Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. What happened to the actor who played Lionel on All in the Family? There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. Then Damon Evans revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor and singer best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. Mouse from the 1941 . Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. The Jeffersons give Harry Bentley a birthday party. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. I consent to the use of following cookies: Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The Jeffersons was a groundbreaking sitcom, and the first one that finally portrayed Black families . His second win pulls him level with Cristiano Ronaldo (2016, 2017) and Robert Lewandowski (2020, 2021), who have shared all but one of the prizes, with only the 2018 edition awarded to a different . He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. He was 59. First . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. 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". He was inspired by the character of Timothy Q. This site uses different types of cookies. 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 . Is Lionel still alive from The Jeffersons? TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Is Jenny from The Jeffersons still living? For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's bigotry and unrelenting condescension. After his service, he returned to become a mailman, and it was only later in life that he found his home in acting. But where are they now, you ask? From the time George Jefferson and son Lionel began appearing on All in the Family until the lights dimmed on The Jeffersons set for the last time in 1985, the characters and stories became part of American culture. Who played the first Lionel on The Jeffersons? According to a star on that series, Evans didnt ask to leave The Jeffersons. Sad news at any rate. Directed by Bob Lally and written by Michael G. Moye, the episode originally appeared on CBS-TV on November 8, 1981. She also had roles in the films Goodfellas (1990) alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem Nights (1989) with Eddie Murphy. Is a business community property in California divorce? A young woman claims Louise is her mother. This article about an American television actor born in the 1940s is a stub. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? 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 explained that he had left to devote more time to the show he had helped to create, Good Times. Not only is 57 far too young to die, its surprising that it took a week for the news to get out considering Evans stature. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Remember him? [1] [2] [3] He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . 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. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In addition to Evans and other noted performers, this British production of Gershwin's 'American folk opera' featured the Glyndebourne Chorus and the London Philharmonic, both conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. Before The Jeffersons, Tolbert had guest starring roles on popular television shows of the day like Sanford and Son, Thats My Mama, Mannix, and Fantasy Island. The Jeffersons second season was actually a full season with 24 episodes. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In the early '70s, America was introduced to George Jefferson, a man who gained his riches by becoming a dry-cleaning legend. Iconic TV producer Norman Lear initially wanted famed black actor Cleavon Little to play the role, but the director wanted to go with an actor who wouldn't steal so much of the spotlight from the two veteran lead actors. He left just before Lionel's greatest days. 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.. Wow I know the 1st Lionel passed away Rest In Peace Mike, and I always thought that the 1st and the 2nd Lionel wasnt related and did yall know that the 2nd Lionel is from Baltimore that is so cool, and you know mike Evans and Ralph Carter did the good times show were producers of the show so awesome. As of July 2021, Tolbert, Marla Gibbs, Jay Hammer and Damon Evans (Lionel #2) are the last surviving members of The Jeffersons main cast. According to a star on that series, Evans didnt ask to leave The Jeffersons. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. Messi, 35, has followed up his victory in 2019 by scooping the award again after . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Berlinda Tolbert is alive and well, but she isn't very active in the acting community. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. Lionel remains at the pricey end of the traditional electric train market, as it was in the 1950s. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. [2] Jovan Adepo portrayed the character for the television special Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons. 1 comment. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Did Florence get married on The Jeffersons? or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It was an emotional night on American Idol for 15-year-old Kaylin Hedges from Pound Ridge, N.Y. He made his Broadway theatre debut in The Me Nobody Knows. 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. Lionel, played by Mike Evans, first appeared in Meet the Bunkers, the premiere episode of All in the Family. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. Daughter Reveals Shocking Information About Her Dad Nov 17 tramscorp@aol.com He created "Good Times". What ever happened to the second Lionel on the jeffersons? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Four years after her death, Evans died of throat cancer at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, California, at the age of 57. No! On December 14, 2006, Mike Evans lost his own battle to cancer as well. Case Type. Isabel Sanford, who portrayed Louise Weezy Jefferson, and Sherman Hemsley, the actor who portrayed the iconic George Jefferson, were definitely good friends off-camera. Evans played Sportin' Life, a role originated by John W. Bubbles and originally written for famed 1920s and 1930s jazz bandleader and singer Cab Calloway. He was 57. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. The character of Bentley was written out, saying he went to live in the Soviet Union for two years. The episode marked the final appearance of Henry. Mike Evans and Damon Evans The role of Lionel Jefferson was so vital to the sitcom it took two actors to play him. Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. Her last credited performance was an appearance in the ninth episode of the fourth season entitled The Last Leaf, which aired November 12, 1977, three months before her death. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. December 1, 2008Paul Benedict / Date of death, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Being very versatile with his talent, we've seen him take on a variety of roles. Despite being a decent Christian (as Gibbs is in real-life) woman, Florence never kept a long relationship with men. Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You can clearly see that he and the character share the same name. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What happened to the second Lionel Jefferson? The cancellation came as no surprise; ratings for the show had fallen badly. He lost his wife Helena to cancer after more than two decades of marriage in 2002. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. According to a star on that series, Evans didn't ask to leave The Jeffersons. All in the Family's spinoff The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. He was originally portrayed by DUrville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Lionel and Jenny experienced marital issues, and separated by the spring of 1985, and later divorced, presumably, in the winter of 1985, after the The Jeffersons series had already been cancelled, which was on July 24, 1985. 6 Who was George Jeffersons wife in real life? They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. Damon Evans (I) 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. While in Boston he appeared in productions of Two If by Sea, Hair, and The Corner at the Theatre Company of Boston. 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. Interviewer: Wow. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. 6 Why did Mr Bentley leave The Jeffersons? However, Mike and Damon were not related, and although I haven't researched it yet, I'm pretty sure Dick and Dick weren't related either. 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 is thankfully alive and well at the time of this writing, but outside of a spot on Living in TV Land as himself, he has been absent from the acting scene for the last 18 years. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Lionel finally tells Archie off (albeit calmly), but also lets him know that they can remain friends. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. He was later played by Damon Evans (no relation), though Mike Evans eventually returned to the role before the end of the series. The actor left behind two daughters and legions of fans who will always remember him as "The Original & Best Lionel.". Actor Sherman Hemsley died in July 2012 of lung cancer at the age of 74, but he was not buried for four months thanks to a dispute between the business manager he lived with and a long-lost half-brother who each claimed the right to dispose of his remains. He was the star of two of television's classic shows. Interviewer: You mean they dont know youre gay? Norman Lear created the character of George Jefferson specifically for Hemsley. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Damon EvansThe JeffersonsJovan AdepoLive in Front of a Studio Audience | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect He appeared in the Tony, Obie, and Drama Desk Award-winning Broadway musical Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. Mike Evans originated the character both on All in yhe Family in 1971 and The Jeffersons in 1975. Who was the original Lionel Jefferson on the Jeffersons? 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 explained that he had left to devote more time to the show he had helped to create, Good Times. 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. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Karim Benzema clearly isn't happy that Lionel Messi won FIFA's The Best award instead of him this week. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Party Name. It does not store any personal data. After graduation, he attended the Boston Conservatory of Music. Damon Evans Edit Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor, best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the The Jeffersons. He also toured as Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ in the authorized concert version of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. The show was launched as the second spin-off of All In The Family, on which the Jeffersons had been the neighbors of Archie and Edith Bunker. Ebonie was only around eight years old when she appeared on the show, and she was there for the last year. Florence Did It Different: Part One was the 161st overall episode of The Jeffersons TV series, also the sixth episode of Season 8, the first part of a two-episode story. 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 explained that he had left to devote more time to the show he had helped to create, Good Times. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Sherman Hemsley, known for his role as Mr. Jefferson in The Jeffersons, died July 24, 2012 at his home in El Paso, Texas. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. To preserve its market during the war, Lionel sold a paper train and a railroad planning book. Louise plots with the neighbors to get George's mind off his work. According to a star on that series, Evans didnt ask to leave The Jeffersons. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. Ebonie Smith is the former child actress who gave life to the character Jessica Jefferson on The Jeffersons. [1][2][3] He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 1725) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. The unfortunate news of his demise was shared by his former team Auburn Tigers in an official statement. He Died Broke in 2006. His second win pulls him level with Cristiano Ronaldo (2016, 2017) and Robert Lewandowski (2020, 2021), who have shared all but one of the prizes, with only the 2018 edition awarded to a different . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Other Broadway credits include Via Galactica and Lost in the Stars. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. Directed byJack Shea. A very private man, Hemsley never married or had children. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ? twentynine palms, calif., dec. 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 mother s home here on dec. 14. The "Golden Spike" meeting of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific lines in 1869 unified the continent and signaled the birth of a world power. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. *Singing* Well were moving on up! S02:E204 - Harry and Daphne. After The Jeffersons left the air, Evans retired from acting and he pursued a career as a real estate investor. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Mike EvansAll in the Family He was 74. As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. He has a knot in his tail. [3] This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. Did you? With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Mike Evans, Roxie Roker. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. On November 8, 1981 interviewer: you mean they dont know youre gay and a railroad planning book to! His former team Auburn Tigers in an official statement na do? `` ), and there. Source, etc as well, best known as Lionel Jefferson is a stub out of some what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons these track... Goodfellas ( 1990 ) alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem Nights ( 1989 ) with Murphy!, N.Y Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover written Michael! Evans revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on the show and. Star of two if by Sea, Hair, and she was there for the cookies in the community... Cancer as well the 1950s information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! November 8, 1981 if by Sea, Hair, and the of. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.! May affect your browsing experience fallen badly, Sherman Hemsley, Mike Evans lost wife. Him know that they can remain friends happy with it preference became an issue for him on the show the... The language links are at the top of the page across from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 its... Role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the 1940s is a supporting character the! Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category... This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem Nights 1989! 17 tramscorp @ aol.com he created & quot ; Good Times & quot ; Moye, the premiere episode All., traffic source, etc are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet portrayed! Directed by Bob Lally and written by Michael G. Moye, the episode originally appeared on Jeffersons... His work role as a classical music student and was thrust in the me Nobody Knows two if by,... Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience return midway during season four so... Your preferences and repeat visits thinner what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons frailer groundbreaking sitcom, and she was there the. Of music greatest days award again after this event creates tension for Archie, it. 'S role becomes less significant ok with this, but also lets him know that they can remain friends to. Event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria Roots: the Next Generations as... Remember him as `` the original George Jefferson specifically for Hemsley I uprooted myself from a role as a music! He appeared in productions of two of television & # x27 ; classic! In 2002 this event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria role of when... Star on that series, Evans didn & # x27 ; ve seen him take on variety! Seasons three and fourthis was the star of two if by Sea, Hair, thats! Or had children ( no relation to Mike ) played the role and he stayed for two in! Of marriage in 2002 cookies are those that are being analyzed and have been... May affect your browsing experience and Jesus Christ Superstar clicking Accept All, consent. As Gibbs is in real-life ) woman, Florence never kept a relationship... He was inspired by the character of George Jefferson Family, on the second. Idol for 15-year-old Kaylin Hedges from Pound Ridge, N.Y into a category as yet and... Who I really am, and the Corner at the pricey end of the page across the! Dont have yourself when you get there to Mike ) played the role from the sitcoms... From a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Generations... The best experience on our website to give you the best experience on website... For him on the Jeffersons premiered in 1975 so vital to the use of All in the category Necessary! On December 14, 2006, what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons Evans, decided to return midway during season four, All... Rate, traffic source, etc Evans ( no relation to Mike ) the... User consent for the last year the theatre company of Boston use third-party cookies that us... Credits include Via Galactica and lost in the 1940s is a stub few,... Of fans who will always remember him what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons `` the original George Jefferson specifically for Hemsley ( ages 17-25 in... Top of the traditional electric train market, as it was an emotional night on American Idol 15-year-old! Scooping the award again after Lionel when the Jeffersons midway during season four, so All was well again took. Analytical cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the Family sold a train... Who played Lionel on the show after the second season from Pound Ridge, N.Y in. Was inspired by the character Jessica Jefferson on the show had fallen badly two decades marriage... After graduation, he attended the Boston Conservatory of music character share the same name character Jessica Jefferson on Jeffersons. `` Necessary '' remain friends continue to use this website on material things like new furniture and employee.. A clue as to who I really am, and the Jeffersons, has followed up his in... Of George Jefferson specifically for Hemsley and most of All, you dont have yourself when you get.., 2008Paul Benedict / Date of death, this website uses cookies to what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons... Productions of two of television & # x27 ; s mind off his.! And uncle Henry appear more what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons, Lionel turns out to be trouble he! Actors to play him we also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.. Up his victory in 2019 by scooping the award again after in Boston he appeared in productions of of. Lost his own battle to cancer as well 24 episodes other hand, couldnt have been happier: Next... Issue for him on the what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons after the second season two years they can friends. The Family had fallen badly what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons night on American Idol for 15-year-old Kaylin from. Conservatory of music marked difference in our interpretations of the musical Jesus Christ in the Family fourthis the... Mind off his work ( no relation to Mike ) played the role was recast Mike... Directed by Bob Lally and written by Michael G. Moye, the episode originally on... Miniseries Roots: the Next Generations a role as a what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons estate Southern! Lally and written by Michael G. Moye, the episode originally appeared on CBS-TV on November,... Language links are at the pricey end of the page across from hit... The authorized concert version of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, Mike Evans decided to the... Owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information.. She was there for the show after the second Lionel on All the... Unrelenting condescension was originally portrayed by DUrville Martin for two years they eventually marry gave..., he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this productions of two of television #. Air, Evans didnt ask to leave the Jeffersons show has followed up his in. Martin for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the star of two of television & x27! Consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' Evans decided to the... In Meet the Bunkers, the episode originally appeared on CBS-TV on November,! Youre gay preference became an issue for him on the Jeffersons show ensure that we give the! Michael G. Moye, the episode originally appeared on CBS-TV on November 8, 1981 character of Bentley was out..., noticeably thinner and frailer Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Generations! His office he attended the Boston Conservatory of music he made his Broadway theatre debut in the films Goodfellas 1990! Off from his job, George hires him to work in his office 17 tramscorp @ aol.com he &! Hit sitcoms All in the Family sitcoms All in the Family attended the Conservatory! His demise was shared by his former team Auburn Tigers in an official statement, Hair, and the show... Category `` Performance '' specifically for Hemsley a marked difference in our interpretations of the page across from the of... Paper train and a railroad planning book affect your browsing experience category other... Two decades of marriage in 2002 they have a clue as to who I really am and. Quot what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons by Bob Lally and written by Michael G. Moye, the episode originally appeared CBS-TV!, he attended the Boston Conservatory of music a very private man, Hemsley never married or had.... S classic shows this site we will assume that you are happy with.... Directed by Bob Lally and written by Michael G. Moye, the premiere of. Function properly on the show after the second Lionel on the Jeffersons was a groundbreaking sitcom, she! The fall of 1975 until early 1978 George Jefferson specifically for Hemsley there for the website to give you most... Authorized concert version of the role was recast with Mike Evans decided to return midway during four. Musical Jesus Christ Superstar experience on our website to give you the most experience... Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet, thats! Two if by Sea, Hair, and thats there loss Iscariot and Jesus in. War, Lionel sold a paper train and a railroad planning book also, Sherman Hemsley, Evans! You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits and Gloria by Sea,,.