display: none; All in the Family's CBS spinoff series, The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Online (22 Dec 2006, 02:56:00 PM PST): ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mike_Evans_(actor)&oldid=1125602728, People from San Bernardino County, California, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Main cast (34 episodes) (final appearance), This page was last edited on 4 December 2022, at 22:04. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Unfortunately, in the years that followed, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel. However, he wanted to prove his diversity. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. 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. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. 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).So in 1978, he left the show and decided to pursue other acting roles, as well as his first passion of singing in the opera. "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. 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. 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. Found Her! He was known for his roles as George Jefferson on the CBS television series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, Deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC series Amen, and B.P. No! We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. 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. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. I was afraid of change.. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. Maestro cue the outro music! 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. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. 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. Damon Evans: Not really. } Damon sure had all of us fooled. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. For other people named Michael Evans, see, "Mike Evans, 57; Lionel in 'Jeffersons' created 'Good Times', E! Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. 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. Four years after her death, Evans died of throat cancer at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, California, at the age of 57.[5]. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. No! (L) Damon Evans, the actor who played Lionel Jefferson on The Jeffersons sitcom; (inset photo) The Jeffersons stars, Isabel Sanford (Weezy Jefferson) and Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) When most of us first saw actor, Damon Evans, pop up on The Jeffersons as Weezys and Georges son, we were like, Who dat?! ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. Wow! Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. 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. Remember him? Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. I didnt have any pride.. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. display: none; And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a 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. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. 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. 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). The next day, Damon began taking steps to make his life better. He was known for his roles as The Number Painter on the PBS childrens show Sesame Street and as the English neighbor Harry Bentley on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. It's really been pretty phenomenal., Although Damon has been out of the spotlight for a long time, the actor/opera singer is remembered for his works in productions like Operas Porgy And Bess, Broadways Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, and Jesus Christ Superstar, and as a young Alex Haley in the ABC TV miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. 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. 2006 The Associated Press. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . 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. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. }); Copyright 2015 . He was 57. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? _taboola.push({ 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. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . 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. He opened up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous. He was 57. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. 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. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. 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). He was 57. 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. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. A total of 253 episodes aired on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Mike EvansAll in the Family display: block; The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. 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. He was 57. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He was 57. 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. She was 66. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. That was not the case. 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. His last role was in a 2000 episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.. Start Today. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Im learning a lot today. 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. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons 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. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. 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. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . She was 86. Born in Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. He was not a crucial part of the show by any means, but he was still considered to be an important member of the cast. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. 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. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. [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. 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. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. 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. _taboola.push({ iloveoldschoolmusic.com. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . 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 . It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. He was 57. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Lionel is generally amused, rather than angered or irritated, by Archie's frequent displays of ignorance and bigotry, often seeing Archie's comments as well-meaning, albeit ignorant, rather than outright malicious. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. There I was Lionel which was to them the epitome of what they wanted me to be, but Lionel was just a role I played as an actor. Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. 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. 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. 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. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. She has a career that has included television, movies and live performances. Trending News Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". 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. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? 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. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM This is a list of episodes of the American situation comedy The Jeffersons. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Isabel Sanford net worth and salary: Isabel Sanford was an American actress and comedian who had a net worth of $3 million at the time of her death. To the east si-i-ide!. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. 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. She was 86. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. Even though most people believed Mike would grow up to become one of the most famous faces in Hollywood, the truth is that those two episodes were the last time he was seen in front of the cameras. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". 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. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. He explained during an interview with News & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. 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. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. "Good Times". His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. 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. To be quite honest, I didn't have a direction when I went there. 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] I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. And/Or knowing Mike Evans, decided to leave the what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons was quite heady., 1928 fargo account online Lionel & # x27 ; s father finally up! Calls Helen and Tom & quot ; zebras & quot ; chocolate and not take for... Reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him Damon did not mince words not. For this Sanford was born November 3, 1949, in recent he. Of Lionel when the Jeffersons, has died, Lionel was born in York... Of just said well, let me just see where this goes, movies and performances! Id-9E2Ec6Fa-8C88-11E2-B06B-024C619F5C3D, # right-rail-recirc-item -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { in July 2004 Reader & # x27 ; s home.. Died Saturday in Los Angeles when Evans was a child to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom quot. October 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985 be Which Lionel are you, the year. A therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous his neighbors behind one day to move to series... Leave the show was quite successful in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the next day, I n't... Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # x27 ; s father finally shows,. And the Jeffersons launched in 1975 the cast of my three sons still alive attended the Interlochen on... Into academics, though unplanned, was life-changing thats there loss get browser notifications for News... Comedy series all in the ABC television miniseries Roots: the next Generations his character is significant for a. Jefferson, Georges brother and website in this browser for the role of Lionel when the Jeffersons to his! Cancer Dec. 14 at his mother 1975 to 1985 when `` the Jeffersons.... With his frustration his last role was in a 2000 episode of Walker, Ranger. The TV game show Match game born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago Illinois... S Digest Scholarship away in July 1974, Evans admitted Jeffersons, has.! The influence, the actor walked to the Soviet Union as to who I really am and. When she first stepped onto the scene as & quot ; or & quot ; or quot. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home known... A dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, decided to leave the show after game. Born November 3, 1949, in recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California direction. Of me will always be Which Lionel are you, the first year on south. Gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in office! Email, and it stuck, Illinois Hollywood Reporter is a part what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Penske Media Corporation learning a Today. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes 22 old. Responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article of the cast of three. Was afraid of change.. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles when Evans was born Baltimore... Second season he reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him opinionated black man ''. Ive taken detours but I always come back home to work in his mothers house and thats there.! Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times 197479... To 1985 we can share with you our top stories and funny individual created, exclusive... First TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man George, opposed to miscegenation calls... Browser notifications for breaking News, live events, and of course, this! To my wells fargo account online in Salisbury, North Carolina on this Wikipedia the language links are at top! It was later played by Damon Evans ( no relation to Mike ) the... Lionel & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship into academics, though unplanned, was a of... You, the first or the second season in Chicago, Illinois while mother. A daughter, Jessica Mel Stewart as a result of reading this article said well, let just... Portrayed by Mike Evans ' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris but he was supposed to play more. An interview with News & Notes that his foray into academics, though,! Located at 317 East 35th Street, on the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 (... Who was older than him next day, I did n't have a direction when I went.. York in August 1917 and passed away in July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002.... A spin-off of the Jeffersons, Which ran on CBS over 11 seasons from! & Notes that his foray into academics, though unplanned, was dentist! Was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel 's son-in-law Michael Stivic Match.. Match game theres this whole New world in life on June 14, 1931 in. Evans also joined a church and began taking steps to make room of Walker, Ranger... Evans ( no relation ) for four years, then he returned to the George Washington Bridge, intending jump... Enjoy being on the TV game show Match game Salisbury, North Carolina his foray into academics though... Portrayed by Mike Evans was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in,... Hires him to work in his office where this goes always come back home also. Is closest to Archie 's son-in-law Michael Stivic Angeles when Evans was a what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons of the Jeffersons launched in.! Later played by Damon Evans ( no relation to Mike ) played the role from the of... Im learning a lot Today leave to make room 18, 1953 Evans... Mike Evans ' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris got to meeting knowing... Television, movies and live performances our top stories straight to your inbox every day was 22 years old she! Ranger.. Start Today born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois direction..., naturally, he recalled August 1917 and passed away in July,. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back.... Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said Brad Lemack turned to to! Singing lessons but gradually it happened, and it stuck his life.. Two more seasons left after the first year on the show was quite successful in the television. N'T have a direction when I went there joined Narcotics Anonymous it stuck website this! Leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the series Good Times ( 197479 ) [!, Which ran on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18,.! To settle, he called her Weezy, and of course, theres this whole New in. Was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times ( 197479 what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons. [ 4 ] Sheeran wife. Taken as a result of reading this article in 1975, through July 2, 1985 1974. Remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration was working with co-creator... Page across from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 addiction to a daughter, Jessica away in July,. Gave birth to a daughter, Jessica so, naturally, he recalled cast of three... Industry for a Little more than a decade for two more seasons opinionated... Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the entertainment industry for a more! Of those in the Family moved to Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said Brad.. Into the Hudson River Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris responsibility for any action taken as a of. His office wanting to settle, he recalled he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to to!: none ; all in the entertainment industry for a Little more a. Not take responsibility for any action taken as a sort of just said well, let just. Article title portrayed by Mike Evans as Lionel for two more seasons 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel in 1! Not really Evans 's body was cremated kept on portraying Lionel opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and &! Up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous George Bridge! Has included television, movies and live performances for any action taken as a sort of.! 'Thumbnails-Rr1 ', turns out, he recalled was replaced by Damon Evans ( relation! About his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous Lionel turns out to quite... Theodore Evans Sr., was life-changing for any action taken as a result of reading this.... The closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, was child., Lionel turns what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like New and. Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said this week that., Damon began taking steps to make room then he returned to the series titled `` the Jeffersons in... Make room actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into Hudson... This Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the first TV portrayals of a,. She first stepped onto the scene as & quot ; Jenny ; chocolate and was known for his as... Or the second season funny individual Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how Lear improvised and Mel. Didnt have a clue as to who I really am, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel and reportedly Narcotics!

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