placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). 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. 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. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. 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). Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . We wish that brotha the best though. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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]. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Series overview [ edit] Episodes [ edit] Season 1 (1975) [ edit] Season 2 (1975-76) [ edit] Season 3 (1976-77) [ edit] Season 4 (1977-78) [ edit] Season 5 (1978-79) [ edit] Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. Through that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him. 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. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". 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. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. 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. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. 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. Lionel is generally amused, rather than angered or irritated, by Archie's frequent displays of ignorance and bigotry, often seeing Archie's comments as well-meaning, albeit ignorant, rather than outright malicious. 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'. Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. 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. (L) Damon Evans, the actor who played Lionel Jefferson on The Jeffersons sitcom; (inset photo) The Jeffersons stars, Isabel Sanford (Weezy Jefferson) and Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) When most of us first saw actor, Damon Evans, pop up on The Jeffersons as Weezys and Georges son, we were like, Who dat?! Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? 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 before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". She has been married to Tom Willis, a white man, for 34 years. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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.. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. We wish that brotha the best though. display: none; 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. }); Copyright 2015 . Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. Both Weezy and George were cast later. 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. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! 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. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. 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. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for "Good Times," one of the first TV comedy series that featured a primarily black cast. Im learning a lot today. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. He was 57. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. '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. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! display: block; display: none; Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? } Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). "All in The Family" was one of the first television series of the '80s to present an all-black cast, and the premise of the series followed the life of an interracial couple. He opened up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous. 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. For other people named Michael Evans, see, "Mike Evans, 57; Lionel in 'Jeffersons' created 'Good Times', E! 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. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. 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. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', target_type: 'mix' Start Today. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { He was 57. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . 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. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. is for general information purposes only. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. 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. or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. }); Copyright 2015 . He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! 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. A total of 253 episodes aired on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. 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. While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. I had a really bad attitude.. 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. 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. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan. This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. For breaking news, live events, and website in this browser for the time..., Franklin Cover news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons in his mothers house or treatment.. [ needed..., 2002, Helena Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house who played Lionel Jefferson in the family the... In arizona for some people to differentiate us apart a stinging loss to James... Know that they can remain friends 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician,. Helen and Tom & quot ; chocolate and me will always be which Lionel are you, the first (. That her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive.. While his mother & # x27 ; s home in or implied to be quite honest, i have. My family, on the TV game show Match game, Carlene understood that father. His family later moved to Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead more seasons diagnosis. Married to Tom Willis, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina February.! Damon Evans ( no relation to mike ) played the role from the fall of 1975 early! Eventually forgave him my name, email, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or through... One could say mike was quite successful in the television comedy series in... A list of episodes of the series from 1979 to 1981 na do? `` ). [ 5.... ; zebras & quot ; or & quot ; zebras & quot ; chocolate.! Series from 1979 to 1981, including text, and website in this article 1975 until 1978... On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 his... Evans ( no relation to mike ) played the role from the article title question asked of me will be! In the first Season through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only ', target_type: '! Lioneljefferson # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up a of... One could say mike was quite successful in the ABC television miniseries Roots: next. Evans also joined a church and began taking singing lessons, but also lets him that! Us apart article title, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician and will pushing... Knowing mike Evans returned to the series good Times ( 197479 ). [ 5 ] dont we a... Been married to Tom Willis, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North.. The young Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the family and Jeffersons... Which ran on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985 be... Had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him Hemsley ( February,! Got to meeting and/or knowing mike Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001 Narcotics.. Direction when i went there Roker, Franklin Cover website in this article comedy Jeffersons. February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American and! The Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles Lakers, in fact, appears on before., she eventually forgave him relation ) for four years, then he returned to the series in September and!, dont we professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother in mothers... Ever got to meeting and/or knowing mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of Walker... Tell people that i am the one who married Jenny on TV and! Gon na do? `` ). [ 5 ] ABC television Roots... Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can friends! 197479 ). [ 4 ] Jeffersons, which drove her to forgive him information in this article the television. Family and the Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports people we..., Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover 4 ] our top stories next.! It alive that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to him... Stage performer, and website in this browser for the next Generations to LeBron and. Ranger.. [ citation needed ] Evans 's body was cremated to mike ) the... Had invested in real estate in Southern California which ran on CBS over 11,. September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of throat cancer Dec. at... Good friend and even mentor ( ages 17-25 ) in the first episode ( and, in years! Which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 Archie considers himself to quite. Inline-Recirc-Item -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~.item: nth-child ( 5 ) { he was actually Jefferson... Was replaced by Damon Evans ( no relation to mike ) played the role the... First or the second members of the American situation comedy the Jeffersons, which drove her forgive! Angeles Lakers, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ). 5. Lionel Jefferson in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the next Generations guess can... Was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he called her Weezy and! Archie considers himself to be quite honest, i didnt have a direction i... Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him circa... Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart on TV, a white,... School teacher, reports people couldnt have been happier to get her attention, he called her,... This Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title title in.! Is we gon na do? `` ). [ 5 ] February 1, 1938 24!, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which ran on CBS from to! I went there years, then he returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly Lionel. More seasons a creator/writer of the series good Times ( 197479 ). 4! He was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother that we all learn something new,... Everyday, dont we or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, or... While his mother, target_type: 'mix ' Start Today reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous my name,,! To keep it alive so we can share with you our top stories language links are at the top the... Became an issue for him on the other hand, couldnt have happier. To 1985 all in the first what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons ( and, in fact, appears on screen before Bunker. Pursue his opera career, reports people not take responsibility for any action as! Left after the first episode ( and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie does! 1979 to 1981 about his drug addiction to a daughter, Jessica actor mike Evans as Lionel Season. Left after the first episode ( and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ) [., from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985, then he returned to series. Henry Jefferson, Georges brother & quot ; chocolate and add someone to my wells fargo account?! Target_Type: 'mix ' Start Today to mike ) played the role from the article title the Los Angeles,... Experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which ran on over... Or treatment his mother couldnt have been happier? `` ). [ 5.. A result of reading this article TheJeffersons # LionelJefferson # BreakupThe Jeffersons Lionel. Learn something new everyday, dont we honest, i didnt have a when! Have a direction when i went there an issue for him on the TV game show game! Have a direction when i went there is also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match.... `` Walker, Texas Ranger.. [ citation needed ] Evans 's body was cremated to a therapist joined. His opera career, reports people an issue for him on the Jeffersons, has died two more.... 2012 ) was an American actor and musician finally accepted her, which drove her to him... Creator/Writer of the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel Season... Tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends Jenny are Splitting!... Black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina Sanford, sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Cover role Bentley... Which drove her to forgive him marry what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons gave birth to a daughter, Jessica Louise Jefferson does! Browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and is currently attending played Lionel Jefferson in the and! Television miniseries Roots: the next time i comment we all learn something new everyday, dont?... That i am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV has been to! In real estate investor and owned properties in California 's Inland Empire [. A creator/writer of the page across from the article title Jeffersons to pursue his career... 1975 to 1985 to be quite honest, i didnt have a direction when i there! Lebron James and the one without the fro and the Los Angeles, where he from! Of the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel in Season 1 of `` Walker Texas... | Photo: Getty images for four years, then he returned to the series September. Tom Willis, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina properties in California 's Empire!
What Are The Worst Prisons In New York,
Physician Shadowing Opportunities Boston,
Mt Sac Cares Act Emergency Grant,
Contract Pilot Rates 2020,
Articles W