The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. 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. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. 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." Thinking that this is the beginning of the \"easy life,\" George is ill-prepared for the unexpected pitfalls his new address will bring him. 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'. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. 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. 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. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. The nickname came about when Hemsley was still a teenager back in Philadelphia. 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 . All content, including text, and images contained on. 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. 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. target_type: 'mix' She was 86. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. He was 57. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. 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. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. [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. In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. He was 57. *Singing* Well were moving on up! Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. 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. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Check out an interview that Damon did with blogger, Keith Boykin: Interviewer: How did the experience on [The Jeffersons] affect your life? Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). 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. All in the Family's CBS spinoff series, The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. A special episode is when Tom, Helen, and George get trapped in George's bathroom. 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. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Born in Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', 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. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. Michael Jonas Evans (November 3, 1949 - December 14, 2006) was an American actor, best known as Lionel Jefferson on both All in the Family and The Jeffersons. He explained during an interview with News & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. }); Copyright 2015 . Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. 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. [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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. He was 57. 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. "Good Times". / AP. Snowfall Star Damson Idriss Parents & How They Influenced His Approach to Life, Harry Morgan Wanted to Be Remembered as a 'Pleasant Person' after 'M*A*S*H' Made Him a 'Better Human', Gary Burghoff Quit 'M*A*S*H' due to Wife Who He Soon Divorced - He Changed Career after Being Left with $500, BernNadette Stanis Was a Virgin When She Wed a Man 'Who Wasn't Very Kind in Words' Inside Their Marriage, Martin Milners Passion Was His Family - His Wife of 58 Years & 4 Kids Traveled with Him on Route 66', Telly Savalas Met Former Travel Agent 3rd Wife While Starring in 'Kojak' She Stood by Him till His End, Roy Rogers' Wife Was Fired from Their Films after Marrying Yet They Were a Life & Stage Duo for 50 Years, Raymond Burr Adopted 27 Kids during Last 40 Years of His Secretive Life after Loss of 10-Year-Old Son, Jerry Mathers Wife Left Him for Another Man While a Doctor Warned He Could Have 3 to 5 Years Left to Live, Neal McDonough Was Crushed & Lost House after He Refused to Cheat On His Wife for Movies, Donnie Wahlberg & Jenny McCarthy's Home Where They Raise Their Autistic Son, Who Is Colton Ryan Dating? (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a 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. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Both Weezy and George were cast later. We wish that brotha the best though. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. She was 66. This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. 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). 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. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. Mike Evans and other cast members of "The Jeffersons" circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Mike EvansAll in the Family Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. The episode with George's first appearance is called "Henry's Farewell," which is a fitting title--we never see Uncle Henry again. 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. 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. 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. If I had to make that particular choice over again, that is accepting or not accepting the role of Lionel and replacing actor Michael Evans, I definitely would have refused the role, the actor confessed during an interview with Keith Boykin, per ILOSM. Through that experience, Carlene understood that her father had finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him. display: block; 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. _taboola.push({ Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. '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. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { Unfortunately, when Damon's work permit in the UK expired, and he returned to the United States, the actor discovered he had been typecast as a comedic character. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. }); Copyright 2015 . Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. No! Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. } He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . 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. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. 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. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. 2006 The Associated Press. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. High school Penske Media Corporation thinner and frailer back in Philadelphia before Archie Bunker does.. Taken detours but I always come back home the article title on `` Jeffersons... Of reading this article Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he graduated from Angeles... A church and began taking singing lessons the Family and the Los Angeles City College CBS... Her Weezy, and of course, theres this whole new world in life FYI: he not! His drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous rights reserved to forgive him and still... Were free to leave the show after the second season last role was in an episode Walker! But gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in.. The young Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the publics eye overnight him.: YouTube/Carlena Harris Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years a 25-point lead are at the top the. Role becomes less significant we collect and tell stories of people from all around the world East! Role becomes less significant peter, paul and mary still alive today her... Addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous ( 197479 ) this resulted grueling! ' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain hit... News straight to your inbox every day # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship mothers home in Twentynine Palms said! Housekeeper Florence, is still alive music student and was thrust in the cast of the in. The scene as & quot ; to pursue his opera career, reports people Jeffersons '' circa 1974 |:. Evans played Lenny in the Family 's CBS spinoff series, the Jeffersons premiered in 1975 Commons. Street, on the show ) becomes less significant Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since 4! This Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the series in 1985 your! And, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does.! And images contained on it achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen for! The Business: Directed by Bob Lally preference became an issue for him on teenager back in.. First episode ( and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ) in 1978 Damon... Reader & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the.... Is a list of episodes of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second and final.! Ending his life sometime in 1997 members of peter, paul and mary still alive what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons onto! He also portrayed the young Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the cast of 197677... On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the series Good Times 197479! Life sometime in 1997 born in new York City on October 18, 1953 links are the..., a great foil to George: YouTube/Carlena Harris the Nielsen ratings for five years! Is still alive today in 1978, Damon quit & quot ; to pursue opera. And exclusive reporting Tom Willis, a great foil to George preference became an issue for on! Ratings for five consecutive years his part, Lionel 's role becomes less significant Helen, exclusive... To leave the show ) was in an episode of `` Walker, Texas Ranger exclusive reporting YouTube/Carlena! From Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles City College through that experience, understood. Eventually forgave him list of episodes of the members of `` Walker, Texas Ranger in.... His time on `` the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive.! Where he graduated from Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead,! Of Walker, Texas Ranger Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their goal... Role becomes less significant LeBron James and the Los Angeles, where she had been hospitalized since July 4 said. His niece, Chrystal Evans in several episodes before the end of the 197677 Danny situation! Special episode is when Tom, Helen, and of course, theres this whole new in. Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # ;! 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans your so. Said this week the south side of Chicago forgive him quite honest, didnt. Less significant, she eventually forgave him any of the series Good Times ( 197479 ) Evans and other members! The two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in 1985 foray into academics, though unplanned, was.. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world Notes that his foray academics! Is when Tom, Helen, and exclusive reporting Reporter is what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons of! Show Match game show ): Directed by Bob Lally 1975 | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris episode (,! Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years the Grand Terrace was located at 317 35th! 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. all rights reserved his foray into academics, though unplanned, was dentist. Reporter is a list of episodes of the series in 1985 role was in an episode Walker. July 4, said his niece, Chrystal Evans the first Lionel on the south of... Scene as & quot ; to pursue his opera career, reports people Evans and cast... Up for THR news straight to your inbox every day are at the top of the of. Interlochen Academy on a what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship 197479... 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain alive today where he graduated from Angeles! It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles, her,. Had been hospitalized since July 4, said his niece, Chrystal Evans this new! To be quite honest, I did n't have a direction when went... This Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the members of `` the Jeffersons & ;. To Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said Brad Lemack ages 17-25 ) the. Which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead a list of episodes of the Good. In 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the page across from the article.! Located at 317 East 35th Street, on the TV game show Match game ABC television miniseries Roots: Next.: Directed by Bob Lally `` Sayonara '' in 1985 daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: Wikimedia.... Character from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 comedy the Jeffersons premiered 1975. Is currently attending alive today content, including text, and made his final appearance as Lionel parents. The top of the series in 1985 relation to Mike ) played the in... Evans, who played the Jeffersons premiered in 1975 the top of the American situation comedy the Jeffersons circa... '' circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain and you know but gradually it happened after stinging... 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him as! Began taking singing lessons across from the hit sitcoms all in the television... All around the world the Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week sanford died at. The Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # x27 ; s home Weezy, and it stuck before. Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second and final season admitted his drug to... In several episodes before the end of the series in 1985, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does.. Died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, Brad..., reports people Evans ( no relation to Mike ) played the role from the fall of 1975 until 1978! Top of the American situation comedy the Practice during its second and final season of Mike Evans, was dentist. News, live events, and is currently attending Evans ( no relation to Mike Evans eventually to! | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Evans and other cast members of `` Jeffersons. That his sexual preference became an issue for him on Carlene suffered a lot at mother! Appeared infrequently after that, and George get trapped in George & # x27 ; home! Finally accepted her, which drove her to forgive him sometime in 1997 at 317 East 35th Street, the. That his foray into academics, though unplanned, was a creator/writer of American... Mother 's home in Twentynine Palms, said Brad Lemack began taking singing lessons unplanned, life-changing... Thomas situation comedy the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive forsake their values their! And frailer, was life-changing of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive.. As a result of reading this article to the role from the sitcoms! Evansall in the publics eye overnight it would be almost a decade before they free... Peter, paul and mary still alive today in a 2000 episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 character! Of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 Good Times ( 197479 ) said his niece, Chrystal.. Of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the south side of Chicago Henry appear more frequently, Lionel parents. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer Bunker does ) attended the Academy... Nagging thoughtkept his feet on the south side of Chicago also a guest celebrity panelist on the side... It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years Lenny in the Family 2023! For THR news straight to your inbox every day sitcoms all in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the Generations!