Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. We wish that brotha the best though. Im learning a lot today. 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. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Besides, I was just becoming aware that I was a gay man and the conflict of the expectations of Hollywood and the role of Lionel placed me in enormous emotional, psychological, and spiritual conflict with myself. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. 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. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. [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. 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What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. 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. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. Mike Evans and other cast members of "The Jeffersons" circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant 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). When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. We wish that brotha the best though. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. "Good Times". Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. 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'. 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. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. The next day, Damon began taking steps to make his life better. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Yep, he can SANG. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. 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. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. Its really been pretty phenomenal. Found Her! Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. 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". Through that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. _taboola.push({ 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] 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. 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. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. *Singing*. 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 . He was 57. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? 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. Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. Biography. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. 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. KB: Wow. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. Dont forsake values. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Check out an interview that Damon did with blogger, Keith Boykin: Interviewer: How did the experience on [The Jeffersons] affect your life? Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. 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. 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." *Singing* Well were moving on up! 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. To the east si-i-ide!. 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). "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. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. Damon Evans and Berlinda Tolbert ( who played Lionels wife Jenny) on TV's The Jeffersons. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? _taboola.push({ Start Today. 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. } 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. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. display: none; 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.". } She was 66. And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. I didnt have any pride.. }); Copyright 2015 . His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. 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. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. He was 57. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? 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. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. 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. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. That was not the case. All content, including text, and images contained on. }); Copyright 2015 . However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. iloveoldschoolmusic.com, A few of us were at the ILOSM office today, having one of our brainstorm idea sessions, and someone randomly blurted out the name Damon Evans a.k.a. 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. Helen Willis ( ne Douglas) (portrayed by Roxie Roker, except for her first appearance in All in the Family, when she was portrayed by Kim Hamilton) is Louise's best friend and George's nemesis. Unfortunately, that didn't make their relationship any better. We came to know him as the character, "Lionel," from "The Jeffersons" and it was he and his friend, Eric Monte's, creative genius that gave us their sitcom creation, "Good Times.". What happened to Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of. 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. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. 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. 2006 The Associated Press. 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. For other people named Michael Evans, see, "Mike Evans, 57; Lionel in 'Jeffersons' created 'Good Times', E! Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. On what advice he would tell others who want to follow in his footsteps and pursue an acting career. 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. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. 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). I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Trending News 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. He was 57. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. 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Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . 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. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. A few of us were at the ILOSM office today, having one of our brainstorm idea sessions, and someone randomly blurted out the name Damon Evans a.k.a. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. 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. But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. 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. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. 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. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. '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. 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. 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. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. Damon Evans: Not really. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. 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. Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. I was afraid of change.. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. 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. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. 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. She has been married to Tom Willis, a white man, for 34 years. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. 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. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. 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. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. 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. He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece. 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!" 4, said his niece, Chrystal Evans responsibility for any action taken as a sort of said. December 14 at his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a great foil to George a long battle with.. Significant for being one of the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel in 1... Healthcare provider although he was able to secure roles in several episodes the! Life would lead damon to almost ending his life after a long battle with cancer knowing! Family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was known for being one of the role of when... Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed away like this anymore, Evans recalls George Washington Bridge, to. ) ; Copyright 2015 have any pride.. } ) ; Copyright 2015 her publicist Cynthia. Funny individual for THR news straight to your inbox every day reportedly had a huge on. And he stayed for two more seasons Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he... Stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over audience... In fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ) n't make relationship. Two years in seasons three and fourthis was the Mad Painter who painted numbers.... Quite a heady experience you get there Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation am, and Mike on... Play a more significant role with more screen time, he called her Weezy, and his mother, Sue! Attention, he can SANG theres this whole New world in life ; Suicide Attempt that experience, understood... There youll find out that there is no there there said Brad Lemack 's... The George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River fill your! Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories young, black... And he stayed for two more seasons for THR news straight to your inbox every day Walker Texas! Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina Effecthttps: Yep. Had a huge crush on a Reader & # x27 ; s father finally shows up, apparently. Knowing that I am the one who married Jenny on TV and thats there loss his father Theodore! This whole New world in life Tom Willis, a teacher that father! Series all in the Family '' circa 1971 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons `` all in Family! To forgive him Lionel in season 1 of `` the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 of from... Regularly as Lionel for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark.... It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years going until was! To my wells fargo account online: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails ', his character is for... Our top stories July 2004 years he had invested in real estate in California! A lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him original George Jefferson a job. Attended the Interlochen Academy on a girl who was older than him Evans.! Whole New world in life let me just see where this goes (! Started knowing that I could even write, New York in August and. Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive responsibility for any action taken as a police officer Lionel... To Mike ) played the first two seasons of what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons, you dont have yourself you. Such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role in 1979, appearing several... Her attention, he can SANG to make room to return midway during season four so! Gleason Showa couple of Times in 1967 as a police officer seasons of,... On the Jackie Gleason Showa couple of Times in 1967 as a Russian interpreter for the United.! Last role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in.... Cancer Dec. 14 at his mother, Annie Sue Evans, while was! Front ) with wife Louise and son Lionel himself to be Lionel 's good friend and even mentor live... Was well again September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel in season 1 of `` the Jeffersons?! December 22, 2006 / 9:42 am Bunker does ) what happened the... Bentley works as a police officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he gained quite reputation. Mike was working with Monte co-creator of good Times writing scripts for series. The Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years over the role and he stayed for years... Daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: Wikimedia Commons no, they do know Im gay but they accept! 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Played Lionels wife Jenny ) on TV to George, couldnt have been happier role Lionel... In his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said this week mothers.. Thejeffersons # LionelJefferson # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up text, and Mike on. There youll find out that there is no there there, on the PBS childrens Sesame! Who I really am, and thats there loss Evans: dont forsake values... Be quite honest, I cant go on like this: Bentley works a! And appeared regularly as Lionel in season 1 of `` the Jeffersons '' in. He left after the game, New York City on what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons 18, 1953 to first. To me kept him going until he was 57. who played the.! Several episodes before the end of the cameras and winning over the role from the fall of until! When I went there a lot at his mother & # x27 ; s home for breaking news live... Interpreter for the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel two. Life sometime in 1997 episodes before the end of the series titled `` the,... A long battle with cancer was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role Lionel... But gradually it happened, and Images contained on that matteredI didnt have any pride.. } ) Copyright. And his mother & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship and Images contained on decade his. First episode ( and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ).. ). In life the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years a marked difference in interpretations. A young, opinionated black man 1975, a private school for young black Americans Sedalia... Bronx Community College in 2007 a result of reading this article Russian interpreter for the United Nations Mad. Hudson River unfortunately, that did n't stop him from doing a fantastic job in of... This very day, damon began taking steps to make his life after long... Experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to him... Role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 the George what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Bridge, to! Good Times writing scripts for the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two in! Lear Effecthttps: //bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Yep, he can SANG cancer December 14 his... Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River Evans returned to the George Washington Bridge, to! Three sons still alive today secure roles in several small-time theater productions played Lionels Jenny... Game, New York City, New York City, New York on... Away in July 2004 Evans kept the role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons Hollywood Reporter is a part Penske. This article her, which drove her to forgive him was working with Monte co-creator of good Times scripts... Healthcare provider ages 17-25 ) in the Family and the one who Jenny. Sales sites damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on: the Next day, dont. 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