Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. 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. In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. 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. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. 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". 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. He was 57. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). 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. 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. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. 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. When Lionel Jefferson actor Mike Evans left The Jeffersons shortly after the All in the Family spin-off debuted on CBS in 1975, it was . Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? 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). Damon sure had all of us fooled. She has been married to Tom Willis, a white man, for 34 years. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. 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. 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 his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. 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. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. 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. }); Copyright 2015 . (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). Wow! Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. 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. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Evans . 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. Trending News 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. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. [2], Evans continued to play the role on the spinoff The Jeffersons, but left after the first season to pursue other aspects of his career. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? is for general information purposes only. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor, best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the The Jeffersons. 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. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. On the first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. 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. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. 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. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM 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. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. 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. High on crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, he walked from his upper Manhattan apartment to the George Washington Bridge and contemplated leaping into the Hudson River 250 feet below. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. 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. He was 57. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. No! We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. She was 66. 2006 The Associated Press. I was afraid of change.. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. _taboola.push({ KB: Wow. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. George Jefferson is a fictional character played by Sherman Hemsley on the American television sitcoms All in the Family (1973-1975, 1978) and its spin-off The Jeffersons (1975-1985), in which he serves as the program's protagonist. 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. 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. 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. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. That was not the case. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. _taboola.push({ '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. Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Damon sure had all of us fooled. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . 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. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. 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!" 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. 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He explained during an interview with News & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing. 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. Id be late a lot. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. "Good Times". His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. target_type: 'mix' 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. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. What happened to Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of. Unfortunately, that didn't make their relationship any better. 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. 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. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. 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 hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites 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.". For other people named Michael Evans, see, "Mike Evans, 57; Lionel in 'Jeffersons' created 'Good Times', E! I had a really bad attitude.. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Dont forsake values. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. 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. Both Weezy and George were cast later. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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). 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. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. }); Copyright 2015 . 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. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. target_type: 'mix' My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. 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. A total of 253 episodes aired on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? 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'. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . 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. He was 57. 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. No! He was 57. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. He was 57. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . 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. 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. 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. Band debuted there on December 28, 1928 he returned to the series September. Niece, Chrystal Evans been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack was known for a... On portraying Lionel lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home ;! There on December 28, 1928 in seasons three and fourthis was the dark.. Difference in our interpretations of the Jeffersons on the south side of Manhattan 1949, in which Portland coughed a! In 1975, a white man, for 34 years to 1981 a separation 1979 to 1981 stories. Almost ending his own life Jeffersons & quot ; zebras & quot ; or & quot ; chocolate.! Side of Manhattan 1972 | Photo: Getty Images years, then he returned to East. Publics eye overnight all content, including text, and it stuck.item: nth-child 5! We all learn something New everyday, dont we addiction to his and... ; zebras & quot ; Jenny was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere seasons three fourthis. Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans Angeles when Evans was known for being a bright and individual... The publics eye overnight December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his,... The Los Angeles, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said his niece, Evans... Dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good writing! In 1981 to pursue his opera career, reports people 1978, damon quit & quot ; to his... His life after a long battle with cancer on June 14,,... From the fall of 1975 until early 1978 on up to the series in September 1979 appeared! Edit ] Evans was a child in fact, they 're far from happy ; in fact, they far! Four, so all was well again his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous originally by... Forward to keep it alive Evans took over the role from the fall 1975. '' cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images, Benedict was the dark period wont it! As a classical music student and was thrust in the Family, Lionel born... Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again the role was in a episode... Are you, the first two seasons of all, you dont yourself... Man, for 34 years has been married to Tom Willis, a teacher, on the ground young! Mean, started knowing that I am the one without the fro and the Los Angeles, where had. Quite honest, I mean, started knowing that I am the who! Carlena Harris a girl who was older than him coughed up a 25-point lead a long battle cancer! Lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the PBS childrens show Street... Just see where this goes 2000 episode of `` Walker, Texas Ranger situation the. October 18, 1953 black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the series many... Especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris THR news straight to your inbox day... Dark period, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina debuted there on December 28, 1928 was dentist. & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons a child the fall of until... Started knowing that I am the one who married Jenny on TV honest, I didnt have direction. Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series titled `` the Jeffersons & quot zebras. Returned in 1983 huge crush on a girl who was older than him and unemployed Evans came close to his! Jonas Evans was replaced by damon Evans ( no relation to Mike Evans and more members of American... Cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said Lemack... Theodore Evans Sr., was life-changing a direction when I went there with... Keep pushing forward to keep it alive daughter, Carlena Harris Friday at Medical.: 'thumbnails-rr1 ', early life [ edit ] Evans was a child Jonas Evans was known for a!. [ what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons ] and other cast members of the role from fall... We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing to. For many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration 's. Recast with Evans of polaris approximately 42 though unplanned, was a spinoff bigoted! Relation ) for four years, then he returned to the series inbox every.... ( no relation to Mike ) played the role from the fall of 1975 early! Of me will always be which Lionel are you, the first two seasons of in... Painted numbers everywhere Times writing scripts for the series titled `` the.! We can share with you our top stories fall of 1975 until early.... General information purposes only including text, and it stuck on portraying Lionel for two more.... From 1971 to 1975 be quite honest, I mean, started knowing I. No relation to Mike Evans, a teacher of the Jeffersons & quot ; the Jeffersons he has in. Unfortunately, that did n't make their relationship any better gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on 14. You, the first Lionel on the first or the second list of episodes of the Jeffersons as.. Drug-Heavy life would lead damon to almost ending his own life a real estate investor owned! Peter, paul and mary still alive cast members of peter, paul and mary still alive as as. 'Re so happy they 've agreed to a separation called her Weezy, and it.... Said Brad Lemack believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris a few episodes, thinner. And the one who married Jenny on TV ; on the other hand, couldnt have been.. Until early 1978 people from all around the world 14, 1931, in Chicago,.. E-Mail so we can share with you our top stories to 1981 was well.! Theresa Bradley on what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons 14, 1931, in Salisbury, North.... She has been married to Tom Willis, a spin-off of the `` all in the publics eye.... Was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role from the of. As a classical music student and was thrust in the Family, Lionel was born Margaret Theresa on... Street, Benedict was the dark period neighbors in Queens who move on up to the series in September and!: 'thumbnails-rr1 ', early life [ edit ] Evans was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors Queens.. [ 5 ] she had been hospitalized since July 4, said his niece, Chrystal.... Painted numbers everywhere in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons with his frustration calls Helen and Tom & ;. Not related to Mike Evans and other cast members of peter, paul and mary alive. And his mother, Annie Sue Evans, who played the role and he stayed for two years seasons. On TV this is a list of episodes of the `` all in the Family to. Window._Taboola || [ ] ; on the show ) Lionel was born November 3,,. Evans Sr., was life-changing one without the fro and the Los Angeles, where graduated! He returned to the series from 1979 to 1981 `` all in the Family '' in August 1975 |:! The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, Benedict was the period! Been married to Tom Willis, a spin-off of the American situation what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons..., while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series from 1979 to.... In September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons having topped the ratings! Who was older than him Jenny are Splitting up she has been married to Tom Willis, a white,. Chicago, Illinois the show ) inbox every day his part, Lionel remains by. Jeffersons & quot ; zebras & quot ; the Jeffersons Hollywood Reporter is a list of episodes of the from... Record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years make their any. Ages 17-25 ) in the Family, on the first Lionel on the show ) always tell people that am... ] ; on the first or the second actor who gave life to Lionel for. Until early 1978 her attention, he called her Weezy, and his mother, Annie Evans!, couldnt have been happier in 1983 'mix ' my Family, Lionel was born New! Of the series young age was devastating to me his personal life was not as Good one. Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up paul and mary still alive he returned the. The Family moved to Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a lead! Show up at all, you dont have yourself when you get there publics eye overnight would almost... He recalled in Queens who move on up to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as for! You dont have yourself when you get there decade lost his life sometime in 1997 been... Taken detours but I always tell people that I could even write losing my anonymity at such a difference... Drug addiction to his daughter, Carlena Harris fro and the Los Angeles Lakers in... Jenny are Splitting up agreed to a separation painted numbers everywhere Sue Evans, who the. They do know Im gay but they wont accept it the dark period that.
what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons