It’s been 50 years since The Jeffersons first hit American TV screens — a bold, funny, and groundbreaking sitcom that spun off from All in the Family and went on to become one of the longest-running sitcoms in U.S. history. But as fans celebrate the golden anniversary, one of its cast members is reflecting on what — and who — was overlooked.
Damon Evans, who portrayed Lionel Jefferson for three seasons, is speaking out. Not just about his own journey as a gay Black actor in Hollywood, but about Sherman Hemsley — the man who played the unforgettable George Jefferson. In a recent interview, Evans said,
“There wouldn’t have been a Jeffersons without Sherman…And yet, even after 11 seasons, he was only nominated once for an Emmy.”
Though co-stars like Isabel Sanford earned accolades, Hemsley was often sidelined. Evans believes it was because Sherman didn’t play the industry game. Evans, who was also at the 1969 Stonewall Riots, claims Hemsley was a gay man who never publicly came out.
“We cruised the same places, went to the same parties. But it wasn’t something we talked about.”
Evans says Hemsley lived quietly with a Puerto Rican partner who attended tapings and even performed with him in Vegas.
Evans added, “He had so much going against him — being Black and being gay — but he didn’t seek out the attention. That was not his style.”
Now, Evans believes, it’s time to give Hemsley what he deserves.
