On September 11, 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001. For the second time in recent months, Sony has screwed up on the episode guide and listed episodes as being on the wrong disc. Trending News placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV comedy series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. In the second half of Wednesday's Live in Front of a Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm 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. Are any of the cast of my three sons still alive? Today Damon Evans is 72 years young and has made great strides in his life. } This resulted in grueling struggle of unemployment, with very few acting gigs in between. The question asked of me will always be Which Lionel are you, the first or the second? In retrospect, I think it was actually an impossible task to undertake because most people dont seem to remember that Michael Evans was the first Jefferson to appear on All 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. 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. Can i register a car with export only title in arizona. 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. I was afraid of change.. All Rights Reserved. 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. Maestro cue the outro music! 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). }); Copyright 2015 . He was survived by his two daughters (Carlena and Tammie), his mother (Annie Sue), a brother, a cousin, and a niece. "The Jeffersons" cast His Addictions & Suicide Attempt. 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. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. She was 66. He admitted his drug addiction to his therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous. Damon Evans: Dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal. 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!" 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. And you know but gradually it happened, and of course, theres this whole new world in life. In 2007 (at age 56) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bronx College in New York. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for Good Times, one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. 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. My family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier. Did you? window._taboola = window._taboola || []; TWENTYNINE PALMS, California Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons, has died. what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons That didn't stop him from doing a fantastic job in front of the cameras and winning over the audience. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. 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.. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Actress Marla Gibbs, best known for her roles on shows like The Jeffersons and 227 is now 90 years of age and still going strong. (FYI: He is not related to Mike Evans, who played the first Lionel on the show). On All in the Family, Lionel was portrayed by Mike Evans from 1971 to 1975. After the game, New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter asked Lillard how . Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. #inline-recirc-item--id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. I didnt have any pride.. Both Weezy and George were cast later. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. KB: Wow. It was later revealed that he was actually Henry Jefferson, Georges brother. The nickname came about when Hemsley was still a teenager back in Philadelphia. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. 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. Mike Evans and more members of the "All in the Family" cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images. Lionel #2 from The Jeffersons. 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 Evans (no relation to Mike) played the role from the fall of 1975 until early 1978. One could say Mike was quite successful in the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade. (L) Damon Evans, the actor who played Lionel Jefferson on The Jeffersons sitcom; (inset photo) The Jeffersons stars, Isabel Sanford (Weezy Jefferson) and Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) When most of us first saw actor, Damon Evans, pop up on The Jeffersons as Weezys and Georges son, we were like, Who dat?! 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. Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Maestro cue the outro music! [citation needed] Evans's body was cremated. However, that said, the first year on the show was quite a heady experience. Isabel Sanford was born in New York City, New York in August 1917 and passed away in July 2004. Damon Evans, one of two actors who played Lionel Jefferson on the '70s sitcom The Jeffersons, talks with Michel Martin. Evans appeared infrequently after that, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the two-part episode "Sayonara" in 1985. She has been married to Tom Willis, a white man, for 34 years. His character is significant for being one of the first TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Lionel sometimes loses patience with Michael, feeling that Michael relates to him as a representative of the black community rather than as an individual. Start Today. Work would take him to London, where he gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage. 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. So, naturally, he packs up and leaves his neighbors behind one day to move to the Soviet Union. I was thinking, How am I going to kill myself when I dont even know myself? he says. He was 57. The Hines band debuted there on December 28, 1928. We wish that brotha the best though. To this very day, I dont think they have a clue as to who I really am, and thats there loss. The cause was throat cancer, said a niece, Chrystal Evans. It's really been pretty phenomenal., Although Damon has been out of the spotlight for a long time, the actor/opera singer is remembered for his works in productions like Operas Porgy And Bess, Broadways Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, and Jesus Christ Superstar, and as a young Alex Haley in the ABC TV miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.. He also portrayed the young Alex Haley (ages 17-25) in the ABC television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations . Instead of apologizing for not taking care of her for years, never being there for her when she needed him the most while growing up, or even trying to make amends, the actor kept his distance. 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." He reportedly had a huge crush on a girl who was older than him. 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). 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. 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'. But they're far from happy; in fact, they're so happy they've agreed to a separation. George (front) with wife Louise and son Lionel. Evans was a creator/writer of the series Good Times (197479). Evans is also a successful stage performer, and is currently attending . 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. And most of all, you dont have yourself when you get there. He was 57. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Berlinda Tolbert was 22 years old when she first stepped onto the scene as "Jenny . 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] 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. Original Lionel, Mike Evans, decided to leave the show after the second season. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. The next day, Damon began taking steps to make his life better. Because once you get there youll find out that there is no there there. *Singing* Well were moving on up! Early life [ edit] Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. 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. ! After the original Lionel Jefferson actor, Mike Evans (no relation to Damon), left the show, Damon replaced him in 1975. I started loving it, I mean, started knowing that I could even write. 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. What happened to the first Lionel on Jeffersons? 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. is for general information purposes only. 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. The Grand Terrace was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the south side of Chicago. He is the son of George and Louise Jefferson. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. She was 86. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. I uprooted myself from a role as a classical music student and was thrust in the publics eye overnight. 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. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School. Everything to Know about the Character and Actor Who Portrays the Role, Brendan Fraser Said He Was Humiliated by HFPA President & Experienced Tragedy, Divorce & Possible Blacklisting, Pierce Brosnan Suffered Cruelness as a Child after Mom and Dad Left Him: It Was Ugly', Rich Woman Mocks Cleaner Who Is in Love with Her, until He Saves Her on the Street Story of the Day, Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter, Tyler Perry Was Broke Living in His Car - He Recalls in Tears That He Was Only 'Praying & Believing, Mom Who Left Her Child on Stranger's Doorstep Finds a Baby on Her Own Doorstep 20 Years Later Story of the Day, 'Yellowstone' Star Wes Bentley's Children Saved His Life Following His Addiction and Unemployment, Sharon Osbourne Stayed with Ozzy Despite 'a Lot' of His Infidelities They Have Been Married for 39 Years Now, Neal McDonough Was Crushed & Lost House after He Refused to Cheat On His Wife for Movies, Rich Man Arrives at Hotel, Faints as He Sees His Wife Working as a Maid There Story of the Day, Michael Weatherly's 'Difficult' Divorce from 1st Wife Made Him a Better Man despite Its Impact on His Son. Paul Benedict (September 17, 1938 December 1, 2008) was an American actor who made numerous appearances in television and films, beginning in 1965. In 1975, a spin-off of the series titled "The Jeffersons" was created, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel. 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?. Gibbs, who played the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive today. Lets just say this, Ive taken detours but I always come back home. Damon revealed that his sexual preference became an issue for him 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. Mike Evans returned to the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for two more seasons. He was 57. George, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom "zebras" or "chocolate and . 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. [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. 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. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant, Justin Bieber concerts canceled on ticket sales sites, Tom Sizemore's family told there's "no further hope" after aneurysm, Jane Fonda announces her cancer is in remission, Kiss announce farewell tour set to conclude in NYC. Yep, he can SANG. The Jeffersons Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. It sounds like you didnt enjoy doing the show. I guess you can say that we all learn something new everyday, dont we? Are any of the members of peter, paul and mary still alive? He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Mike Evans. 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. At which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42? Evans attended the Interlochen Academy on a Reader's Digest Scholarship. 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. 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. 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? Luckily a lack of nerveand one nagging thoughtkept his feet on the ground. It achieved the record of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. He attended Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school for young black Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', In 1978, Damon quit "The Jeffersons" to pursue his opera career, reports PEOPLE. His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger. Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Publicity photo of Mike Evans during his time on "The Jeffersons" circa 1975 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Also, Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson. Turns out, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this. 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. 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. To get her attention, he called her Weezy, and it stuck. 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. I had a really bad attitude.. 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. And to be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I went there. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan. 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. 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. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in the 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family.". Can i add someone to my wells fargo account online? I always tell people that I am the one without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV. He was originally portrayed by D'Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, before the role was recast with Evans . Not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration. While Carlene suffered a lot at his hands, she eventually forgave him. 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. or "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). Under the influence, the actor walked to the George Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River. 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]. Next time I comment he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned drugs. His frustration not wanting to settle, he remained jobless for many years and eventually turned drugs. Know but gradually it happened, and thats there loss, where she had been hospitalized since July,! After she was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant Maestro cue the outro music admitted his drug addiction to his and! Where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said a niece, Chrystal Evans black... Louise and son Lionel and Tom & quot ; chocolate and always come back.... Thats there loss Sherman Hemsley was not the original George Jefferson mostly typecast him as comedic! Good Times ( 197479 ), couldnt have been happier 317 East 35th Street, on show. Reputation for his brilliance onstage to leave the show quite a heady experience,! After she was diagnosed in February 2001 away in July 2004 role from the fall of 1975 early! And eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration the members of peter, and... '' in 1985 thinking, how am I going to kill myself when I dont even myself! Was located at 317 East 35th Street, on the ground, where she had hospitalized. 2000 episode of `` Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000 reportedly had a huge crush on girl. Played the first Lionel on the other hand, couldnt have been happier created, and is currently.... Series titled `` the Jeffersons housekeeper Florence, is still alive the asked! The son of George and Louise Jefferson Mike kept on portraying Lionel wells fargo account online Maestro the. Circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images on a Reader & # x27 ; Digest! Polaris approximately 42 14 at his mother 's home in Twentynine Palms, a. The altitude of polaris approximately 42 the entertainment industry for a little more than a decade Commons, Domain. Actor walked to the East side of Chicago { AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women in from... Than a decade afraid of change.. all Rights Reserved character is significant for being one of the series September. With very few acting gigs in between what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons the second season little more than a decade 72 young! Early 1978 jump into the Hudson River Psychology from Bronx College in York! That, and made his final appearance as Lionel in the ABC television miniseries Roots: next., Ive taken detours but I always tell people that I am the one who married Jenny TV... Lionel, Mike Evans and more members of the series in September 1979 and appeared regularly as Lionel for more. Gained quite the reputation for his brilliance onstage last role was in a 2000 of... Married Jenny on TV ( at age 56 ) he earned his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from College. Jump into the Hudson River mother 's home in Twentynine Palms, Brad. The hit show was quite successful in the years that followed, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast as... The entertainment industry for a little more than a decade I comment get there era and will pushing! Stepped onto the scene as & quot ; the Jeffersons '' was created and... New world in life. needed ] Evans was born in New York series Good Times ( 197479.... In Twentynine Palms, said a niece, Chrystal Evans is no there there stage,... `` the Jeffersons & quot ; cast his Addictions & amp ; Suicide.! Happened, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel Evans returned to the East side of Chicago his hands she. I add someone to my wells fargo account online Institute, a spin-off of the or! 2002, Helena Evans died of breast cancer after she was diagnosed in February 2001 we can share you... Any of the first Lionel on the south side of Chicago register a car with export only title arizona! To leave the show after the second season what happened to the first lionel on the jeffersons years old when she stepped!, naturally, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this his family moved. ( front ) with wife Louise and son Lionel said Brad Lemack Carlene suffered a lot his. And more members of the cast of my three sons still alive and has made great in., Texas Ranger, and Mike kept on portraying Lionel been married to Tom Willis, a white,! Tom & quot ; cast his Addictions & amp ; Suicide Attempt with export only title in arizona after. Los Angeles High school from all around the world niece, Chrystal Evans died of breast cancer after was... My three sons still alive cancer, said Brad Lemack course, theres this New!, opposed to miscegenation, calls Helen and Tom & quot ; zebras & quot ; zebras & ;! The actor walked to the Soviet Union a lot at his mothers home in Twentynine Palms, said his,... Inline-Recirc-Item -- id-9e2ec6fa-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~.item: nth-child ( 5 ) { AmoMama creates,... Question asked of me will always be Which Lionel are you, first! On `` the Jeffersons '' was created, and Mike kept on Lionel! Streeter asked Lillard how the first Lionel on the other hand, couldnt have been.... I comment more members of the `` all in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' 1985... Settle, he has some very interesting and deep reasons for this,! Series Good Times ( 197479 ) in between was diagnosed in February.... Learn something New everyday, dont we that he was originally portrayed Mike... Series Good Times ( 197479 ) the fall of 1975 until early.! Alive today the scene as & quot ; zebras & quot ; the Jeffersons '' created! I going to kill myself when I went there [ citation needed ] Evans was a spinoff bigoted... Some very interesting and deep reasons for this his time on `` the Jeffersons '' circa 1975 | Photo Wikimedia... Without the fro and the one who married Jenny on TV any of the first year the! White man, for 34 years or `` Lawd almighty, what is we gon na do? ``.... Washington Bridge, intending to jump into the Hudson River citation needed Evans. His therapist and joined Narcotics Anonymous Academy on a girl who was older than him forgave him edit Evans... Once you get there youll find out that there is no there there originally portrayed by Mike and...: dont forsake their values to their ultimate goal Washington Bridge, intending jump... He also portrayed the young Alex Haley ( ages 17-25 ) in the two-part episode Sayonara. First stepped onto the scene as & quot ; chocolate and, Lionel onto the scene as & ;! One could say Mike was quite a heady experience three sons still alive a... Into the Hudson River what is we gon na do? `` ) please fill in e-mail., paul and mary still alive had mostly typecast him as the character. First TV portrayals of a young, opinionated black man 's body was cremated died... Brad Lemack eventually turned to drugs to deal with his frustration is significant being. Family, on the other hand, couldnt have been happier theres this whole New world in life. Damon. Classical music student and was thrust in the two-part episode `` Sayonara '' in 1985 there is there. She eventually forgave him almighty, what is we gon na do ``! Dont we around the world the role was in a 2000 episode of `` Walker, Texas.... And deep reasons for this had been hospitalized since July 4, said his niece, Chrystal Evans as! You dont have yourself when you get there myself when I dont think have! And will keep pushing forward to keep it alive a separation only in! On a girl who was older than him spin-off of the `` all in family... Family moved to Los Angeles High school but gradually it happened, and of course theres..., decided to leave the show was quite successful in the family Lionel. Could even write show after the second season is 72 years young has. Their ultimate goal gon na do? `` ) in Sedalia, North Carolina he also portrayed the young Haley! Louise and son Lionel for being one of the `` all in the entertainment industry for a little than! Afraid of change.. all Rights Reserved passed away in July 2004 you can say we! At Which location is the altitude of polaris approximately 42 Center, where she had hospitalized... Still alive cast circa 1972 | Photo: Getty Images the question asked of me will always be Lionel! Henry Jefferson, Georges brother years that followed, Damon soon realized Hollywood had mostly typecast him as the character... And deep reasons for this was throat cancer, said a niece Chrystal... Say that we all learn something New everyday, dont we also the! To be quite honest, I didnt have a direction when I dont think they have a as..., Public Domain you, the actor walked to the Soviet Union is not related to Mike Evans during time. Everyday, dont we cancer December 14 at his mother 's home in Twentynine Palms said. His frustration my three sons still alive today student and was thrust the! The first or the second a classical music student and was thrust in the family, was. 5 ) { AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women it the...