So pretty much everybody and their mama was using this phrase to describe this latest passing. It's just too easy not too. It seems so appropriate in more ways than one. Plus, when it comes to George Jefferson you can never have too much of a good thing.
Renown actor Sherman Hemsley was found dead in his home in El Paso Tuesday. Cause of death has not yet been made public. He was 74-years-old.
Although Hemsley caught a big break as a recurring role on "All in the Family", his career really took off once they spun off his character into "The Jeffersons". For a while it held the record as the longest running sitcom in television history. And for good reason too. The Jeffersons were easily one of the funniest television families in sitcom history. Not sure there could have even been a Huxtables if it wasn't for the Jeffersons first.
I personally always loved the George Jefferson character because he reminded me of my Grandpa Turner (RIP). Not so much with how outspoken he was though. Although Grandpa was outspoken, just not to the extreme that George was. But his mannerisms were Grandpa to a T. Even his appearance a little. That could have played a part in why I tuned in every episode. That and the fact that the show was just flat out hilarious.
I tried to follow Hemsley to his next vehicle when he went on to star in the series "Amen". It was okay for a little bit but it got old real quick. Being raised in a Baptist church, I wasn't feeling how they made too much of a mockery of it. Not that that was Hemsley's fault though. Because let's face it, no matter what role he played he was still pretty much always George Jefferson.
I just found out recently Hemsley had a singing career? No clue how I could have missed that back in the day. But apparently he had an album out and even performed on "Soul Train". Found the video of the performance online and it had me ROLLIN'. I'm fairly certain that he meant for it to be serious and that's what made it that much funnier. I'm so glad that we have gifts like that and syndication of "The Jeffersons" to remind us of what a treat Hemlsey was for us.
Rest in peace, Mr. Hemsley
