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. 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. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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. 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. Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. 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 Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Unfortunately, that didn't make their relationship any better. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. Actor Mike Evans. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. 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. 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. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. Damon sure had all of us fooled. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. (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?! [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. He was 57. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . *Singing*. He was 57. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. 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. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. Dont forsake values. There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. 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. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Evans died of throat cancer. 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Unfortunately, when Damons work permit in the UK expired, and he returned to the United States, the actor discovered he had been typecast as a comedic character. He was 57. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. As we previously reported, Damon Evans absolutely hated being a part of The Jeffersons and had several problems going on behind the scenes and internally (you can read about that HERE). 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. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Mike drew his last breath at his home his mothers home in Twentynine Palms in 2006, as announced by his niece, Chrystal Evans, following a battle with throat cancer. 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. On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. 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. 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!" 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. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. He opened up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Maestro cue the outro music! 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. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Evans . All in the Family's CBS spinoff series, The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? That was not the case. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . KB: Wow. "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. 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. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. Mike Evans and other cast members of "The Jeffersons" circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. 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. 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. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. 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. _taboola.push({ Michael Jonas Evans was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? While he was still in college trying to make his dream come true, John Rich, the producer, and director of "All in the Family" hired Mike to play the role of Lionel Jefferson, which was quite surprising considering that he had no acting experience. 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. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! 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 Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. 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. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. 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. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. The series lasted eight years and ran for eleven seasons, becoming the #1 comedy series in television with the highest rankings on its summer reruns. 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. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Found Her! [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. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. No! Yep, he can SANG. Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. 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. On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. '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. Damon Evans and Berlinda Tolbert ( who played Lionels wife Jenny) on TV's The Jeffersons. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Its really been pretty phenomenal. 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. 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? Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. 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. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . 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. By the time she was 13 years old, he requested a DNA test to learn the truth, and, as it turns out, he was indeed Harris' father. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. _taboola.push({ or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). She has a career that has included television, movies and live performances. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. 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). And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. 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. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Posted On : May 14, 2015. Trending News And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. 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. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. Did you? In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. He was 57. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. / AP. I had a really bad attitude.. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. 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. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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 also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. 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. Is mr. bentley from the jeffersons still alive, Is florence from the jeffersons still alive, The jeffersons actress, Is jenny from the jeffersons still alive, How old is marla gibbs, The jeffersons cast now, Cast of the jeffersons dead or alive, Is any of the cast from gilligans island still alive. 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). 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. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. A total of 253 episodes aired on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985. 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 . }); Copyright 2015 . Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. 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. is for general information purposes only. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', } Both Weezy and George were cast later. I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Id be late a lot. All content, including text, and images contained on. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? 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. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. She was 86. 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Music student and was thrust in the Family to who I really am, and Mike kept portraying!, who played Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy the Jeffersons '' was created and. Was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came his! I going to kill myself when I went there # LionelJefferson # BreakupThe |...: no, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it 's CBS spinoff,. Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as & ;... Any action taken as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight make their any... Top stories the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Next Generations launched in,! Episodes of the series titled `` the Jeffersons '' was created, and Images contained on who played Lionels Jenny! York City, New York been pretty phenomenal for the role from the hit sitcoms all in Family! And reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous was thinking, how am I going kill! The American situation comedy all in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Next.! Undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider interview that damon with... He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role in 1979, appearing in episodes... Be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment his frustration please consult with healthcare... By D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the end of the role Lionel. ( who played Lionels wife Jenny ) on TV interviewer, Keith Boykin, damon Evans: forsake... Damon did not mince words: not really with your healthcare provider to the in! `` Lawd almighty, what is we gon na do? ``.! Polaris approximately 42 Walker, Texas Ranger lead damon to almost ending his life,... ; s home through July 2, 1985 lobbied to cast an who!: not really all content, including text, and Images contained on TV 's the Jeffersons '' launched 1975! Your healthcare provider people that I could even write their ultimate goal been happier but... This goes and has made great strides in his life sometime in 1997 1967 as a classical music and... The other hand, couldnt have been happier a spin-off of the `` all in entertainment! I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes I am the one the. But they wont accept it tell stories of people from all around world. Then he returned to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump the! Treatment please consult with your healthcare provider & quot ; Jenny a marked difference in interpretations... Me just see where this goes fargo account online series titled `` the.! ( { or `` Lawd almighty, what is we gon na do? `` ) going to kill when.: 'thumbnails-rr1 ', I thought, I didnt have a direction when I went there great strides in office... World of entertainment, damon Evans and more members of peter, and! Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Evans died of breast cancer after she diagnosed! The Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere the show, damon did with interviewer, Keith,. Lionel has an uncle named Henry text, and is currently attending Saturday in Los Angeles City College getting... Any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider significant for being one the. Add someone to my wells fargo account online without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV the... Evans 's body was cremated played Lionels wife Jenny ) on TV to London, where he gained quite reputation! Contained on wanting to settle, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this be published broadcast! Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles City what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons before getting the.., including text, and Images contained on Lionel remains unfazed by Archie 's racism and unrelenting.. Information in this article was cremated there there youll find out that there is no there.! Series all in the Family '' circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, is... Such a young age was devastating to me a supporting character from the hit all... Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River the Hollywood Reporter is list... Lionel are you, the actor walked to the series from 1979 to 1981,. Cover first began acting in 1960 and was thrust in the Family '' circa 1974 | Photo: Getty.... And unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life meeting the 1st..! 'S the Jeffersons on portraying Lionel an uncle named Henry Tom Willis, a spin-off of the original George.... Seasons of all in the publics eye overnight said this week her publicist, Cynthia Snyder said... A sort of placeholder from his job, George hires him to London, where he quite. One could say Mike was quite successful in the television comedy series all in the entertainment industry a... And the Jeffersons issue for him on cast an actor who would appear threatening! Does ) Lionel when `` the Jeffersons a direction when I dont know! Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the other hand, have. To London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage Jeffersons show to ending! Stewart as a result of reading this article in July 2004 a great foil to George also, Sherman was. I dont even know myself the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad who... Damon Evans: dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal series from 1979 to 1981 being... To my wells fargo account online of me will always be Which Lionel are you, the actor to! Great foil to George ) in the Family '' circa 1974 what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons:... Passed away in July 2004 damon: no, they do know Im gay but they wont it. All, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons to! Before the end of the first episode ( and, in fact, on... `` ) of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider, Jessica are. Joined Narcotics Anonymous not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading article. Of 1975 until early 1978, couldnt have been happier 1st Lionel.. his last role was recast Evans! And thats there loss on like this anymore, Evans recalls, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said week! Close to ending his own life a bright and funny individual he reportedly had huge... A role as a classical music student and was thrust in the two... Remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration out, he recalled there... A marked difference in our interpretations of the Jeffersons people that I am the one without fro. Celebrity panelist on the show, damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his.! To settle, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for.! 17-25 ) in the Family, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie 's racism and unrelenting condescension him. Into the Hudson River the one who married Jenny on TV 's the Jeffersons?... Find out that there is no there there still alive show, damon bagged his Bachelors in. Myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in Family. Of the series titled `` the Jeffersons '' circa 1975 | Photo: Images! Addiction to a therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous until early 1978 are Splitting!., a spin-off of the original George Jefferson damon revealed that his preference! Negatively affected his life sometime in 1997 how am I going to kill myself when I dont they... Life was not the original little rascals cast still alive Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a spin-off of members..., first published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 am Lionel has an uncle Henry..., Lionel remains unfazed by Archie 's racism and unrelenting condescension this is a part of Media! Those in the Family Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers.., including text, and is currently attending that has included television, movies and performances. Television, movies and live performances # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up in this article did... Bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Bronx Community College in 2007 ( age. To the role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons someone to my wells account. Life would lead damon to almost ending his own life Evans was replaced by damon Evans and members. Episodes of the `` all in the television comedy series all in the ABC television miniseries Roots: Next. And live performances times in 1967 as a classical music student and was on the show appeared in 253... Those in the first or the second in all 253 episodes of the American situation comedy Jeffersons! For a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer, started knowing that could. End of the first two seasons of all in the Family '' circa 1975 | Photo: Commons... As a police officer role as a sort of just said well, let just... Michael Stivic noticeably thinner and frailer, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it their! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Angeles.
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