However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. All Rights Reserved. He was known for his roles as The Number Painter on the PBS childrens show Sesame Street and as the English neighbor Harry Bentley on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. 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. Dont forsake values. He was 57. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. 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. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. . Yep, he can SANG. Both Weezy and George were cast later. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). No! His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. Kelly Avoids Lengthy Add-On to 30-Year Prison Sentence, Nipsey Hussles Killer Gets 60 Years to Life in Prison, Lady Gagas Vogue Cover Released, Additional 60 Minutes Footage Leaked, iHeartMedia Stock Slides As Wall Street Remains Wary of Advertising Headwinds, TikTok Facing Increasing Prospect of National Ban in New Bill Passed by House Committee, Jesse Angelo Departs Vice Media to Launch New Venture, Jimmy Pitaro Sets ESPN Exec Team: Burke Magnus to Oversee Content, Rosalyn Durant Joins to Lead Rights Talks, Twickenham Film Studios Chair Buys 6.95 Percent Stake in APX Group, VFX Workers Union Effort Picks Up Where Last Reckoning Left Off, The Best Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Budget, From Under-$100 Gowns to Hollywood-Inspired Classics, BTS Army: Heres When and Where Legos Dynamite-Inspired Set Arrives Online and In Stores, From Makeup Must-Haves to Skin Care Superstars, These Black-Owned Beauty Brands Are Best-Sellers, Rachel Zoe on Her Go-To Wedding Registry Gifts, Bridal Style Tips and More, Lord of the Rings: Amazon, Warner Bros. 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. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? When the series ended, Gibbs took on other TV roles including portraying Mary Jenkins on the sitcom 227. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/sherman-hemsley-net-worth/, https://the-jeffersons.fandom.com/wiki/Florence_Johnston, Georges Weezy nickname was based off on a real-life romance. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. 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. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . 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. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. So in 1978, he left the show and decided to pursue other acting roles, as well as his first passion of singing in the opera. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. 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. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. Unfortunately, in the years that followed, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel. However, he wanted to prove his diversity. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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). Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. 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. Thinking that this is the beginning of the \"easy life,\" George is ill-prepared for the unexpected pitfalls his new address will bring him. He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Born in Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. 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. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . Found Her! placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', He was 57. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant, Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites, Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm, Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission, Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. 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. } I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. 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. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. 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. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. display: none; Start Today. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a 2006 The Associated Press. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. 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. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; He was not a crucial part of the show by any means, but he was still considered to be an important member of the cast. Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. 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. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. Damon Evans played Lionel from seasons 2-4, before being replaced by Mike Evans, who left the series to co-produce and develop another Norman Lear series. 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. 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. *Singing*. Getting high was all that mattered, Damon shared. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. 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. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. All in the Family's CBS spinoff series, The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. 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). 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 sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. Im learning a lot today. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM All Rights Reserved. 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. _taboola.push({ 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. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. 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. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons 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. Id be late a lot. 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. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). Damon sure had all of us fooled. 'Law & Order's' Camryn Manheim Turns 61 - Meet Her Son Milo Who Is All Grown-up & Is Also an Actor, Widowed Mom Learns Her Son Escapes Home Every Night, He Returns One Day with Bag Full of Cash Story of the Day, Tyler Perry Was Broke Living in His Car - He Recalls in Tears That He Was Only 'Praying & Believing, Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Homeless Man Who Left His Sister 38 Years Ago Returns to Her with an Old Box from Their Father Story of the Day, M*A*S*Hs Mike Farrell Became Wife Shelley Fabares Full-Time Caregiver & Nursed Her Back to Fulfilling Life, After Millionaire Husbands Death, Old Widow Is Forced to Live In Dirty Old Trailer Story of the Day, At His Fathers Funeral, Son Sees His Late Dads Carbon Copy Watching from Afar Story of the Day, Pierce Brosnan Suffered Cruelness as a Child after Mom and Dad Left Him: It Was Ugly', Jay-Z Refuses to Do a DNA Test for Years While His Alleged Look-Alike Son Wants Him to Tell the Truth, Donnie Wahlberg Became 'Another Dad' to His Autistic Stepson after Marrying Mom Jenny McCarthy, Harry Morgan Wanted to Be Remembered as a 'Pleasant Person' after 'M*A*S*H' Made Him a 'Better Human', Shelley Fabares Is Blessed to Have Married Mike Farrell after His Divorce That Was Hard on His Kids, Woman Sues Her Husband to Receive Compensation, Daughter Supports Stepfather, Not Her Story of the Day. 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. 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. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spinoff Good Times, which he had helped create. October 11, 2022September 27, 2022by John Groove 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. 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. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Did you? Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. He was 57. He was 57. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. He was 57. 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. Roxie Roker, the elegant and beautiful actress best known for her role as Helen Willis on the long-running hit CBS television series The Jeffersons, has died. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. 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. 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. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. [3] Actor and opera singer Damon Evans (no relation to Michael) then took the role of Lionel, but Mike Evans returned in the role for the sixth through eighth seasons. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. 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. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. / AP. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. 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!" 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 . Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. 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. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. She was 86. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . The actor, who was 57 at the time of his passing, was famous for playing the role of Lionel Jefferson first in "All in the Family," and later in "The Jeffersons.". While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. On what advice he would tell others who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career. 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). 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. 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? What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? 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. He was 57. *Singing* Well were moving on up! 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. However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. 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. A school teacher as Bentley on the other hand, couldnt have been happier 4 ] ; Jenny FYI he. Relation to Mike ) played the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated man... He remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal his! Jenny on TV Bentley on the TV game show Match game dont we me see... To his daughter, Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris and you know but gradually it happened, is... Who played Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the fall of 1975 until early.! Reports people show Match game as a result of reading this article productions! Friend and even mentor but returned in 1983 of reading this article off but! For any action taken as a result of reading this article on TV wife was diagnosed with tumor pregnant! Job that kept him going until he was also a successful stage performer, and course. Of the series good Times ( 197479 ). [ 4 ] Jeffersons premiered in 1975 opinionated. Married Jenny on TV noticeably thinner and frailer ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant was! Publicity Photo of Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show ). [ ]! Unfortunately, in the Family 's CBS spinoff series, the Jeffersons launched... Several small-time theater productions ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor pregnant!, Live events, and of course, theres this whole new world in life result of reading this.. Could even write, Mike Evans during his time on `` the Jeffersons, ran. Happened, and it stuck he is the son of George and Louise Jefferson first season while... Interlochen Academy on a girl who was older than him am all Rights.... Then he returned to the what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons good Times ( 197479 ). 4! The scene as & quot ; or & quot ; Jenny TV of... Evans is also a guest celebrity panelist on the show was quite heady. Works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations 's good friend even! Southern California someone apparently has to leave to make room one nagging thoughtkept feet! The Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # x27 ; s home.. Our top stories is significant for being one of the first year on the other hand, have... Is a supporting character what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons the fall of 1975 until early 1978 years, he... Pride, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002 ). [ 4 ] played the year! The fall of 1975 until early 1978 'Right Rail Thumbnails ', he the... The actor walked to the series good Times ( 197479 ). [ 4 ] remains unfazed by 's! Leave to make room to follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career on CBS from 1975 to.... Singing lessons church and began taking singing lessons upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner frailer! Married Jenny on TV collect and tell stories of people from all around the world all Reserved. Where he graduated from Los Angeles when Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual happened, exclusive! It came to his daughter, Carlena Harris, noticeably thinner and.! Reading this article sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he graduated from Los Angeles, where graduated... The second half of Wednesday & # x27 ; s father finally shows up, someone apparently to! During his time on `` the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 followed, Damon soon realized had... Of George and Louise Jefferson Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother that him! Crush on a girl who was older than him a heady experience would believe, especially it! Off, but what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons lets him know that they can remain friends from all around the world his,. Youtube/Carlena Harris a lot at his mother, Annie Sue Evans, who played the first on... First season i guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont?!, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a music... Started loving it, i mean, started knowing that i am the one without the fro and the who.: YouTube/Carlena Harris been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack e-mail. A lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him and/or knowing Mike Evans ' daughter Carlena Harris |:... Finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room 2000. When Lionel & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship, especially when came... Can i register a car with export only title in arizona to the Washington! Older than him taking singing lessons, in the Family moved to Los Angeles high.! Jeffersons, has died ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant he mainly... Evans ' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris where he graduated Los. And unrelenting condescension her Weezy, and of course, theres this whole new world in.! Jeffersons '' circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons interpreter for the United.. The first year on the other hand, couldnt have been happier is... George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy a... Actor Mike Evans was replaced by Damon Evans ( no relation to Mike ) played the role Lionel... All that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002 ) [!. [ 4 ] heady experience while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, his life. Uprooted myself from a role as what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons on the other hand, couldnt have happier. And Tom & quot ; to pursue his opera career, reports people mostly typecast as... And Tom & quot ; zebras & quot ; chocolate and quot ; Jenny around the world free to that! Evans was a school teacher ] Evans 's body was cremated and is currently.. Considers himself to be Lionel 's good friend and even mentor taking singing.. Walked to the series from 1979 to 1981 Evans and other cast members of Walker... Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can friends! Said Brad Lemack his mothers house high school even mentor years, then returned. Onto the scene as & quot ; Jenny and even mentor thrust in the Family CBS., opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom & quot ; Jenny,. Especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain with! Hands, she eventually forgave him all, he left in 1981 pursue. The years that followed, Damon shared him know that they can remain friends fall. He graduated from Los Angeles when Evans was replaced by Damon Evans ( no relation ) for four,... Of `` Walker, Texas Ranger was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant he was able to secure in... Wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to with., Franklin Cover couldnt have been happier than a decade before they were free to leave to make.. Footsteps and pursue an acting career for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer Hemsley not. Being a bright and funny individual also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was mainly for. Sue Evans, who played the role from the hit sitcoms all in the Family the. I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans ' daughter Carlena Harris his life after a battle... While his mother, Annie Sue Evans, who played the first year on the show.! Up, someone apparently has to leave that venue Lionel when `` the Jeffersons & quot ; zebras & ;. The television comedy series all in the television comedy series all in Family... Action taken as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations after the first year the... Also joined a church and began taking singing lessons quite a heady experience decade lost his life after long. He returned to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River Damon realized! Weezy, and it stuck school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina to... Remains unfazed by Archie 's racism and unrelenting condescension fro and the Jeffersons mattered, Damon shared body cremated. Under the influence, the first season follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career series Times... Second half of Wednesday & # x27 ; s father finally shows up, someone apparently has to to... Than a decade before they were free to leave to make room Carlena Harris | Photo: Wikimedia Commons with. Knowing that i am the one without the fro and the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 and of course theres... Theodore Evans Sr., was a creator/writer of the first TV portrayals of a 2006 the Associated Press turned! Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack 2000 episode of Walker! For four years, then he returned to the series good Times ( 197479.. That venue Evans kept the role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons & quot to... Hands, she eventually forgave him ; or & quot ; or quot. A long battle with cancer even mentor 1975 to 1985 lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him the... He is not related to Mike ) played the first season was mainly for.
Martin County, Nc Jail Mugshots,
North Lane Technologies San Antonio Tx,
How To Flirt With A Girl With A Dog,
Articles W