Recommended

Sherman Hemsley Dies Aged 74; Jeffersons Actor Found Dead at Texas Home

Sherman Hemsley, famous for playing George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons," has died aged 74 on Tuesday, according to police.

Hemsley passed away at this home in El Paso, Texas, the police have said.

The actor was born in South Philadelphia and later dropped out of high school to sign up for the Air Force. He later was employed at the U.S. Postal Service, as he took acting classes at night. That finally led him to New York where he made his debut on Broadway in Purlie, playing the part of Gitlow.

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

Television writer and producer Norman Lear later signed him up to play Jefferson on his new sitcom "All in the Family."

Hemsley was so popular in that sitcom that he later was signed up for a spin off program with costar Isabel Sanford in "The Jeffersons."

The sitcom was hugely popular and Hemsley was nominated for an Emmy in 1984 and a Golden Globe in 1985.

Another role Hemsley will be remembered for is as Deacon Ernest Frye in the NBC series, Amen, which lasted five seasons before finally concluding in 1991.

Towards the end of the 80's Hemsley also showed off his musical talents, releasing a single on Sutra Record called "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" in 1989. Three years later he went on to release an R&B album entitled "Dance" in 1992.

Hemsley and Sanford reunited together in the late 1990's to continue in their roles as George and Louise "Weezy" Jefferson in special guest appearances; appearing on Will Smith's hit TV comedy program "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" as well as in commercials for Old Navy and Gap.

Sherman Hemsley died aged 74 departing without a wife or children.

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you're helping to keep CP's articles free and accessible for everyone.

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles