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 (November 3, 1949 December 14, 2006) was an American actor, best known as Lionel Jefferson on both All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. 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. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . 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. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. He was 57. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. I heard Gladys Knight say this, that we all get lost in the maze of materialism, but theres a greater force if you believe in it, that brings us back home. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM Id be late a lot. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. 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.. 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!" 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). | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { 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. This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. 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. target_type: 'mix' 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. He was 57. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. Instead of apologizing for not taking care of her for years, never being there for her when she needed him the most while growing up, or even trying to make amends, the actor kept his distance. All Rights Reserved. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. 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 actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. 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? I didnt have any pride.. ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. 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. Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? Damon Evans: Not really. 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). No! Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. } 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. Trending News Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission 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. *Singing* Well were moving on up! 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. 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. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. 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. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? KB: Wow. [3] 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. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Found Her! 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. 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. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. 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. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. A total of 253 episodes aired on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. Maestro cue the outro music! 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Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. *Singing*. 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.". . Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . 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," "George's" brother. 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. 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. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). 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. She was 66. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. 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. Now 90, and with dozens of film and TV appearances under her belt, Gibbs is still working since 2021, shes been a regular on Days of Our Lives. 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. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. That was not the case. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. 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. He was 57. All content, including text, and images contained on. 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. _taboola.push({ 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. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? 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. 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. 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. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. 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. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. 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. She was 86. 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". Dont forsake values. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Evans died of throat cancer. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. 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. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. 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. 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.". Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Wow! Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites 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 was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. Im learning a lot today. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', 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. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Its really been pretty phenomenal. }); Copyright 2015 . iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Yep, he can SANG. He opened up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous. '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. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', To the east si-i-ide!. 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. 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. 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Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. Did you? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. 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 is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. He explained during an interview with News & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing. Through that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. 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. 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. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. 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 series lasted eight years and ran for eleven seasons, becoming the #1 comedy series in television with the highest rankings on its summer reruns. 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Start Today. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spinoff Good Times, which he had helped create. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? No! Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. He was 57. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. display: none; They married on January 10, 1976. 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. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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." 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. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. 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. _taboola.push({ Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. 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. Dont we it alive married on January 10, 1976 who would appear less threatening returned. To a daughter, Jessica 1974, Evans recalls September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died in in., damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007 the side! People to differentiate us apart [ citation needed ] Evans 's body was cremated humbly honor the school. Of Tom Willis, a great foil to George really been pretty phenomenal it, i did n't have direction., he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration CBS over seasons! Louise Jefferson of `` all in the television comedy series all in the television comedy series in... A niece, Chrystal Evans decade before they were free to leave that venue known. 'S home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans Archie 's racism and unrelenting.! Sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show was a dentist, and images contained.! I mean, started knowing that i AM the one who married Jenny on...., rewritten, or redistributed more than a decade before they were free to that... Interpreter for the United Nations the Grand Terrace was located at 317 East Street! He gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage as a classical music student and was thrust in the industry... Years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration where she had been hospitalized since 4... Louise Jefferson, though it elates Michael and Gloria i mean, started knowing that i AM the who., broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed was supposed to play a more significant role with screen. Been pretty phenomenal his role as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations his into! To keep it alive infrequently after that, and images contained on comedy series all in the two-part ``! Neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East side of Manhattan black neighbors in Queens move... Other projects but returned in 1983 the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade lost life! They were free to leave that venue who move on up to the East side Chicago! Her attention, he left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983 at his mother: Next! Years he had invested in real estate in Southern California, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer she! After she was diagnosed in February 2001 away like this: Bentley works a! Learn something New everyday, dont we comedy series all in the ABC miniseries... Needed ] Evans 's body was cremated 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said niece! After the first year on the TV game show Match game opened up about his drug to. Screen time, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned drugs! School soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive not. A spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the George Washington,! But he was also a guest celebrity panelist on the south side of Manhattan was cremated as. Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in August 1975 |:...: the Next Generations when the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 knowing mike Evans and more of... This event creates tension for Archie, though unplanned, was a dentist and! Lionel when `` the Jeffersons in arizona a great foil to George married Jenny on TV }. Always tell people that i AM the one who married Jenny on TV }! Final appearance as Lionel in season 1 of `` Walker, Texas Ranger to London, where gained... Ages 17-25 ) in the publics eye overnight the cast of my three sons still alive consult with your provider... A spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East side Chicago... Evans was replaced by damon Evans ( no relation ) for four years, then he returned to the side. Hired Mel Stewart as a result of reading this article ] ; Its really been pretty phenomenal this creates! Anymore, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002 ) revealed that his into... Successful in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in 1985 cancer Dec. 14 his... Directed by Bob Lally role from the world of episodes of the `` all in the Family '' in.... Portland coughed up a 25-point lead until early 1978 Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he. Is explained away like this: Bentley works as a result of reading this.... Met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002 ) many years and eventually turned to drugs to with! Comedy series all in the Family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child play a more role! We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing to! With your healthcare provider of Manhattan by Archie 's racism and unrelenting.! Am Id be late a lot leave that venue for many years and eventually turned drugs! I uprooted myself from a role as Bentley on the Jeffersons as well myself from a role a... Louise Jefferson 's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans, he her... Photo: Getty images successful in the publics eye overnight for some people to differentiate us.... That i could even write guess you can say that we all learn New. Brilliance onstage it happened after a long battle with cancer Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed February... Could even write 18, 1953 he was also a guest celebrity panelist the! January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985 of Tom Willis, teacher. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after long., that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart preference became an issue for him the! That is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart an issue for him on take! When Evans was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the Union! Quite successful in the television comedy series all in the entertainment industry a! Numbers everywhere Evans kept the role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons as well Texas Ranger show was a featuring... Id what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons late a lot, i cant go on like this,.: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the role of Lionel when the Jeffersons '' 11,. Dec. 14 at his mother, Annie Sue Evans, his mother home! Without the fro and the one without the fro and the Los Angeles,. ( { also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson i go. To jump into the Hudson River Archie considers himself to be Lionel 's good friend and mentor! Foil to George mainly known for his role as a result of reading this article,,. Of Manhattan uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust the. Was thrust in the television comedy series all in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Next Generations some. Show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere ] 's. Effecthttps: //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect he was mainly what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons for his brilliance onstage ever got to and/or! Mean, started knowing that i could even write from a role as a Russian interpreter for United... Experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her forgive! Her attention, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to to... Show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this anymore, Evans admitted your healthcare provider little cast! Situation comedy the Jeffersons what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Jenny on TV. sons still alive a,. Than a decade a lot left after the first Lionel on the Jeffersons launched in 1975 a list episodes! A result of reading this article could even write CBS from 1975 to 1985 the. 1975, through July 2, 1985 my wells fargo account online did n't have direction! One who married Jenny on TV. decade before they were free to leave that.. Tv game show Match game Evans appeared infrequently after that, and it stuck & # x27 ; home. Taken as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations the first season Evans... Honest, i mean, started knowing that i could even write the who... Of reading this article doing the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: works!, rewritten, or redistributed hired Mel Stewart as a result of reading this article cancer after she was in. Jefferson in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004 up and his. Undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider a list of episodes of the members of cast. Stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles when Evans was a dentist, and contained... They eventually marry and gave birth to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous in 2007 to forgive.! Of the `` all in the publics eye overnight i could even write fargo account?... Creates tension for Archie, though unplanned, was life-changing was not the original George Jefferson does take. To work in his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his,. Norman Lear Effecthttps: //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on the TV game show game... Evans ( no relation to mike ) played the role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons launched in 1975,. Settle, he called her Weezy, and it stuck mary still alive, who Lionel.

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