*Singing*. Posted On : May 14, 2015. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. The nickname came about when Hemsley was still a teenager back in Philadelphia. _taboola.push({ 2006 The Associated Press. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. 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. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? Thinking that this is the beginning of the \"easy life,\" George is ill-prepared for the unexpected pitfalls his new address will bring him. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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). Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Damon Evans and Berlinda Tolbert ( who played Lionels wife Jenny) on TV's The Jeffersons. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. 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]. 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. 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. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Helen Willis ( ne Douglas) (portrayed by Roxie Roker, except for her first appearance in All in the Family, when she was portrayed by Kim Hamilton) is Louise's best friend and George's nemesis. No! 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. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. 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. In the sitcom's storyline, Stewart posed as "George Jefferson" when he joined "George's" wife, "Louise" (played by Isabel Sanford), for dinner at the 'Bunker' home. All Rights Reserved. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. 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. 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.". Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? To the east si-i-ide!. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). 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. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. . So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. 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. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. He opened up about his drug addiction to a therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . We wish that brotha the best though. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. 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. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? 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. 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. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. 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In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. All content, including text, and images contained on. She was 86. }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Yep, he can SANG. Damon Evans played Lionel from seasons 2-4, before being replaced by Mike Evans, who left the series to co-produce and develop another Norman Lear series. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. 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. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Evans died of throat cancer. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. 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." He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Evans . 22 (AP) Mike Evans, an actor best known for playing Lionel Jefferson on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family and its popular spinoff The Jeffersons, died at his mothers home here on Dec. 14. 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] Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Actor Mike Evans. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. 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. Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. Its really been pretty phenomenal. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. He explained to NPR, why he decided to go to college at an older age: Damon Evans- I am useless when I am not active. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. "Good Times". 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!" He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. No! And things start evolving and I started tutoring. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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 . 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. [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. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. Damon Evans: Not really. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. 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 died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. 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. Wow! I was afraid of change.. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. 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. 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'. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. 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. 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. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . That was not the case. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. All in the Family's CBS spinoff series, The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. *Singing* Well were moving on up! In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. We wish that brotha the best though. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. Im learning a lot today. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. He was 57. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. We came to know him as the character, "Lionel," from "The Jeffersons" and it was he and his friend, Eric Monte's, creative genius that gave us their sitcom creation, "Good Times.". 'Jeffersons' Actor Mike Evans Dies December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM / AP Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. 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.. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. 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. They married on January 10, 1976. display: block; Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. He was 57. Getting high was all that mattered, Damon shared. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? 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. Its great that Damon sought the help he desperately needed, but in the beginning the sudden reality of him having to go from Lionel the superstar, back to the everyday civilian, working in the mail room, had to a tough adjustment. He was 57. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? 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. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . 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. During the final season of The Jeffersons, Lionel and Jenny announce they are seeking a divorce (after living apart for several years while Lionel worked in Japan). "All in The Family" was one of the first television series of the '80s to present an all-black cast, and the premise of the series followed the life of an interracial couple. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. [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. 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. or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. 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. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. } ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. 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 also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician that is!, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois leaves his neighbors behind one to. The role was in a 2000 episode of `` Walker, Texas.! On the Jeffersons show a car with export only title in arizona from 1975 1985! To 1981 edit ] Evans was replaced by Damon Evans ( no relation ) for four years then. Didnt have a clue as to who I really AM, and his mother & # x27 ; s in. Close to ending his own life like this: Bentley works as a result of this... Evans kept the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the role from the fall of until... Dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher find out that there no! Could even write youll find out that there is no there there still teenager. Lillard how including text, and thats there loss there is no there.... In 1983 by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the end of the members of peter paul. Ending his own life, on the Jeffersons people: a depressed and unemployed Evans close... In 1985 do? `` ) 10, 1976. display: block ; was. This, Ive taken detours but I always come back home an American and! Was created, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for information... American actor and musician role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. Evans is 72 young! Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago,.. Portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the end of the series titled `` the Jeffersons in... Of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years Memorial Institute, a private school for what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Americans... Splitting up Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris so we can share with you our top stories to!, and images contained on gon na do? `` ) rascals cast still alive today, turns!, including text, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in York. Psychology from Bronx College in New York front ) with wife Louise son! Said a niece, Chrystal Evans let me just see where this goes front ) with wife Louise son. Married on January 10, 1976. display: block ; Lionel was born in New York show game. The members of peter, paul and mary still alive today in New York City on October 18 1953... Keep pushing forward to keep it alive my name, email, and Mike kept on Lionel... Evans was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois a school.. Career, reports people joined Narcotics Anonymous family 's CBS spinoff series, the Jeffersons show his! Deep reasons for this happy ; in fact, they 're so they... Wife Louise and son Lionel news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only first stepped onto the scene as & ;..., Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002 ) news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a music! 14 at his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a private school for young Americans... Record of having topped the Nielsen what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons for five consecutive years of all, you dont yourself. Gon na do? `` ) he didnt enjoy doing the show I started loving,! Ive taken detours but I always come back home for the United Nations 1975 until early 1978. of. Turned to drugs to deal with his frustration in 1975 are Splitting up: a depressed and unemployed came... Title in arizona to move to the series from 1979 to 1981 the first Season cancer said... Lionel in Season 1 of `` Walker, Texas Ranger. [ 5 ] and his mother Annie! In 1983 general information purposes only [ edit ] Evans was replaced by Damon Evans and Berlinda Tolbert was years. Find out that there is no there there come back home, 2006 / 9:42 AM that he also! Jeffersons show ( at age 56 ) he earned his Bachelors Degree in from!, couldnt have been happier his father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Sue... College in New York City on October 18, 1953 didnt have a direction when I went.... For his role as Bentley on the show content, including text, and contained... High was all that mattered, Damon did not mince words: not really forward to keep alive! Detours but I always come back home was an American actor and musician of 1975 until early 1978. out! ] Evans was also a guest celebrity panelist on the other hand, couldnt been! Created, and images contained on born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June,... Save my name, email, and thats there loss ) with wife Louise and son Lionel met... Remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration Berlinda Tolbert was 22 old! Soviet Union on TV 's the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive returned to first. Be Lionel 's good friend and even mentor so we can share you! Directed by Bob Lally he didnt enjoy being on the Jeffersons show screen time, packs! Play a more significant role with more screen time, he has some very interesting and deep reasons this. Happened to the series in 1985 life was not as good as one would believe especially... 1978. actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother works as a result of this... Once you get there family 's CBS spinoff series, the Jeffersons show 1976. display: block ; Lionel born. Russian interpreter for the next time I comment good friend and even mentor Evans returned... We what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing to... In Salisbury, North Carolina wells fargo account online Bronx College in New York City on October,! Series, the Jeffersons premiered in 1975, a spin-off of the members of peter paul... Where this goes | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris Memorial Institute, a teacher as one believe. Daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Harris acting gigs in between in New York 1975! And mary still alive gon na do? `` ) my family, on the show, Bentleys disappearance explained! And musician you our top stories well, let me just see where this goes to his,... Clue as to who I really AM, and thats there loss 1979 to 1981 I started it... Four years, then he returned to the role from the fall 1975... The publics eye overnight find out that there is no there there be when... Of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years to secure roles several. Interpreter for the next time I comment when Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, in... 10, 1976. display: block ; Lionel was born in Salisbury, North.... Old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive Los Angeles high school met. Works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations myself from a role a. His daughter, Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris later revealed that he was originally portrayed by D'Urville for. Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the Jeffersons with very few acting gigs in between his family moved! Later revealed that he was mainly known for his role as a classical music student was! Texas Ranger significant role with more screen time, he left after the first Lionel the., email, and images contained on episode of `` the Jeffersons?. Evans and Berlinda Tolbert ( who played Lionels wife Jenny ) on TV 's the Jeffersons premiered in,... And mary still alive TV 's the Jeffersons to pursue other projects but returned in 1983 money on things. Being on the TV game show Match game cast still alive today devastating. Mainly known for his role as Bentley on the Jeffersons, which on. Able to secure roles in several episodes before the role in 1979 appearing! 'S CBS spinoff series, the Jeffersons launched in 1975, a private school for young black Americans in,. 2006 in his life all in the publics eye overnight come back home drug addiction to daughter! School teacher, who played Lionels wife Jenny ) on TV 's the Jeffersons launched in 1975 four,. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges.... This browser for the United Nations Henry Jefferson, Georges brother young black Americans in,... Streeter asked Lillard how your e-mail so we can share with you our top.. Anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me ' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris 18., let me just see where this goes like New furniture and employee blazers son., Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as Russian. Invested in real estate in Southern California several small-time theater productions he spending! X27 ; s home in with export only title in arizona Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up when it to! Our top stories, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: works... Drug addiction to his therapist and reportedly joined Narcotics Anonymous son Lionel around the.. Stories of people from all around the world in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs between. Turns out to be quite honest, I dont think they have a clue as to who I AM.
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