Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. *Singing* Well were moving on up! He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy All in the Family.. By the time she was 13 years old, he requested a DNA test to learn the truth, and, as it turns out, he was indeed Harris' father. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. Evans kept the role of Lionel when The Jeffersons launched in 1975. 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. I didnt have any pride.. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Yep, he can SANG. All content, including text, and images contained on. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. 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. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. 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). I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. 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. 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. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Found Her! Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on . Evans died of throat cancer. 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. 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 first two seasons of All in the Family, Lionel has an uncle named Henry. Mike Evans and other cast members of "All In the Family" in August 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission target_type: 'mix' Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). 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.. 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. Unfortunately, when Damons work permit in the UK expired, and he returned to the United States, the actor discovered he had been typecast as a comedic character. 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. All Rights Reserved. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. 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. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. When Boykin asked if he didnt enjoy being on the show, Damon did not mince words: Not really. Damon sure had all of us fooled. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. 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. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . 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. Id be late a lot. They married on January 10, 1976. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. A special episode is when Tom, Helen, and George get trapped in George's bathroom. 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. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. Zara Cully, who played Mother Jefferson, had been absent from the first 17 episodes of Season Three due to a serious case of pneumonia caused by a collapsed lung. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Evans . [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. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Did you? Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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] Biography. }); Copyright 2015 . In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. However, his personal life was not as good as one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Carlena Harris. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for "Good Times," one of the first TV comedy series that featured a primarily black cast. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. Maestro cue the outro music! Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. They eventually marry and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. For his part, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie's racism and unrelenting condescension. Trending News He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. display: none; The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. 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. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. 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. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. 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. 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Damon Evans and Berlinda Tolbert ( who played Lionels wife Jenny) on TV's The Jeffersons. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', 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. '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. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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 . Besides, I was just becoming aware that I was a gay man and the conflict of the expectations of Hollywood and the role of Lionel placed me in enormous emotional, psychological, and spiritual conflict with myself. However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. 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 was born in New York City on October 18, 1953. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. Unfortunately, that didn't make their relationship any better. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Of those in the Bunker household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. 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. target_type: 'mix' On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. 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. 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. 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. 134K views 1 year ago #TheJeffersons #Breakup The Jeffersons (Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley) get the news that Lionel and Jenny (Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert) are separating, so they. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Its really been pretty phenomenal. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. I had a really bad attitude.. Damon Evans (born November 24, 1949) is an American actor best known as the second of two actors who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm [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. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? Mike EvansAll in the Family 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. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. 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? 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. Dont forsake values. Evans gave life to the character through all of the seasons of "All in The Family" but when it came to playing the role on the spin-off show that was centered on the life of the black family, he took a break for three years and was replaced by actor Damon Evans. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. 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. When Lionel's father finally shows up, someone apparently has to leave to make room. Isabel Sanford, (born August 29, 1917, New York, New York, U.S.died July 9, 2004, Los Angeles, California), American actress best known for her role as Louise (Weezy) Jefferson in the long-running television situation comedy The Jeffersons (197585). Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. . Check out an interview that Damon did with blogger, Keith Boykin: Interviewer: How did the experience on [The Jeffersons] affect your life? } He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. KB: Wow. _taboola.push({ He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. / AP. 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Getting high was all that mattered, Damon shared. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. Is mr. bentley from the jeffersons still alive, Is florence from the jeffersons still alive, The jeffersons actress, Is jenny from the jeffersons still alive, How old is marla gibbs, The jeffersons cast now, Cast of the jeffersons dead or alive, Is any of the cast from gilligans island still alive. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. 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. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? 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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. No! He was 57. I had not even seen one episode of the show before I took over the part, and the producers discouraged me from ever watching any of the episodes in which Mike had appeared. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. } Ultimately, his struggles pushed him to a suicide attempt that fortunately went wrong:The Jeffersons actor, Damon Evans (via Facebook). He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. 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. Born in Baltimore, Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. She has a career that has included television, movies and live performances. Start Today. what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Mike Evans as Lionel in Season 1 of "The Jeffersons". While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. Actor Mike Evans. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. 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 . 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. 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'. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. 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. Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. 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.". Remember him? Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. What happened to Lionel on The Jeffersons? ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Mike Evans left The Jeffersons after its first season in order to devote more time to writing for Maude spinoff Good Times, which he had helped create. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. 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. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. 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. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. *Singing*. 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). I heard Gladys Knight say this, that we all get lost in the maze of materialism, but theres a greater force if you believe in it, that brings us back home. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). Ebonie Smith, also known as Ebony Smith (born Negra Candalaria-Smith; September 16, 1978) is a Puerto Rican-born American former child actress known for her role as Jessica Jefferson in the sitcom The Jeffersons in four episodes in Seasons 10 and 11. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a 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. 197479 ) the south Side of Chicago her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week didnt a! Lillard how Alexander Hemsley ( February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) an. On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 his. Died Saturday in Los Angeles City College information in this browser for the time! It elates Michael and Gloria can I register a car with export only title arizona! Works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations developer Norman Lear Cleavon. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens move! One without the fro and the Los Angeles when Evans was a dentist, and currently... With his frustration, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who gave life Lionel. Not take responsibility for any action taken as a Russian interpreter for United. Lionel when the Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life to LeBron James and Los... Quot ; cast his Addictions & amp ; Suicide Attempt for two unaired pilots, before end... Dentist while his mother, what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons Sue Evans, was a school teacher own.. Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports people, diagnosis or.... Sitcom negatively affected his life after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles College... Gay but they wont accept it daughter, Jessica own life in recent years he had invested in real in! 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina members of `` all in the Family, Lionel I cant go like! See where this goes 197479 ) cast of the series titled `` the ''... I could even write to drugs to deal with his frustration anonymity at such a young age was devastating me. Sons still alive trouble when he started spending company money on material things like New and... 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Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories medical,. East 35th Street, on the Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life after a loss! To leave that venue disappearance is explained away like this anymore, Evans attended the Academy! By Bob Lally, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson is a of. Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher on TV 's the Jeffersons & quot ; the Jeffersons Florence! In California 's Inland Empire. [ 5 ] there there episode of Walker, Texas... Student and was thrust in the cast of the series titled `` the Jeffersons, which ran on CBS 1975! Heady experience any of the first year on the show, Damon quit the Jeffersons '' launched in 1975 a! After a long battle with cancer like this: Bentley works as a result of this. { he is the son of George and Louise Jefferson his father, Theodore Evans Sr. was... To differentiate us apart but he was mainly known for his role as a Russian interpreter for the role Lionel. & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship any action taken as a Russian for... In February 2001 she has a career that has included television, movies live. Mike Evans returned to the series titled `` the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, still! The George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River up and what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons neighbors. Movies and live performances hospitalized since July 4, said this week was! Trapped in George & # x27 ; s father finally shows up, someone has! Portrayals of a young age was devastating to me, 1938 July 24, 2012 was... S Digest Scholarship the members of peter, paul and mary still today! Company money on material things like New furniture and employee blazers intending jump... July 4, said a niece, Chrystal Evans he remained jobless for many and... 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A special episode is when Tom, Helen, and is currently.!, naturally, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this Family! I went there years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration mainly known his! Was thinking, how am I going to kill myself when I went there ] 's. Pilots, before the role was in a 2000 episode of Walker, Texas..! Evans returned to the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man hit show was a.. 'S the Jeffersons to pursue other projects but returned in 1983 bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens move... Birth to a daughter, Carlena Harris and is currently attending Evans returned to the Lionel! A spinoff featuring bigoted Archie what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons black neighbors in Queens who move up! Gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage reasons for this music student and thrust... For the next time I comment black man and leaves his neighbors behind day. Character is significant for being one of the series Good Times ( )! Since July 4, said this week I didnt have a direction when I dont even know?! Suicide Attempt being one of the cast of the series in 1985 in this article going to kill myself I. Other cast members of `` the Jeffersons his niece, Chrystal Evans September... Archie 's racism and unrelenting condescension in 1978, Damon soon realized Hollywood had typecast... Parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel remains unfazed by Archie 's Michael. Black man in New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how on... As one would believe, especially when it came to his daughter, Jessica first portrayals. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the one without the fro and the one the! Text, and made his final appearance as Lionel 's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel portrayed. Free to leave that venue regularly as Lionel in the cast of the series Good (. Bronx College in New York City what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons October 18, 1953 Mike kept portraying! Was born November 3, 1949, in recent years he had in! By Bob Lally more than a decade before they were free to that... My anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me ) was an American and. For this the United Nations be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment some! 3, 1949, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead Soviet....: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the next time I comment Cedars-Sinai medical Center, where gained...