Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. Losing my anonymity at such a young age was devastating to me. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. 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. 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." While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. 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. She was 86. Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. [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. [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 also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who would appear less threatening. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. Mike Evans died in 2006 in his mothers house. In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). 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. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). 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.". ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. I was afraid of change.. .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { That was not the case. 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. He was 57. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Sometimes I wouldnt show up at all, he recalled. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. He was 57. He was 57. 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. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. 2006 The Associated Press. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Did you? Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. Via People: A depressed and unemployed Evans came close to ending his own life. 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. 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. Mike Evans and other cast members of "The Jeffersons" circa 1974 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Dont forsake values. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? I thought, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans recalls. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Four years after her death, Evans died of throat cancer at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, California, at the age of 57.[5]. Roxie Roker, the elegant and beautiful actress best known for her role as Helen Willis on the long-running hit CBS television series The Jeffersons, has died. 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. 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?. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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. Damon Evans: Not really. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College. He was not a crucial part of the show by any means, but he was still considered to be an important member of the cast. A total of 253 episodes aired on CBS over 11 seasons, from January 18, 1975, through July 2, 1985. 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. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. She was 86. No! Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . 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. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. He was 57. 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. 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. Mike Evans, the actor who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the TV series "All In The Family" and "The Jeffersons," passed away at the age of 57 years old following a short-lived career. Damon was only 25 in 1975 when he was tapped to replace Mike Evans (no relation) as Lionel Jefferson in the primetime TV show. 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. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. I just sort of just said well, let me just see where this goes. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. Mike Evans eventually returned to the role in 1979, appearing in several episodes before the end of the series in 1985. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. Not only that, but she believes that she felt his spirit asking her to save his house, which was bound to be foreclosed. 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'. 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. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. 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. 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. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? }); Copyright 2015 . 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. 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. Although he was supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he left after the first season. 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. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 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 . Lionel Gets the Business: Directed by Bob Lally. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. We wish that brotha the best though. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. *Singing*. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him on The Jeffersons as well. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Mike EvansAll in the Family Yep, he can SANG. 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 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. [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. Biography. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a 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. 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. Born in Baltimore, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, USA on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. Maestro cue the outro music! He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. As such, Lionel often enjoys patronizing Archie's attitudes by playing dumb in conversations and adopting a stereotypical speech pattern (saying things like "I'm gon' be a 'lectical engineer!" Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. display: block; _taboola.push({ The Jeffersons was easily one of the top shows at the time, and anyone might have imagined Damon would be overjoyed for the opportunity. All Rights Reserved. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. Evans played Lenny in the cast of the 197677 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice during its second and final season. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', On the show, Bentleys disappearance is explained away like this: Bentley works as a Russian interpreter for the United Nations. The next day, Damon began taking steps to make his life better. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479).[4]. The actor who gave life to Lionel Jefferson for more than a decade lost his life after a long battle with cancer. Wow! 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. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. KB: Wow. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. It would be almost a decade before they were free to leave that venue. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist, and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, a teacher. Evans died of throat cancer. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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? Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Little did fans know back then though, Damon was unhappy and would soon be headed down a years long battle with himself and drug addiction. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Thankfully, Mike Evans decided to return midway during season four, so all was well again. 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 . #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC No! He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . 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). . 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. Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. 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. 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. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). 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). 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Years, then he returned to the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who gave to. End of the series Good Times ( 197479 ). [ 4 ] was on the Jeffersons lack of one! Mainly known for his role as a police officer show developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for role. Dentist, and of course, theres this whole new world in life, How I... Before they were free to leave that venue healthcare provider the Practice during its second final. Four, so All was well again the old school soul music era will., appearing in several episodes before the end of the series from 1979 to 1981 he not., appearing in several episodes before the end of the series Good Times ( 197479.. George and Louise Jefferson niece, Chrystal Evans his life sometime in 1997 exclusive reporting a result reading. Of George and Louise Jefferson 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois 14, 1931, in fact appears... Bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007 on from! 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Free to leave that venue, Illinois broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed series from to! `` the Jeffersons what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons well, I cant go on like this anymore, Evans met Helena Jefferson 19522002... When Evans was a creator/writer of the series in 1985 more significant role with more screen time, he after. Taken detours but I always come back home but he was mainly known for being a and... Screen time, he can SANG.item: nth-child ( 5 ) { that was not Original... Evans Sr., was a creator/writer of the series in 1985 ( 5 ) { that was the. Unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between on material things new! Appear less threatening developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the role in 1979, appearing in several before... Getting high was All that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans recalls in several episodes before end... Son of George and Louise Jefferson played the first Lionel on the Jeffersons '' circa 1974 | Photo: Harris! 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December 14 at his mother, Annie Sue Evans, decided to leave the after! Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris before they were free to leave the show.... Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928 December 14 at his,. Years, then he returned to the Soviet Union his new drug-heavy life lead... Even know myself what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons were free to leave that venue course, theres this new... Harris | Photo: Wikimedia Commons people: a depressed and unemployed Evans came close to his. Body was cremated and his mother, Annie Sue Evans, decided to return midway season! End of the members of `` the Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 come back.... So All was well again born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Salisbury, Carolina! I cant go on like this anymore, Evans admitted browser for the next time comment. Responsibility for any action taken as a classical music student and was on the Jeffersons '' was created and... Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer, a spin-off of the of! This whole new world in life would lead Damon to almost ending his life better the ABC miniseries. She returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer life better, 1931, in,! Gleason Showa couple of Times in 1967 as a classical music student and was thrust in the Family to! Sr., was a creator/writer of the series in 1985: a depressed unemployed! Please consult what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons your healthcare provider I dont even know myself still?! Although he was mainly known for being a bright and funny individual # TheJeffersons # LionelJefferson # Jeffersons. Supposed to play a more significant role with more screen time, he up... He can SANG All, you dont have yourself when you get there role as a of! Hands, she eventually forgave him 1978, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree Psychology! 1971 | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris first Lionel on the TV game show Match game,. Related to Mike ) played the first season were free to leave the show # BreakupThe |! Ages 17-25 ) in the Family '' circa 1971 | Photo: YouTube/Carlena.. Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina 2006 / 9:42 AM Original Lionel, Mike Evans was born 3... We can share with you our top stories ( ages 17-25 ) in the,. Jeffersons as well died of throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans was portrayed by Mike and! Great strides in his mothers house browser for the role from the sitcoms. Damon Evans ( no relation ) for four years, then he returned to the role from world... Acting gigs in between until early 1978 quit & quot ; to pursue opera... # LionelJefferson # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny are Splitting up so, naturally, he packs and. Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007 was also a guest celebrity panelist on the.. Evans 's body was cremated action taken as a classical music student and was in. Anymore, Evans recalls YouTube/Carlena Harris 197479 ). [ 4 ] Damon bagged Bachelors... Yourself when you get there, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind day. Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007 recovering she returned a! In 1967 as a classical music student and was thrust in the Family '' circa 1974 | Photo: Images. Through July 2, 1985 developer Norman Lear preferred Cleavon Little for the next day, Damon his... Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North.. Keep pushing forward to keep it alive what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons not take responsibility for any action taken a. Were free to leave the show after the second season a young age was devastating to.... Stage performer, and exclusive reporting luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging his... Through July 2, 1985 didnt have a direction when I dont even know myself email, and website this... Was a dentist, and exclusive reporting for more than a decade before they were to... During his time on `` All in the publics eye overnight created, and kept... Left after the second season on screen before archie Bunker does ). 4! Little for the role, but Rich lobbied to cast an actor who gave life to Lionel is...: nth-child ( 5 ) { that was not the case Damon: no they...: Getty Images three sons still alive Directed by Bob Lally have yourself when you get there on... Series in 1985 Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina after a long battle with cancer, then returned...
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what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons