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Sherman Hemsley, the talented actor who once starred as George Jefferson on The Jeffersons, has died at 74.
The actor starred in several television sitcoms but his role on The Jefferson’s is one of his most notable. He started out on All in the Family and his high strung character garnered its successful spin-off, The Jeffersons.
He also played Deacon Ernest Frye on Amen.
Details + video memories below…
According to police, Hemsley died at his home in El Paso, Texas, but his cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born in South Philadelphia, Hemsley dropped out of high school to join the Air Force. He returned to Philadelphia and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, while taking acting classes at night.
After performing with local groups in Philadelphia, Hemsley moved to New York to make his Broadway debut as Gitlow in Purlie.
While touring with the production, television writer and producer Norman Lear contacted Hemsley to play the role of Jefferson on his new sitcom, All in the Family. Hemsley hesitated to accept but Lear held the role open for him and two years later, Hemsley joined the cast.
Less than two years after Hemsley made his television debut, he and All in the Family costar Isabel Sanford were given their own spin-off in The Jeffersons. The series earned Hemsley Emmy and Golden Globe nominations in 1984 and 1985 respectively.
Sanford died in 2004 at age 86.
In 1986, Hemsley was cast as Deacon Ernest Frye in the NBC series, Amen. The role would last five seasons, ending in 1991.
He was also a professional singer and released a single on Sutra Record called “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” in 1989. In 1992, he released Dance, an R&B album.
Although he retired from television acting, Hemsley joined Sanford through the late ’90s and early 2000’s to reprise their roles as George and Louise “Weezy” Jefferson on guest spots. The duo appeared on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and in commercials for Old Navy, Gap and Denny’s. (source)
Hemsley had no wife or children.
Join me in honoring Hemsley with this walk down memory lane…
VIDEO: The Jeffersons (Poetic Justice) Part 1
VIDEO: The Jeffersons (Poetic Justice) Part 2
VIDEO: George Gets Locked in the Bathroom (The Jeffersons)
R.I.P. Sherman Hemsley
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This is one of many favorites, arguably one of the funniest clips: “The George Jefferson Shuffle” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQQfv9kg48k&feature=related
#iHOWLED #LMAOOOO #RIP
Wow what a joy he was on tv and on all of the shows he done! He will be missed for sure one of the greats! I wish shows like in the 70s existed today with real laughter and meaning! I use to love when he break out and do his dance!
Amen
Sad….Loved me some Jefferson’s and Amen!!!
My favorite George Jefferson moment is when he was walking on Mr. Bentley’s back. It’s now known as the “George Jefferson” and my ex loved when I did that on him. My favorite Deacon Frye moment was the Christmas episode when he had a mule for the Nativity scene. He loved that mule! I forgot what he named it though…
I hope he made it To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
@NewMeKnowYou: Love your comment
Truely Missed …. R.I.P
The Disco episode
So sad and still young in this day and age, rest in peace Mr Hemsley.
I watch Amen Sun. mornings before church, and about 2 weeks ago saw the Jeffersons episode when his character and Weezy was tied up by a burglar. I remember thinking, "he’s still around" and wondering how old he was. RIP, and thanks for years of entertainment. That just leaves Jenny and Florence (Marla Gibb), right?
And the second Lionel.
I still watch The Jefferson’s on TVOne and Amen on GMC..I can never get enough! Brilliant comedic actor who opened the door for so many, he will be missed.
RIP to him,so sad…..
I enjoyed the episode when he jumped in bed with Florence thinking she was was his wife!
RIP to Mr. Jefferson
Loved him in the Old Navy commercials. He was so funny, and was a true legend. Weezy!!!!
RIP…..my mother is your dear friend for life…much love….the Snead family…..
Watch "The Jeffersons", GO ON YOUTUBE!
Sherman Hemsley is that guy. The entire writing and acting cast. Norman Lear was a comedic genius and timing.
Beautiful history in Afro-American arts. #RIP
Aw…rest in peace GEORGE!
Awww…R.I.P! Who knew Isabel Sanford was 20 years older than him! Wow! You surely couldn’t tell by watching the show. In spite of the fact she was old enough to be his mother they had great chemistry on screen. When Andy Griffin died a few weeks ago TV Land changed their programming and immediately created a marathon dedicated to him. I better see the Jeffersons get the same respect at least by the weekend. IJS!
I’m going to miss this brotha!! RIP
RIP Mr Hemsley it will never be another actor like you.
so sad…r.i.p. george jefferson…
they dont make television shows like this anymore
Sherman Hemsley will truly be missed. A very funny, very talented man always!
Rest in peace. I love Amen and The Jeffersons. They don’t make tv like that anymore.