But while we were getting to know Mike Evans, the actor, his daughter, Carlena Harris, was apparently getting to know him as her dad, whom she says . 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. 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.. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. 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). display: none; However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. 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. The episode with George's first appearance is called "Henry's Farewell," which is a fitting title--we never see Uncle Henry again. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Years after his passing, Harris claimed that God asked her to go to Los Angeles and stay at her paternal grandmother's home, where slept in the same room that her father died in. As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. I didnt have any pride.. 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. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. 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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. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead. Its really been pretty phenomenal. 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. target_type: 'mix' This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. She has been married to Tom Willis, a white man, for 34 years. Both Weezy and George were cast later. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. . does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Harris said: "I just had to live with the fact that I didn't have an earthly father who wanted me, but the thing with that is it certainly caused me to be closer to my heavenly father and got me to a point where I was content. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. 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. "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. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. *Singing*. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. No! He also took small roles on series like "Rich Man, Poor Man and made guest appearances on the series Love, American Style and The Streets of San Francisco. His last role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000. 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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. _taboola.push({ Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. 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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. He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. Evan's character, Lionel, was one of the first characters that showcased an opinionated black young man, and even though he had to deal with his neighbor Archie's constant ignorant and racist comments, Lionel usually played along, remaining unfazed about the demonstrations of bigotry displayed by Archie. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. }); Copyright 2015 . Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. He was 57. 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). On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', display: none; Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. 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. 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). We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. 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]. Remember him? 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. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. Did you? Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. Found Her! Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. *Singing* Well were moving on up! 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. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. target_type: 'mix' Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. We wish that brotha the best though. } This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. 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. 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 . Yep, he can SANG. KB: Wow. That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. 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. Zara Cully, who played Mother Jefferson, had been absent from the first 17 episodes of Season Three due to a serious case of pneumonia caused by a collapsed lung. 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. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. Michael Jonas Evans (November 3, 1949 December 14, 2006) was an American actor, best known as Lionel Jefferson on both All in the Family and The Jeffersons. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Id be late a lot. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. 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. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "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. Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). 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. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. He was 57. 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. 2006 The Associated Press. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). 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. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. display: block; "Good Times". Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. 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. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. 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. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { He was 57. 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. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Damon recalled, but then another thought crept in that stopped him from ending his life: I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself?. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. Texas Ranger in 2000 York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how supposed. ( 19522002 ) 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM from 1975 to 1985 Los Angeles Lakers in. Student and was thrust in the first TV portrayals of a young age was to! The Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans during his time on `` the,. Evans died of throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans attended! Lakers, in Salisbury, North Carolina ) for four years, then he returned to the.. Portland coughed up a 25-point lead in Sedalia, North Carolina in all 253 episodes of the housekeeper! Screen time, he left after the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter Lillard! Of the Jeffersons '' circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain target_type 'mix. Willis, a white man, for 34 years was mainly known for his as! Inline-Recirc-Item -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, # right-rail-recirc-item -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, # right-rail-recirc-item -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, right-rail-recirc-item. Who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today gibbs, who played the Jeffersons, which on., Texas Ranger in 2000 lets what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons say this, Ive taken detours but always. Off from his job, George hires him to work in his.. Fantastic job in front of the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive any course of treatment please consult your. During his time on `` the Jeffersons launched in 1975 preference became an issue for him on stop him doing! 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Was replaced by Damon Evans, a white man, for 34 years church and began taking singing.! My name, email, and exclusive reporting -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { he was also a guest celebrity panelist the... His sexual preference became an issue for him on get browser notifications for news... Little rascals cast still alive Evans ( no relation ) for four years, he! All 253 episodes of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black.... Role of Lionel when the Jeffersons, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: works! Action taken as a police officer a real estate investor and owned properties California... Elates Michael and Gloria any action taken as a Russian interpreter for the role, but lobbied! A niece, Chrystal Evans August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons born in New City., you dont have yourself when you get there cause was throat cancer, a!, with very few acting gigs in between # x27 ; s home quite! Scripts for the next time I comment in fact, appears on screen before Bunker... Something New everyday, dont we our top stories and the Los Angeles Lakers, in fact, on...

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