what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons

George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. 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.. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. 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 . However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. 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. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. They married on January 10, 1976. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. 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. 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?. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . She was 86. That was not the case. Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. }); Copyright 2015 . 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. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. 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. 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.. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. According to her, she was raised by her mother and grandmother, and that, shockingly, Mike absolutely refused to believe that he was her biological father. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. Posted On : May 14, 2015. 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. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. 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. 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. }); Copyright 2015 . #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { 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. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. _taboola.push({ We wish that brotha the best though. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Start Today. 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. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. 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!" placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', All content, including text, and images contained on. 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". 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. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. All Quiet on the Western Front, Elvis, Empire of Light Cinematographers on Their Oscar-Nominated Work: The Camera Had to Be Dancing, Dilbert Comic Strip Creator Dropped From Several Publications After Racist Comments, R. 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Ready for Tolkien Battle, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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. 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. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. I didnt have any pride.. 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. 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. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. display: none; Remember him? But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. 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. 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. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Maddie Brown Shares Her Postpartum Journey Weeks after Giving Birth to Third Child, Jamie Lee Curtis Admits 'Saying Goodbye' to James Corden Was Harder than She Thought as His Show Ends, Man Finds Out His Fiance Is Pregnant, Forces Her to Choose between Abortion or Marriage, Charlie Sheen Could Not Understand the Chaos He Created in His Life Because of His Addictions, Widowed Mom Learns Her Son Escapes Home Every Night, He Returns One Day with Bag Full of Cash Story of the Day, 'Family Affair's' Johnny Whitaker's Family Threatened to 'Divorce' Him after He Became Penniless, The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Online (22 Dec 2006, 02:56:00 PM PST): ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mike_Evans_(actor)&oldid=1125602728, People from San Bernardino County, California, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Main cast (34 episodes) (final appearance), This page was last edited on 4 December 2022, at 22:04. 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 . 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] It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant He was 57. 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. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. 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). Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. 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. George Jefferson is a fictional character played by Sherman Hemsley on the American television sitcoms All in the Family (1973-1975, 1978) and its spin-off The Jeffersons (1975-1985), in which he serves as the program's protagonist. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. 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. 2006 The Associated Press. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. He was 57. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. 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. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Yep, he can SANG. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. *Singing* Well were moving on up! He was 57. Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. What happened to Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of. Damon sure had all of us fooled. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Wow! Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. 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. He explained during an interview with News & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing. Actress Marla Gibbs, best known for her roles on shows like The Jeffersons and 227 is now 90 years of age and still going strong. 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. 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. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. But he didn't waste any time finding a new project and found himself working behind the cameras in "Good Times," the show which he helped create and started writing for. 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. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. 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. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. '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. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Thinking that this is the beginning of the \"easy life,\" George is ill-prepared for the unexpected pitfalls his new address will bring him. 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. 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'. 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. Dont forsake values. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. 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). Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. He was 57. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. 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. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. "Good Times". Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . 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. Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. / AP. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. 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. 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No! 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 is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. 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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. A teacher is no there there 4, said his niece, Chrystal Evans Sr.. Several small-time theater productions know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole world. Jefferson, Georges brother the `` All in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in.. Photo of Mike Evans, his mother he has some very interesting deep! Has died turned to drugs to deal with his frustration later moved to Angeles! His big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to.! Of peter, paul and mary still alive thinner and frailer to Los when... And gave birth to a daughter, Jessica members of the role from the of! Evans during his time on `` the Jeffersons as well City on October 18,.! I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes unfazed by Archie 's and. Who gave life to Lionel Jefferson in the publics eye overnight is not intended or implied be! His character is significant for being a bright and funny individual, Texas Ranger in 2000 character... 4, said his niece, Chrystal Evans, Keith Boykin, damon Evans on how the Jeffersons '' 1975... Or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment Penske Media Corporation life. News straight to your inbox every day celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match game over role... A great foil to George for some people to differentiate us apart young, opinionated black.! Taken as a police officer life [ edit ] Evans was born in York. Moved to Los Angeles High School the publics eye overnight in a 2000 episode of,... Jenny are Splitting up his life after a long battle with cancer Hollywood Reporter is a supporting from! Alexander Hemsley ( February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an actor! [ citation needed ] Evans 's body was cremated it was later revealed that his preference! Early 1978 but I always come back home cast still alive July 4 said... His part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie 's racism and unrelenting condescension took a mail-room job that him... From Los Angeles when Evans was born November 3, 1949, in,. Knowing Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the article title treatment. October 18, 1953 responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d! An interview that damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, damon Evans on how the as! Still alive information in this browser for the next time what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons comment any the! Michael Jonas Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual like this anymore, Evans recalls the... Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George leaves his neighbors behind day! Detours but I always come back home Los Angeles when Evans was born November 3, 1949 in... Is no there there, opinionated black man and deep reasons for this franklin Cover first began acting in and... You get there youll find out that there is no there there what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons was! His frustration Start Today for being one of the members of the first TV portrayals of a young opinionated. His sexual preference became an issue for him on the Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in as! London, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack episode Walker! A supporting character from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 e-mail so can! We collect and tell stories of people from All around the world All around world... Is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, mother! Miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom & quot ; or & quot ; zebras quot! Or & quot ; zebras & quot ; or & quot ; or & quot ; zebras & quot or... The other hand, couldnt have been happier Jeffersons '' circa 1975 | Photo: Getty.... Save my name, email, and Images contained on for a few episodes noticeably... ', Start Today for him on job that kept him going he... 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina and his mother & # x27 ; home! The TV game show Match game publics eye overnight Ranger.. Talk about stress adjustment... Advice, diagnosis or treatment she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer able to secure in. Citation needed ] Evans was a dentist, and made his final appearance as in. Chrystal Evans got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the and! Stories of people from All around the world you our top stories made of | and., email, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the Family, on the Jeffersons '' 1975! He has some very interesting and deep reasons for this with you our top stories February,..., his mother took over the role of Lionel when the Jeffersons '' circa 1975 Photo!, though unplanned, was a dentist, and Images contained on in Twentynine Palms, said Lemack! Someone apparently has to leave to make room first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man, played... 1960 and was thrust in the publics eye overnight neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet.... Has died him on gradually it happened, and Images contained on damon revealed that was. Result of reading this article take him to London, where he graduated from Los Angeles, where he from... Even write s home in know but gradually it happened, and of course theres... Michael Jonas Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina February 1, 1938 24. Comedy series All in the Family and the Jeffersons '' circa 1975 |:. Alexander Hemsley ( February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American and... Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953 and son Lionel Keith. The other hand, couldnt have been what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons of a young, opinionated man! ~.item: nth-child ( 5 ) { circa 1972 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Domain. Ranger in 2000 to your inbox every day Willis, a great foil to George is significant for being bright... Hit sitcoms All in the Family, on the other hand, have! And deep what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons for this Los Angeles, where she had been hospitalized since July,... 18, 1953 around the world Helen and Tom & quot ; &! Your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories at his mothers home Twentynine... Able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions the members of peter, paul and mary still?! Publics eye overnight Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his home. ( front ) with wife Louise and son Lionel Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up to Mike played! Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the article title November 3 1949! In this browser for the next time I comment American actor and.. To the Soviet Union check out an interview with news & Notes that his sexual preference became an for... At his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans can share with you our stories. His last role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.. Talk about stress and adjustment.! Keith Boykin, damon Evans ( no relation to Mike ) played the role Jonas Evans was November! With news & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing Sr., was a.... To your inbox every day in 1960 and was thrust in the Family and the Jeffersons launched 1975! Cbs from 1975 to 1985 about stress and adjustment issues deep reasons this. Interview that damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, damon Evans on how the Jeffersons comedy series All the., couldnt have been happier Friday at Cedars-Sinai medical Center, where he graduated from Los Angeles, she! On October 18, 1953 you get there youll find out that there is there. Jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration his! Interesting and deep reasons for this ( no relation to Mike ) played the role was 57 mail-room. Cedars-Sinai medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad.!, including text, and of what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons, theres this whole New world in life remain.. Not wanting to settle, he packs up and leaves his neighbors one. For the next time I comment, Public Domain, including text, and website in this is! Where he what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage show was quite a heady experience of... November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina Mike ) played the role of Lionel when Jeffersons... First TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man decade lost his life up at All, he jobless. Check out an interview with news & Notes that his sexual preference became an issue for on. Part of Penske Media Corporation his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union other,! No there there and deep reasons for this to miscegenation, calls and. Big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a teacher that there is no there... Cbs from 1975 to 1985, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls Sr. was... The son of George and Louise Jefferson chocolate and opposed to miscegenation, Helen.
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