Mike Evans "Lionel Jefferson" actor dies at age 57

[NedNickerson]

http://www.local6.com/entertainment/10592482/detail.html#

'Jeffersons' Actor Dies At 57
Evans Also Appeared In 'All In The Family'

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The actor who played Lionel Jefferson on "The Jeffersons" and "All in the Family" has died.

His niece said Mike Evans died of throat cancer last week at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms.

He was 57.

Evans started playing Lionel -- the son of George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise (Isabel Sanford) -- in "All in the Family," and he kept the role for the spinoff, "The Jeffersons" -- though he was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then returned to the series from 1979 to 1981.


Evans also co-created and wrote for "Good Times."

The actor also had a role in the miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man" in 1976, and a guest role on "Walker, Texas Ranger" in 2000.

Evans also had guest roles on such shows as "Love, American Style" and "The Streets of San Francisco."

Michael Jonas Evans was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist; his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a schoolteacher. The family moved to Los Angeles when Mr. Evans was a child.

In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California, the family said.

This photo, supplied by CBS, shows Mike Evans in his role as Lionel Jefferson in a December 1979 portrait. Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons,' has died of throat cancer Dec. 14,2006, at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He was 57.

 

[Riverrick]

He was really great in those episode of "All in the Family". So reasoned and intelligent compared to Archie's ignorant remarks and ideas.

 

[Claudio63]

I was looking for a photograph of him last year and he was nowhere to be found on the net. It's sad he finally got media attention because he died. This happens way to often.

A very sexy and appealing guy and, as Riverrick points out, his Lionel Jefferson was used to great effect on "All in the Family" to show an african-american counterpoint to Archie Bunker (smart, reasonable, non-racist). George Jefferson was pretty much Archie's mirror image (just not as dumb). "All in the family" was a unique show.

 

[Soilwork]

That's sad.

I always liked Lionel and kinda thought of him as a big brother. He was a stong guy who stuck up for himself and I kinda used him as a role model.

 

[gsdx]

I enjoyed the way he played the stereotype for Archie. It could have come across as ludicrous and demeaning, but not in Mike's capable hands.

 

[gabriel1]

I am shocked! Such a talented and handsome man. Thanks for letting us know you as Lionel and for "Good Times". Rest In Peace.

 

[olderbetter66]

He was such a hunk!(not to diminish that he was a talented actor and had a part in creating "Good Times" as well!) Very sad

 

[bma1983]

I always liked him better as Lionel than the other one. Sad news.

 

[ronboy]

R I P Lionel.....you rocked in the best way (and held your own with Archie Bunker!)

 

[gabriel1]

I always liked him better as Lionel than the other one. Sad news.

I liked him better also. I think one of the best all in the family episodes is where he sits down with archie and explains about him not being a kid anymore etc.etc., and if I remember correctly he tells archie to stifle.

 

[moonrabbit]

That's terrible. I used to remember thinking he was so hot when I was younger. I hope he's found peace.

 

[buzzj]

I had not realized that he was behind Good Times! What a multi-talented man!!