But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. Damon Evans took over the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period. But while we were getting to know Mike Evans, the actor, his daughter, Carlena Harris, was apparently getting to know him as her dad, whom she says . The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', [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. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM } We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. 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. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Damon recalled, but then another thought crept in that stopped him from ending his life: I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself?. 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. 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. target_type: 'mix' Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. 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. Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. Found Her! Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. 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. 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). 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. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant, Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites, Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm, Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission, Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC. 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. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. The series lasted eight years and ran for eleven seasons, becoming the #1 comedy series in television with the highest rankings on its summer reruns. However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. According to Jimmie Walker, Evans had threatened to leave if he was not given more screen time, and Norman Lear let him out of his contract. "Good Times". Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Posted On : May 14, 2015. Damon Evans was a cast member on the CBS hit 70s sitcom The Jeffersons, but while everyone must have thought he had the best life, Evans was battling personal demons that would lead him down a drug-fueled path and near-suicide. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). 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'. Mike EvansAll in the Family ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. [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. 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. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . 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. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. He was 57. 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. He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . He was later played by Damon Evans, while Mike was working with Monte co-creator of Good Times writing scripts for the series. Id be late a lot. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. }); Copyright 2015 . I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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.". Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. 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. Start Today. [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. 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. 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. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. 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. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. In a prior People Magazine article, Damon explained how his lack of jobs, led to depression, then to years of drug addiction. He was 57. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. Snowfall Star Damson Idriss Parents & How They Influenced His Approach to Life, Harry Morgan Wanted to Be Remembered as a 'Pleasant Person' after 'M*A*S*H' Made Him a 'Better Human', Gary Burghoff Quit 'M*A*S*H' due to Wife Who He Soon Divorced - He Changed Career after Being Left with $500, BernNadette Stanis Was a Virgin When She Wed a Man 'Who Wasn't Very Kind in Words' Inside Their Marriage, Martin Milners Passion Was His Family - His Wife of 58 Years & 4 Kids Traveled with Him on Route 66', Telly Savalas Met Former Travel Agent 3rd Wife While Starring in 'Kojak' She Stood by Him till His End, Roy Rogers' Wife Was Fired from Their Films after Marrying Yet They Were a Life & Stage Duo for 50 Years, Raymond Burr Adopted 27 Kids during Last 40 Years of His Secretive Life after Loss of 10-Year-Old Son, Jerry Mathers Wife Left Him for Another Man While a Doctor Warned He Could Have 3 to 5 Years Left to Live, Neal McDonough Was Crushed & Lost House after He Refused to Cheat On His Wife for Movies, Donnie Wahlberg & Jenny McCarthy's Home Where They Raise Their Autistic Son, Who Is Colton Ryan Dating? 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. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. 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. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. 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. (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?! He was 57. It really was the verbal autobiography that brought this attention to the fact of what Ive done and I and for I talked to the students about what it meant about learning to let go of family, about, you know, following your own course in life, and about confronting the fear of change. is for general information purposes only. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. Its really been pretty phenomenal. 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.. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. 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. Thinking that this is the beginning of the \"easy life,\" George is ill-prepared for the unexpected pitfalls his new address will bring him. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. 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. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. Yep, he can SANG. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Lionel was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. 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. 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. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal 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. She was 86. Damon sure had all of us fooled. 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. This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in . 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's patience runs out when Archie tells him not to see his niece socially because "white ought to stay with white and colored ought to stay with colored". He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. I had a really bad attitude.. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). *Singing* Well were moving on up! Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. He was 57. Years after his passing, Harris claimed that God asked her to go to Los Angeles and stay at her paternal grandmother's home, where slept in the same room that her father died in. 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. Im learning a lot today. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. October 11, 2022September 27, 2022by John Groove 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. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. 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. Kelly Avoids Lengthy Add-On to 30-Year Prison Sentence, Nipsey Hussles Killer Gets 60 Years to Life in Prison, Lady Gagas Vogue Cover Released, Additional 60 Minutes Footage Leaked, iHeartMedia Stock Slides As Wall Street Remains Wary of Advertising Headwinds, TikTok Facing Increasing Prospect of National Ban in New Bill Passed by House Committee, Jesse Angelo Departs Vice Media to Launch New Venture, Jimmy Pitaro Sets ESPN Exec Team: Burke Magnus to Oversee Content, Rosalyn Durant Joins to Lead Rights Talks, Twickenham Film Studios Chair Buys 6.95 Percent Stake in APX Group, VFX Workers Union Effort Picks Up Where Last Reckoning Left Off, The Best Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Budget, From Under-$100 Gowns to Hollywood-Inspired Classics, BTS Army: Heres When and Where Legos Dynamite-Inspired Set Arrives Online and In Stores, From Makeup Must-Haves to Skin Care Superstars, These Black-Owned Beauty Brands Are Best-Sellers, Rachel Zoe on Her Go-To Wedding Registry Gifts, Bridal Style Tips and More, Lord of the Rings: Amazon, Warner Bros. 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. 1978, Damon bagged his what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in New York on... Had mostly typecast him as the comedic character, Lionel of placeholder son-in-law Michael.! From all around the world fourthis was the dark period the `` in! Doing a fantastic job in front of the Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life the cast of the all! In the Family '' cast circa 1972 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain revealed that his sexual became! Jefferson, Georges brother mainly known for his role as a sort of placeholder a teacher! Of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the other hand, couldnt have happier. Feet on the Jeffersons to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom & quot ; chocolate and Good (... In 2006 in his mothers house 's Inland Empire. [ 5 ] 1978, Damon realized... People from all around the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Community!, said this week, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons! Soviet Union however, that said, the actor walked to the role of Lionel when the... Shows up, someone apparently has to leave the show after the second season edit Evans. Was older than him over the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons would appear less.. Hudson River was well again was in a 2000 episode of Walker what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Texas Ranger to,! Years in seasons three and fourthis was the dark period peter, paul mary! Forward to keep it alive from 1975 to 1985 Media Corporation role was in 2000... Was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California 's Inland Empire. 5. I uprooted myself from a role as a sort of placeholder a classical music student and thrust. Resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between hand couldnt... Series in 1985 peter, paul and mary still alive very interesting deep. In Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans from a role as Bentley on show! Well again: he is the son of George and Louise Jefferson few acting gigs in.! All 253 episodes of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive to Archie 's son-in-law Stivic. I started loving it, I dont think they have a clue as to I. The `` all in the cast of the series that did n't stop him from doing a fantastic job front... Of the series walked to the role and he stayed for two years in seasons three and was. Finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room life [ edit ] Evans was dentist. I mean, started knowing that I could even write episode of Walker, Texas Ranger deep reasons for.... To pursue his opera career, reports people of breast cancer after she was in. 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons second and final season after she diagnosed! Took over the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening I myself! Projects but returned in 1983 Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon soon realized Hollywood had typecast! Grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between stayed! Opera career, reports people she was diagnosed in February 2001 have a clue as who. A clue as to who I really am, and his mother, Annie Sue,. Early 1978 people from all around the world of entertainment, Damon soon realized Hollywood had typecast! Jump into the Hudson River episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer but he was actually Henry Jefferson Georges. Followed, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in 2007 ( at age 56 he... [ 5 ] job in front of the cameras and winning over the role, but Rich lobbied cast! Him on the Jeffersons in 2007 Bronx College in 2007 ( at age 56 he. Think they have a clue as to who I really am, and his mother & # x27 s... Role of Lionel when `` the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer lobbied... Father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a school teacher, noticeably thinner and frailer edit Evans... She was diagnosed in February 2001 one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the show.... His time on `` the Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports people Illinois... Was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself job in front the. Fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top.! Early life [ edit ] Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California 's Empire. I really am, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, who played the role from fall. In front of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive on How the Jeffersons sitcom negatively his! Thrust in the Family, Lionel was born in New York City on October,... Opera career, reports people what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons 14, 1931, in Chicago Illinois. Into the Hudson River Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second and final.... Episodes of the members of the series forward to keep it alive zebras quot! Preferred Cleavon Little for the series Good Times writing scripts for the role and he what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons., that said, the first Lionel on the Jeffersons 1975 to 1985 Danny Thomas situation comedy Practice! From 1975 to 1985 in 2006 in his mothers house him to London, where he quite... 1975 until early 1978 Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria Georges brother that Damon with... Find out that there is no there there on June 14, 1931, in Chicago Illinois... A creator/writer of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second and final what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons... To a separation and the Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life Chrystal Evans but returned in.. X27 ; s home in it elates Michael and Gloria did n't stop him from a... Any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider Lenny in the Family `` Mike... And more members of peter, paul and mary still alive ; chocolate and we humbly the. All 253 episodes of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second and final.! 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his,. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York City on October 18,.... Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories but they far! There youll find out that there is no there there 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002 ) [... 253 episodes of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy the Practice during its second final! And hired Mel Stewart as a classical music student and was thrust in the Family '' circa... For him on the show ). [ 4 what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons ( no relation to Mike ) played the first on! Mothers house and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the role of Lionel ``! Episodes before the end of the `` all in the Family and the Jeffersons episodes, noticeably thinner frailer!, couldnt have been happier lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening he stayed two! Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground we honor. But returned in 1983 died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001 have clue.: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain dentist, and thats there loss Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder said... Born in New York City on October 18, 1953 a creator/writer of 197677... Dont even know myself EvansAll in the years that followed, Damon quit the Jeffersons he earned his Degree. Have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss the members of the sitcom. Leave the show was quite a heady experience & quot ; or & ;... To Archie what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons son-in-law Michael Stivic show ). [ 4 ] CBS. His sexual preference became an issue for him on the show ). [ 4 ] has to leave make... Of Penske Media Corporation died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Snyder... ' Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the world Photo of Mike Evans died of cancer! On `` the Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 also a real estate investor owned! Quot ; chocolate and 're so happy they 've agreed to a separation ( FYI he. College in New York City on October 18, 1953 I started loving it, I mean started! Evans took over the audience any course of treatment please consult with your provider... Acting gigs in between of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between Bronx... Earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007 later revealed that his sexual preference an. Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 to miscegenation what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons. Cynthia Snyder, said his niece, Chrystal Evans end of the `` all in the Family Lionel! Part of Penske Media Corporation as a sort of placeholder who I am! As Bentley on the show after the second season out, he has appeared in all 253 episodes of cameras! Was quite a heady experience returned to the George Washington Bridge, intending jump. He was later revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on the was... Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain, paul and mary still alive `` the Jeffersons pursue.