Television icon Sherman Hemsley passed away at his El Paso, Texas, home, according to TMZ. He was 74. Hemsley is best known to his generations of fans as successful upper east side dry cleaners owner George Jefferson in The Jeffersons.
Hemsley won an Emmy in 1984 for his star-turning role as the abrasive-but-lovable patriarch of the Jeffersons. Hemsley was introduced to television audiences in the 1970s as Archie Bunker’s equally bigoted next door neighbor on All in the Family.
Hemsley went on star in his own sitcom with wife “Weezy” (Isabel Sanford) and son (Mike Evans). The popular series ran from 1975-1985.
Hemsley went on to star as the grumpy-but-lovable Deacon Ernest Frye in NBC’s Amen in 1986. After Amen was cancelled, Hemsley earned a modest living appearing at conventions, in commercials and small television roles, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Helemsley, who never married, was reportedly an out and proud gay man. He had no children.
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