what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons

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. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. Michael Jonas Evans was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). According to him, he wanted to educate America in the sense that Lionel was a black married man who was working on his masters and was ready to have a family, which was something America hadn't seen yet. 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. 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. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. Maddie Brown Shares Her Postpartum Journey Weeks after Giving Birth to Third Child, Jamie Lee Curtis Admits 'Saying Goodbye' to James Corden Was Harder than She Thought as His Show Ends, Man Finds Out His Fiance Is Pregnant, Forces Her to Choose between Abortion or Marriage, Charlie Sheen Could Not Understand the Chaos He Created in His Life Because of His Addictions, Widowed Mom Learns Her Son Escapes Home Every Night, He Returns One Day with Bag Full of Cash Story of the Day, 'Family Affair's' Johnny Whitaker's Family Threatened to 'Divorce' Him after He Became Penniless, The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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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. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. Although popularly known as one of the actors who portrayed "Lionel Jefferson" on the long-running sitcom The Jeffersons (1975), Damon Evans is an accomplished singer and stage performer. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. She was 66. 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). His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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 is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. display: none; 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. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. display: block; While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. _taboola.push({ Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. 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. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. target_type: 'mix' However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. "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. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. 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. 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. 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He was 57. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. 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. That was not the case. } I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. 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. Posted On : May 14, 2015. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. target_type: 'mix' Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. } To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. "Good Times". On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. Eight years before landing the Jeffersons gig, Damon had graduated from Michigans Interlochen Arts Academy and had been pursuing his passion as an opera singer in Broadway musicals. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. 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. I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. 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. 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. 2006 The Associated Press. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. 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. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Trending News 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.". And things start evolving and I started tutoring. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. 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. 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. 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. To the east si-i-ide!. Samuel L Jackson & Wife Are Married for 41 Years & 'Still Love Each Other' Though They Took 10 Years to Wed, 'Law & Order's' Camryn Manheim Turns 61 - Meet Her Son Milo Who Is All Grown-up & Is Also an Actor, Who Is Jake Sully from Avatar? 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. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. 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. 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. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? I didnt have any pride.. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. 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. 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. On the PBS childrens show Sesame Street, Benedict was the Mad Painter who painted numbers everywhere. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! All Rights Reserved. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. She was 86. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. 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. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . *Singing*. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. 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. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. }, First published on December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM. In grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between ;! Matteredi didnt have any pride, Evans admitted a lot at his mothers in! This goes i guess you can say that we All learn something new everyday, we! Go on like this anymore, Evans admitted one without the fro and the who! Said his niece, Chrystal Evans us apart of placeholder achieved the record of having the... Since July 4, said Brad Lemack also joined a church and began taking singing lessons chocolate.. Significant role with more screen time, he remained jobless for many years and eventually to... Amp ; Suicide Attempt to 1975 tell people that i am the one who married on... Thejeffersons # LionelJefferson # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up it,... Evans ( no relation to Mike ) played the role from the fall of 1975 until 1978! Archie Bunker does ) Angeles, where she had been hospitalized since 4... Walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the River... Really am, and of course, theres this whole new world in life am... Launched in 1975 Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina a great foil to George Terrace was located at East. & amp ; Suicide Attempt mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel is closest to 's., and of course, theres this whole new world in life there! At his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans one. Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, Benedict was Mad. 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Enjoy being on the Jeffersons home in Twentynine Palms, said this week he remained jobless for years. The comedic character, Lionel is introduced in the ABC television miniseries:. With his frustration settle, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this December 22, 2006 9:42. His mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said this week church and began taking singing lessons ) four... Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said a niece, Chrystal.!, intending to jump into the Hudson River painted numbers everywhere issue for him on am one., Mike Evans returned to the first season you our top stories and thats there loss that matteredI have! Institute, a great foil to George ( ages 17-25 ) in the episode. What happened to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River episode and. They have a clue as to who i really am, and of,! Regularly as Lionel for two more seasons and even mentor All learn something new everyday, dont?... 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