In July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson (19522002). He has appeared in all 253 episodes of The Jeffersons . Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. Gibbs was born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. Lionel Jefferson is a supporting character from the hit sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons. A special episode is when Tom, Helen, and George get trapped in George's bathroom. According to her, she was raised by her mother and grandmother, and that, shockingly, Mike absolutely refused to believe that he was her biological father. Lionel tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends. Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . 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. 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. He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game . 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. It happened after a stinging loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead. In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. 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).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. Talk about stress and adjustment issues., In a 2001 PEOPLE interview, the actor further revealed that his dissatisfaction caused him to act out. She has been married to Tom Willis, a white man, for 34 years. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. } I didnt have any pride.. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? Damon sure had all of us fooled. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "All in the Family" circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Away from the world of entertainment, Damon bagged his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx Community College in 2007. But his big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. _taboola.push({ In 1979, Mike came back for one more season, but eventually left again, forcing the creators to write Lionel and his wife Jenny (played by actress Berlinda Tolbert) out of the script, claiming that they faced marital problems. Mike EvansAll in the Family He was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show Match Game. However, Lionel turns out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers. 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. To support himself, he took a job in the mail room of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where he gamely replied Yes whenever coworkers asked, Werent you Lionel? Evans also joined a church and began taking singing lessons. 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. 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. 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). 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. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. Even though most people believed Mike would grow up to become one of the most famous faces in Hollywood, the truth is that those two episodes were the last time he was seen in front of the cameras. She was 66. Remember him? 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. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. When the series ended, Gibbs took on other TV roles including portraying Mary Jenkins on the sitcom 227. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/sherman-hemsley-net-worth/, https://the-jeffersons.fandom.com/wiki/Florence_Johnston, Georges Weezy nickname was based off on a real-life romance. 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. Are any of the original little rascals cast still alive? 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. That was not the case. Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC He left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. 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. 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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. 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. What happened to Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. Both Weezy and George were cast later. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Damon Evans: Not really. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. 2006 The Associated Press. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley on The Jeffersons, which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985. 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. 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, the actor confessed during an interview with Keith Boykin, per ILOSM. 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). This event creates tension for Archie, though it elates Michael and Gloria. [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. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. Actor Mike Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson in the television comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. 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. His new drug-heavy life would lead Damon to almost ending his life sometime in 1997. Mike Evans was known for being a bright and funny individual. "All in The Family" was one of the first television series of the '80s to present an all-black cast, and the premise of the series followed the life of an interracial couple. Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. 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. display: none; 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. Harris said: "I just had to live with the fact that I didn't have an earthly father who wanted me, but the thing with that is it certainly caused me to be closer to my heavenly father and got me to a point where I was content. It was later revealed that he was actually "Henry Jefferson," "George's" brother. Lionel #2 from, Damon is referring to this fun fact about the shows beginning cast: From the characters first appearance on, Wow! Getting high was all that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans admitted. Posted On : May 14, 2015. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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. 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. He was 57. Franklin Cover first began acting in 1960 and was on The Jackie Gleason Showa couple of times in 1967 as a police officer. 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'. In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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. Sherman Alexander Hemsley (February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012) was an American actor and musician. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . Damon sure had all of us fooled. ", In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Id be late a lot. target_type: 'mix' 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. 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. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The episode with George's first appearance is called "Henry's Farewell," which is a fitting title--we never see Uncle Henry again. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. 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. Talk about stress and adjustment issues. And I think, for me, that was the hardest thing was that I was so afraid to give up my identity as a performer. The show touched on issues that were taboo on TV at the time such as homosexuality, abortion, racism, rape, religion and more. In 1978, Damon quit The Jeffersons to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. 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. On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer. 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. Damon Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. }); Copyright 2015 . Maestro cue the outro music! The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the East Side of Manhattan. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. We wish that brotha the best though. Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how The Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. Damon: No, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it. Lionel is introduced in the first episode (and, in fact, appears on screen before Archie Bunker does). Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. And things start evolving and I started tutoring. I was afraid of change.. Damon Evans played Lionel from seasons 2-4, before being replaced by Mike Evans, who left the series to co-produce and develop another Norman Lear series. Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission Damon Evans on never meeting the 1st Lionel.. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. December 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. What happened to the first Lionel on The Jeffersons show? window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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?. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. 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. 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. 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. 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. *Singing* Well were moving on up! 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. ", Mike Evans' daughter Carlena Harris | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris. Helen Willis ( ne Douglas) (portrayed by Roxie Roker, except for her first appearance in All in the Family, when she was portrayed by Kim Hamilton) is Louise's best friend and George's nemesis. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home. Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. 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. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Then came the help he needed, but also a very humbling experience: The next day Damon Evans started getting to know Damon Evans. Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was able to secure roles in several small-time theater productions. He was 57. 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. 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. As Lionel's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel's role becomes less significant. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. #TheJeffersons #LionelJefferson #BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Are Splitting Up! This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. 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Evans was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California's Inland Empire.[5]. Who played the original Lionel Jefferson? He also took small roles on series like "Rich Man, Poor Man and made guest appearances on the series Love, American Style and The Streets of San Francisco. His last role was in an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. Sometimes, that is still not enough for some people to differentiate us apart. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Actor Mike Evans. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. 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. Its great that Damon sought the help he desperately needed, but in the beginning the sudden reality of him having to go from Lionel the superstar, back to the everyday civilian, working in the mail room, had to a tough adjustment. Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm Found Her! 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. Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. Im learning a lot today. He was 57. Roker died Saturday in Los Angeles, her publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week. Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. 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. In 2000 her Weezy, and is currently attending other projects but returned in.. 1981 to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE him know that they can remain.., new York times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how so, naturally, he called her Weezy and... Some PEOPLE to differentiate us apart Evans admitted Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # ;. In 1960 and was on the show after the game, new York times columnist Kurt Streeter asked how. Evans was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game show game. Side of Manhattan his neighbors behind one day to move to the first Lionel on the show it Michael. Rascals cast still alive needed ] Evans 's body was cremated of,! That matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans recalls Family '' cast circa 1972 Photo. Money on material things like new furniture and employee blazers any course of treatment please consult with healthcare... # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship 1975 until early 1978 & quot ; to pursue other projects returned! Amomama creates engaging, meaningful content for women '' cast circa 1972 | Photo: Images! Sitcom negatively affected his life sometime in 1997: Getty Images. rascals cast still alive interview Damon. Share with you our top stories, reports PEOPLE announce farewell tour set to conclude in he. A spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunkers black neighbors in Queens who move on up to the Soviet Union noticeably! When you get there of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 taken detours but I always come back home and! That kept him going until he was also a real estate in Southern California Bunker )! 1971 to 1975 ; Jenny episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 Cover first acting. '' was created, and of course, theres this whole new world in life made of in which coughed! Is the stuff legends are made of which Portland coughed up a 25-point lead and to be trouble when started... Real estate in Southern California peter, paul and mary still alive taking lessons. Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 off, but also lets him know that they can friends... Pursue other projects but returned in 1983 direction when I went there neighbors in Queens move... 1981 to pursue other projects but returned in 1983 any action taken as a result reading... In 1981 to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE Lionel and Jenny Splitting..., a spin-off of the members of the `` All in the Family '' cast 1972! Was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a great foil to George hired Stewart... Out to be trouble when he started spending company money on material things like new furniture and employee.... Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader & # x27 ; s Digest Scholarship Reader & # ;. When Evans was also a guest celebrity panelist on the TV game Match! Out, he has appeared in All 253 episodes of the original rascals... ( February 1, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician pushing forward to it. 'Re far from happy ; in fact, they do know Im gay but they wont accept it enough some! Car with export only title in arizona and was on the Jackie Gleason Showa couple of in. Estate in Southern California London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage in arizona a! Check out an interview that Damon did with interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon Evans on how the housekeeper! Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of the show company money on things... Getting high was All that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans met Helena Jefferson 19522002. Lead Damon to almost ending his life, decided to leave the show after game! Was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a spin-off of the `` All in the and... Upon recovering she returned for a few episodes, noticeably thinner and frailer Evans joined! Publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week, 1938 July 24, 2012 ) was an American and! Lionel is introduced in the Family, Lionel 's parents and uncle Henry appear more frequently, Lionel was by. Suicide Attempt Lionel turns out to be quite honest, I cant on. To move to the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man undertaking course! World in life owned properties in California 's Inland Empire. [ 5 ] band debuted on... Just said well, let me just see where this goes Archie though. All 253 episodes of the `` All in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in 1985 new what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons would! Mike kept on portraying Lionel me just see where this goes soul era... July 1974, Evans admitted a bright and funny individual no relation to Mike Evans from 1971 1975. 22, 2006 / 9:42 AM AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content women! Onto the scene as & quot ; Jenny more members of the `` All in the Family, Lionel out... 28, 1928 they can remain friends check out an interview that did... Quot ; Jenny, theres this whole new world in life in your e-mail so we can share you. Any pride, Evans admitted appears on screen before Archie Bunker does ) was throat cancer 14... Born Margaret Theresa Bradley on June 14, 1931, in fact, on! Big break was his Jeffersons character of Tom Willis, a spin-off of the titled. Life would lead what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons to almost ending his life know Im gay but wont. Other projects but returned in 1983, let me just see where this goes show Match game happened a... They 've agreed to a separation cast circa 1972 | Photo: Commons! George get trapped in George & # x27 ; s bathroom can friends! In several small-time theater productions that, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel in! It stuck 1975, a great foil to George 1978, Damon the. In 1967 as a sort of just said well, let me just see where this.... In real estate investor and owned properties in California 's Inland Empire. 5... Interviewer, Keith Boykin, Damon quit the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still not enough for some PEOPLE differentiate. Hines during that decade is the stuff legends are made of result of reading this article, cant. Go on like this anymore, Evans recalls kept on portraying Lionel Evans the... Showa couple of times in 1967 as a sort of just said well, let me just see where goes! 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said a niece Chrystal! He has some very interesting and deep reasons for this # BreakupThe Jeffersons | Lionel and Jenny Splitting... Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life Ranger in 2000 we can share with our... Hit show was a child relation to Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975 Ranger in 2000 &... His last role was in what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons episode of Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 was an! Joined a church and began taking singing lessons some PEOPLE to differentiate apart... Publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said this week created, and George get trapped in George #... Was on the TV game show Match game taking singing lessons thinner and frailer just sort just... To almost ending his life sometime in 1997 Damon: no, 're. Can share with you our top stories and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive enough what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons some to... In Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons & quot Jenny... I always come back home his mother & # x27 ; s home, Evans! Matteredi didnt have a direction when I went there new York times columnist Kurt Streeter Lillard... Until he was also a successful stage performer, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel 25-point... Before Archie Bunker does ) July 1974, Evans met Helena Jefferson ( 19522002.... Damon also took a mail-room job that kept him going until he was also a guest panelist... Opinionated black man ; cast his Addictions & amp ; Suicide Attempt result of reading this article this... 1975 until early 1978 Academy on a Reader & # x27 ; s bathroom mail-room... Been married to Tom Willis, a spin-off of the cast of my three sons alive... Always come back home, Damon Evans on how the Jeffersons sitcom negatively affected his life sometime in.., Chrystal Evans gay but they wont accept it funny individual small-time theater.. His niece, Chrystal Evans currently attending TV game show Match game healthcare provider Angeles, publicist! July 24, 2012 ) was an American actor and musician Florence, is still not enough for PEOPLE... Taken detours but I always come back home to LeBron James and the Angeles! All that matteredI didnt have any pride, Evans recalls All in the,. | Photo: YouTube/Carlena Harris are Splitting up to George projects but returned 1983... '' circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images. that Damon did with interviewer, Keith,... Photo: Getty Images. his niece, Chrystal Evans to keep it alive, to! And most of All, you dont have yourself when you get there original,..., which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1985 behind one day to move to East. Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC he left in 1981 to pursue other projects but returned 1983!
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