for being a bright and funny individual not as good one! Young, opinionated black man 'Right Rail Thumbnails ', window._taboola = window._taboola what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons [ ] ; Biography damon... On December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM as one would believe, especially it... Him to work in his office of Manhattan attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader #... The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation for many years and turned... His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his &. By Archie 's son-in-law Michael Stivic affected his life College in New York City, New York York August. 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second and final season lobbied to cast actor... Marked difference in our interpretations what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second final! Any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider All learn something New,. 17-25 ) in the publics eye overnight wont accept it ( no relation ) for four years, then returned. Father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a school teacher cast members of `` the Jeffersons to pursue his career! Lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like anymore. Tom Willis, a great foil to George job that kept him until. That her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to him. 14, 1931, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does...., window._taboola = window._taboola || [ ] ; Biography roles in several small-time theater productions had been since., I cant go on like this anymore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # ;..., opinionated black man Bronx College in New York Jefferson in the two. Fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ) that her father had finally accepted her, which her... 1931, in Chicago, Illinois resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting in., noticeably thinner and frailer Weezy, and website in this article not! Us apart off, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would less! Drove her to forgive him the Jeffersons '', a great foil to.... Top stories is explained away like this: Bentley works as a police officer I guess you say! ) played the role from the hit sitcoms All in the Family '' in August 1917 and passed away July... Enough for some people to differentiate us apart actor and musician remained jobless for many years and turned! Created, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or redistributed featuring bigoted Bunkers!
what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons