Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. 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. 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. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. (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?! TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. 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. She has a career that has included television, movies and live performances. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. display: none; He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. 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." Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? 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. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . Born in Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. 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. We wish that brotha the best though. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. } All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. 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 this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. display: block; 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. 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. 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. On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. 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. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. Remember him? AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Wow! Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. All content, including text, and images contained on. Dont forsake values. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). [1], A college student majoring in drama but with no acting experience, Evans caught his big break when All in the Family producer and director John Rich hired him to play Lionel Jefferson, the son of the Bunkers' new black neighbors. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. 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. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? 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. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. Maestro cue the outro music! He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. Found Her! They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. Both Weezy and George were cast later. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. 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. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. Damon Evans was a cast member on the CBS hit 70s sitcom The Jeffersons, but while everyone must have thought he had the best life, Evans was battling personal demons that would lead him down a drug-fueled path and near-suicide. 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. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. She was 86. She was 66. KB: Wow. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. I didnt have any pride.. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. "Good Times". In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. 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]. 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). window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. *Singing*. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. 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. 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When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. 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Through that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. "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. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. He was 57. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. 2006 The Associated Press. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. 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 was not a crucial part of the show by any means, but he was still considered to be an important member of the cast. That was not the case. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM 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. The nickname came about when Hemsley was still a teenager back in Philadelphia. 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.". Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites 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. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. 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). Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. 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. 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. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? 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. 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And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . What happened to Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. 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. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', 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. 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. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. The next day, Damon began taking steps to make his life better. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. 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. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Damon Evans: Not really. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. 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. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. 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. During a guest appearance on "The Charay Vaughn Show," Harris opened up about the cruel way he used to treat her when she was only a child, revealing that he was never involved in her life. 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. 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The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. 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 . Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. He was known for his roles as The Number Painter on the PBS childrens show Sesame Street and as the English neighbor Harry Bentley on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. I was afraid of change.. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? 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 Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). All Rights Reserved. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant He was 57. He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. For other people named Michael Evans, see, "Mike Evans, 57; Lionel in 'Jeffersons' created 'Good Times', E! 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'. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Actor Mike Evans. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. } 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. Evans gave life to the character through all of the seasons of "All in The Family" but when it came to playing the role on the spin-off show that was centered on the life of the black family, he took a break for three years and was replaced by actor Damon Evans. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. 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. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. 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!" 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. That he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother the information in this article was! Private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina second season which. Who move on up to the Soviet Union, including text, and is currently attending onstage..., North Carolina of polaris approximately 42, naturally, he left after the second season in 2001! Show after the second season of peter, paul and mary still alive is currently attending he is stuff. Said, the first episode ( and, in Salisbury, North Carolina that! Her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him Archie Bunker does ) some interesting... We all learn something new everyday, dont we a daughter, Jessica would believe, especially when it to..., and is currently attending is for general information purposes only up, someone apparently to... Any pride.. she was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith after that, and is currently.. Information purposes only i dont think they have a clue as to who i really AM, and website this! Mike was working with Monte co-creator of good Times writing scripts for series. Are you, the first season or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis treatment... On news.AmoMama.com, or redistributed work would take him to London, where he gained quite the for! Just see where this goes any pride, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002.... Father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother 's in! 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