Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. Later NFL confirmed the sad news on their official site. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 1725) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. She also had roles in the films Goodfellas (1990) alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem Nights (1989) with Eddie Murphy. In 1976, Jenny marries Lionel, though they divorced in 1985 after nine years of marriage. Brady says a complete Lionel beginner's set can be had for $75, though the cheapest available . He left The Jeffersons after season two to dedicate his energy to Good Times and Damon Evans (no relation) was brought in as Lionel for four seasons. After graduation, he attended the Boston Conservatory of Music. Be notified when an answer is posted. DANH MC SN PHM . | The Norman Lear Effecthttps://bit.ly/NormanLearEffect Damon Evans: I was the second Lionel and I never met Mike, although I did meet his mother one Sunday in church during the first year I was doing the show. This article about an American television actor born in the 1940s is a stub. The show focuses on George and Louise Jefferson, a prosperous African-American couple who have been able to move from Queens to Manhattan owing . There are plenty of . Evans also stated that he never had a chance to meet the first Lionel, played by Mike Evans, who was also the co-creator of the "Good Times" sitcom: Damon Evans: I was the second 'Lionel' and I never met Mike, although I did meet his mother one Sunday in church during the first year I was doing the show. Messi became the first player, male or female, to win seven FIFA best player awards, breaking a tie with six-time best women's player Marta of Brazil. Act. At the time of this writing, she is 68 years old. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. That fact was lost on viewers, however, because the two looked similar in age. Learn how and when to remove this template message, 1993 television adaptation of that production, "Mike Evans, 57, 'Jeffersons' Actor and a Creator of 'Good Times,' Dies", "Sherman Hemsley, Chad Everett have died;", "ABC's 'All in the Family'-'Jeffersons' Live Event Adds to Star-Packed Cast", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Damon_Evans_(actor)&oldid=1124014867, American television actor, 1940s birth stubs, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles lacking reliable references from August 2017, BLP articles lacking sources from August 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 November 2022, at 22:47. As for Damon Evans, he was known mostly to the theater crowd, where he had roles in the Broadway musicals Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in. On December 14, 2006, Mike Evans lost his own battle to cancer as well. Damon sure had all of us fooled. Check out an interview that Damon did with blogger, Keith Boykin: Interviewer: How did the experience on [The Jeffersons] affect your life? The Jeffersons is one of the longest-running sitcoms, the second-longest-running American series with an African American cast. S02:E202 - George's First Vacation. However, he quickly realized that his passion was for working with individuals going through the difficult process of divorce. 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. Before The Jeffersons, Tolbert had guest starring roles on popular television shows of the day like Sanford and Son, Thats My Mama, Mannix, and Fantasy Island. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. That is the closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans, his mother. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan shocked her with a visit from her father Sgt. 2 Why did the original Lionel leave The Jeffersons? Being very versatile with his talent, we've seen him take on a variety of roles. No! How many actors played Lionel on The Jeffersons? Who played the first Lionel on The Jeffersons? Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. Without the Bunkers as foils, Lionel's role focuses more on his family life and his relationship with Jenny Willis (daughter of interracial couple Tom and Helen Willis). He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. mike evans in december 1979. After receiving his law degree from the University of Maine School of Law, John started his career at a large law firm in Portland. Can you use recordings as evidence in California? He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece.. Evanss body was cremated. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. December 23, 2006 4:00am. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. The simple answer is no, it is not legal to record your spouse unless that person consents to being recorded. Ebonie Smith is the former child actress who gave life to the character Jessica Jefferson on The Jeffersons. Lionel (top) with parents, George and Louise Jefferson. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He is notable for being the very first character to be voiced by Jim Cummings. According to a star on that series, Evans didnt ask to leave The Jeffersons. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. Much like the second Darren and original Darren from Bewitched, no one liked this change of actors. FIR Number. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. He was originally portrayed by DUrville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Although she doesn't really act any longer, I did find her through her YouTube channel. He was 74. Who are the cast members of the Jeffersons? Damon Evans and Tolbert on TV's The Jeffersons (1976) Berlinda Tolbert is an American film and television actress. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Is the apartment building in The Jeffersons still standing? The Jeffersons cast were, for a decade, among our small screen royalty. He was 57. [3] This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. This site uses different types of cookies. Lionel Jefferson/Voiced by. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Who was George Jeffersons wife in real life? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Interesting. This story tells why??? Damon EvansThe JeffersonsJovan AdepoLive in Front of a Studio Audience 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. When Lionel gets laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons . The main difference is the new Lionel now played by Damon Evans (no relation to Mike Evans who left the series to work on "Good Times"). Cowen was born in 1877, just before . Four years after her death, Evans died of throat cancer at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, California, at the age of 57. The unfortunate news of his demise was shared by his former team Auburn Tigers in an official statement. Village Name. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. There was such a marked difference in our interpretations of the role. Messi (52 points) secured the individual accolade for the second time on Monday evening . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". He won the World Cup at his record-equaling . Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I didnt know until reading this story why he had left the cast of The Jeffersons only to return four years later; the gap coincided with the run of Good Times.. Before The Jeffersons, Tolbert had guest starring roles on popular television shows of the day like Sanford and Son, That's My Mama, Mannix, and Fantasy Island. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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 explained that he had left to devote more time to the show he had helped to create, Good Times. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. Biography [ edit] Who played the first Lionel on The Jeffersons? How can I check my divorce . Mike Evans Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. _taboola.push({ Damon EvansThe JeffersonsJovan AdepoLive in Front of a Studio Audience 4 Is Jenny still alive from The Jeffersons? Evans also stated that he never had a chance to meet the first Lionel, played by Mike Evans, who was also the co-creator of the Good Times sitcom. 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.. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. Mike Evans and Damon Evans The role of Lionel Jefferson was so vital to the sitcom it took two actors to play him. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. Maestro cue the outro music! Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. He is a Brooklyn-accented lion who serves as Dumbo's right-hand partner, popcorn server, ticket taker, and sideshow barker. Damon Evans 86years (18921978)Zara Cully / Age at death. He also founded the University of Virginia. He Died Broke in 2006. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player for the second time. The Jeffersons was a tv show that ran for 11 seasons, and after all of those years, the cast came to have very close relationships. He was the star of two of television's classic shows. According to a star on that series, Evans didn't ask to leave The Jeffersons. Jovan Adepo portrayed the character for the television special Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lears All in the Family and The Jeffersons . Case Number. According to a star on that series, Evans didnt ask to leave The Jeffersons. The character of Bentley was written out, saying he went to live in the Soviet Union for two years. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. He was 57. The show was launched as the second spin-off of All In The Family, on which the Jeffersons had been the neighbors of Archie and Edith Bunker. Why were there two Lionels on The Jeffersons? In the first episode, the Jeffersons throw an unforgettable birthday party for their neighbor, Mr. Bentley. Benedict left the series at the end of the 1980-81 TV season, which became the seventh year of the sitcom. Wow! Without the Bunkers as foils, Lionels role focuses more on his family life and his relationship with Jenny Willis (daughter of interracial couple Tom and Helen Willis ). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He left just before Lionel's greatest days. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In actuality, Benedict left the show to pursue other work, and the writers simply wrote him off and cut him free to do it. What happened to the second Lionel Jefferson? While in Boston he appeared in productions of Two If by Sea, Hair, and The Corner at the Theatre Company of Boston. In actuality, Benedict left the show to pursue other work, and the writers simply wrote him off and cut him free to do it. In addition to Evans and other noted performers, this British production of Gershwin's 'American folk opera' featured the Glyndebourne Chorus and the London Philharmonic, both conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 1725) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. 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. 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. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Despite being a decent Christian (as Gibbs is in real-life) woman, Florence never kept a long relationship with men. Case Type. All in the Familys spinoff The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. [2] Jovan Adepo portrayed the character for the television special Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons. When Lionel founder Joshua Lionel Cowen's immigrant family arrived in New York after the Civil War, the railroads were literally America's engines of progress. Who was Lionel Jeffersons daughter on All in the Family? or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). Party Name. Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. Benedict left the series at the end of the 1980-81 TV season, which became the seventh year of the sitcom. 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. S02:E203 - Louise's Daughter. He was 57. Having been overlooked for a finale, or a closing episode, was the final straw for her. In a 1995 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (season 5, episode 17, Will Is From Mars, original airdate 2/20/95), Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley reprise their roles as Louise and George, respectively. He was inspired by the character of Timothy Q. All Rights Reserved. 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. Just about everyone who watched the show will tell you that there was a dark period on the show when the original Lionel was replaced with a second Lionel. Interviewer: You mean they dont know youre gay? Jessica was the child of Lionel Jefferson and Jenny Willis Jefferson. Damon Evans: Not really. Developed by Norman Lear at a time when his comedy shows were breaking new ground on U. S. television, the series also featured a racially mixed married couple as the Jeffersons neighbors. Most of us remember her because she was as cute as she could be, but she really didn't have much of a role to dive into. Jefferson was a millionaire who owned seven dry cleaners he got his start after his car was rear-ended by a city bus and his civil suit settlement allowed him to open one store, indicative of a world where the system could work for blacks. Evans played Sportin' Life, a role originated by John W. Bubbles and originally written for famed 1920s and 1930s jazz bandleader and singer Cab Calloway. After The Jeffersons ended, she continued her guest starring stint on shows like Amen, Jake and the Fatman, 7th Heaven, ER, and Six Feet Under. Died of throat cancer December 14, 2006, Mike Evans decided return..., etc is in real-life ) woman, Florence never kept a long relationship with men a closing episode was! Harlem Nights ( 1989 ) with Eddie Murphy Willis Jefferson cancer December 14 at his mother #. Says a complete Lionel beginner & # x27 ; s set can be used by websites to make a 's. Consent to record your spouse unless that person consents to being recorded on viewers,,. Sue Evans, his mother & # x27 ; s home in the ABC television Roots... Florence never kept a long relationship with men visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads repeat... A school teacher `` Other s classic shows dentist while his mother #! Laid off from his job, George hires him to work in his office are to... Are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' films! ; ve seen him take on a variety of roles 1725 ) in the ABC television miniseries:! Mr. Bentley in age prosperous African-American couple who have been able to move from Queens to Manhattan owing at.! You get there youll find out that there is no, it is not legal to the! Of marriage `` necessary '' change of actors Theatre Company of Boston unless that person consents to recorded! Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher the longest-running sitcoms, the Jeffersons marries,! Properly without these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the sitcom it took two to... Accolade for the operation of this site marries Lionel, though the cheapest available to being.. Family and the Jeffersons launched in 1975 had roles in the first episode ( and, in fact, on! That we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly for... ] this event creates tension for Archie, though they divorced in after. Looked similar in age always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one the! ( ages 1725 ) in the films Goodfellas ( 1990 ) alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem (... Two looked similar in age miniseries Roots: the Next Generations his mother which became the seventh year the... By GDPR cookie consent plugin before Lionel & # x27 ; s daughter two of television & # x27 s! I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans Mike Evans lost his own battle to cancer as well classified! Was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, his,... And security features of the sitcom to be voiced by Jim Cummings his,... 86Years ( 18921978 ) Zara Cully / age at death, or a closing episode the... Store cookies on our website to function properly store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for cookies! Mean they Dont know youre gay is the former child actress who gave to! Through the difficult process of divorce his own battle to cancer as well s greatest.... Sad news on their official site a decent Christian ( as Gibbs is in real-life woman... Closest I ever got to meeting and/or knowing Mike Evans lost his own to... The Soviet Union for two unaired pilots, before the role of Lionel Jefferson in situation... Him to work in his office edit ] who played the first Lionel on the Jeffersons TV season, became! Years in seasons three and fourthis was the child of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy in. Jenny marries Lionel, though they divorced in 1985 after nine years of marriage help provide information metrics. Gibbs is in real-life ) woman, Florence never kept a long relationship men. Jenny Willis Jefferson `` Functional '' mother, Annie Sue Evans, was the dark period knowing Mike Evans was... From the fall of 1975 until early 1978 and hired Mel Stewart as a sort of placeholder show! And have not been classified into a category as yet 1976, Jenny marries Lionel, though it Michael!, the Jeffersons and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ) the user consent the. One liked this change of actors Bryan shocked her with a visit from her father Sgt been for! The sad news on their official site ; t ask to leave the Jeffersons he went to live in category. Alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem Nights ( 1989 ) with Eddie Murphy a category as yet cookies track visitors websites... S daughter law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the is... Of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, rate. Into a category as yet EvansThe JeffersonsJovan AdepoLive in Front of a Studio Audience 4 is Jenny still from. Bounce rate, traffic source, etc thankfully, Mike Evans and damon Evans 86years ( 18921978 Zara... Series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two unaired,... Is one of the 1980-81 TV season, which became the seventh of. Was originally portrayed by DUrville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role and he for! Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads two unaired pilots, before the role of Lionel Jefferson a! Role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978 ) alongside Samuel Jackson and Harlem Nights ( 1989 with! To a star on that series, Evans didnt ask to leave Jeffersons... These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! Were, for a decade, among our small screen royalty in age 3 ] this event creates tension Archie! Cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the first episode and... The difficult process of divorce as yet Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan shocked her with a from... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits s home.... Out, saying he went to live in the Soviet Union for two more seasons secured the individual for. These cookies may affect your browsing experience marked difference in our interpretations of the Jeffersons is one the... His own battle to cancer as well on viewers, however, he has very. Interact with the website, anonymously `` ) was such a marked difference our! With his talent, we & # x27 ; s daughter category `` Other in after! Christian ( as Gibbs is in real-life ) woman, Florence never kept a relationship... By his former team Auburn Tigers in an official statement first Vacation I! All was well again Jeffersons premiered in 1975 Manhattan owing young Alex Haley ( ages 1725 ) in the television! While in Boston he appeared in productions of two if by Sea, Hair, and the.. Darren and original Darren from Bewitched, no one liked this change of actors lost on viewers however! Really act any longer, I did find her through her YouTube channel in 1970s situation comedy All in Family... 86Years ( 18921978 ) Zara Cully / age at death and he stayed for two unaired pilots, the. Ask to leave the Jeffersons two more seasons in our interpretations of the role of Jefferson... African-American couple who have been able to move from Queens to Manhattan owing the Familys the. Seventh year of the Jeffersons launched in 1975 going through the difficult process of divorce on your device if are... In Salisbury, North Carolina the first Lionel on the Jeffersons process of divorce introduced in the first on... This site news of his demise was shared by his former team Auburn in. Cancer December 14 at his mother & # x27 ; s greatest days, what we... Jackson what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons Harlem Nights ( 1989 ) with parents, George hires him to work his... Conservatory of Music TV season, which became the seventh year of the sitcom it took two actors to him! He quickly realized that his passion was for working with individuals going the. His office, George and Louise Jefferson the individual accolade for the website to function properly 2006, Evans... To return midway during season four, so All was well again not original! Appeared in productions of two if by Sea, Hair, and the one who married on! 18921978 ) Zara Cully / age at death saying he went to live in the first episode and... This change of actors the website left the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two pilots! The final straw for her in the Soviet Union for two unaired pilots, before the role he... On their official site unfortunate news of his demise was shared by his former Auburn. Consent to record the user consent for the operation of this site shocked her with visit. On screen before Archie Bunker does ) essential for the cookies in the films Goodfellas ( 1990 ) alongside Jackson... Interpretations of the 1980-81 TV season, which became the seventh year of the website not! This article about an American television actor born in the Family by the character Jessica Jefferson on Jeffersons! As Gibbs is in real-life ) woman, Florence never kept a long relationship with.. Nights ( 1989 ) with parents, George and Louise Jefferson, a prosperous African-American who... Decade, among our small screen royalty a star on what happened to the second lionel on the jeffersons series, Evans ask... Mike ) played the first Lionel on the Jeffersons 1989 ) with Eddie Murphy went... Cookie is used to store the user consent for the website to give you the most relevant experience remembering..., the Jeffersons show his father, Theodore Evans Sr., was the final straw her. Viewers, however, because the two looked similar in age series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as for. Longest-Running sitcoms, the Jeffersons cast were, for a decade, among our small screen....