Cedric the Entertainer remembers Sherman Hemsley
buzzz worthy. . .
Actor Sherman Hemsley, known to millions as "George Jefferson" and "Deacon Frye," passed away on July 24.
Hemsley first appeared on "All in the Family" as the bigot Archie Bunker's immutable neighbor and counterpart. He continued to put race and prejudice in the spotlight on the spin off show, "The Jeffersons." No other Black character got away with abrasively speaking their mind like Jefferson did and perhaps no one else succeeded with putting racism under America's microscope. George Jefferson was going to be treated as an equal though his approach was ironically a double standard (his counterparts could never get away with saying the things that he called them i.e "zebra" and the "H-word"). Right or wrong as a Black man who made it to the "deluxe apartment in the sky" Jefferson represented what so many Blacks wanted to be. He did and said what most Black people wanted to do and say but couldn't. This relentlessly, unapologetically "Black and proud," onscreen persona made Jefferson a hero to many Blacks. He did it to make sure America took a closer look at racism. And for 10 years (1975 -1985) America watched and learned as the dry cleaning giant navigated race and class issues like only a comedic actor with his finesse could. He later strutted into another starring role as a church deacon in a third long-running sitcom, "Amen."
Sherman Hemsley was a fine actor who became iconic in all three sitcoms. His body was discovered by his nurse in his El Paso, TX home. At the age of 74, Hemsley died of natural causes.
Cedric the Entertainer shared his respect for the actor in the following statement:
Actor Sherman Hemsley, known to millions as "George Jefferson" and "Deacon Frye," passed away on July 24.
Hemsley first appeared on "All in the Family" as the bigot Archie Bunker's immutable neighbor and counterpart. He continued to put race and prejudice in the spotlight on the spin off show, "The Jeffersons." No other Black character got away with abrasively speaking their mind like Jefferson did and perhaps no one else succeeded with putting racism under America's microscope. George Jefferson was going to be treated as an equal though his approach was ironically a double standard (his counterparts could never get away with saying the things that he called them i.e "zebra" and the "H-word"). Right or wrong as a Black man who made it to the "deluxe apartment in the sky" Jefferson represented what so many Blacks wanted to be. He did and said what most Black people wanted to do and say but couldn't. This relentlessly, unapologetically "Black and proud," onscreen persona made Jefferson a hero to many Blacks. He did it to make sure America took a closer look at racism. And for 10 years (1975 -1985) America watched and learned as the dry cleaning giant navigated race and class issues like only a comedic actor with his finesse could. He later strutted into another starring role as a church deacon in a third long-running sitcom, "Amen."
Sherman Hemsley was a fine actor who became iconic in all three sitcoms. His body was discovered by his nurse in his El Paso, TX home. At the age of 74, Hemsley died of natural causes.
Cedric the Entertainer shared his respect for the actor in the following statement:
Sherman Hemsley was a true television legend. His incredible comedic talent
produced unforgettable, beloved, and iconic TV characters.
His portrayal of the feisty, irrepressible "George Jefferson" was
groundbreaking, making "The Jeffersons" a phenomenal hit and must-see TV in nearly every household -- everyone loved "The Jeffersons"! In that role,
Sherman Hemsley set the standard and laid the blueprint for me (and so many others) on how to be a great comedic lead on TV.
As if that weren't enough, he managed to accomplish the rare feat of
creating yet another enduring and hilarious TV character, "Deacon Frye" on
"Amen" long before faith-based television was mainstream. He truly set the
bar high.
Sherman Hemsley will be sorely missed. On behalf of the entire cast and
crew of "The Soul Man", we celebrate his life and wish to express our thanks
to him for paving the way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and
loved ones. We extend to them our heartfelt condolences.
Sherman Hemsley is movin' on up.
--Cedric "The Entertainer"
