Sherman Hemsley of TV's 'The Jeffersons' dies at 74

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
7/25/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Actor was known for his brash, funny style

One of the brightest spots in Seventies TV comedy was by far "The Jeffersons." With its catchy theme song, "Movin' on Up," the show detailed the travails of an African American couple, played by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford who ran a successful dry cleaning business in Manhattan. Hemsley played the husband George Jefferson to the hilt, as a brash, opinionated businessman. Hemsley passed away this week at the age of 74.

Sherman Hemsley was found dead at his El Paso, Texas home. Police say there is no suspicion of foul play. Hemsley had no wife or children.

Facebook Delicous MySpace

Twitter Stumble Digg

More Destinations

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Hemsley was found dead at his El Paso, Texas home. Police say there is no suspicion of foul play. Hemsley had no wife or children.

Hemsley originally played Jefferson as a semi-regular character on "All in the Family" from 1973 until 1975, when the spinoff "The Jeffersons" began an 11-season run on CBS.

For the first few years on "All in the Family," George Jefferson was never seen, only referred to by his wife, Louise. At the behest of the show's producers, Hemsley show's portrayed Jefferson as "pompous and feisty."

What was so surprising to audiences at that time was that Jefferson was every bit as bigoted as his neighbor, Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O'Connor, referring to white people as "honkies."

Mean and condescending to his neighbors, he was a perpetual thorn in the side of his son Lionel. His character was still wildly popular with TV audiences.

"By me loving Louise and Archie loving (his wife) Edith, you got away with being goofy and stupid," he said in 2003. "Because people said at least he loved something."

Former co-star Florence Johnston, who played the maid on the series, said she was shocked to hear he had died.

"I thought Sherman was doing very well . I am saddened to hear that Sherman has made his transition. We were trying to come up with a new show that we could participate in, but of course, that cannot happen now.

"Sherman was one of the most generous co-stars I have ever worked with. He happily set me up so that I could slam him, and I did the same for him. I shall miss him deeply."

Hemsley also played Deacon Ernest Frye in the sitcom "Amen."

Producer Norman Lear released a statement regarding Hemsley, "With the passing of Sherman Hemsley, the world loses one of its most unique comedic talents, and a lovely man." Lear claimed discovered Hemsley doing the Broadway play "Purlie." Lear remembered him "singing and dancing, and (Hemsley) was one of the most unique actors on the stage."

In 1990, he released an album, "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," and two years later another, entitled "Dance."

Hemsley was nominated for an Emmy in 1985 but lost to Bill Cosby.

� 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Sherman Hemsley, The Jeffersons, TV comedy, death

NEWSLETTERS »

Rate This Article

Was this helpful to you? Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Would you be interested in more articles like this? Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

0 Comments

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment