I just read an article from 1976 where the late Mike Evans puts down his Lionel character. He says it was great on 'All in the Family', but once he and his parents were spun off, it became a chore.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-XIpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=O9UEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1886,3652426&dq=mike+evans&hl=en

Interesting...

I noticed that. I analyzed thoroughly the Mike years and the Damon years. I noticed that Damon seems to have fit in more and enjoyed it more. I like Mike Evans very much, he just seemed to lack the energy Damon had on the Jeffersons.

I noticed that. I analyzed thoroughly the Mike years and the Damon years. I noticed that Damon seems to have fit in more and enjoyed it more. I like Mike Evans very much, he just seemed to lack the energy Damon had on the Jeffersons.


I agree 100%

I guess that is why I really don't enjoy The Jeffersons as much as I probably should.

It became a chore because he role was reduced to give more screen time to Zara Cully-lol

It became a chore because he role was reduced to give more screen time to Zara Cully-lol


No Sol, he said in the interview that he was tired of playing the same character. That is why he left for another show called "The Practice."

No Sol, he said in the interview that he was tired of playing the same character. That is why he left for another show called "The Practice."


It was just always strange that he had a BIGGER ROLE on the PARENT SHOW than he did on the SPINOFF-lol

It was just always strange that he had a BIGGER ROLE on the PARENT SHOW than he did on the SPINOFF-lol


Agreed, but I guess Sherman Hemsley & Isabel Sanford stole the show. As did Marla Gibbs...

Agreed, but I guess Sherman Hemsley & Isabel Sanford stole the show. As did Marla Gibbs...


Nope Zara Cully. Marla Gibbs was small in season 1

I'm a bigger fan of Mike as Lionel, but I do have to admit I LOVED the episode where Damon as Lionel takes charge of George's business. THAT was a classic episode. :rofl: Which season did that episode air, Sol? 3 or 4?

Another good episode with Damon Evans is where Lioned graduates college and gets drunk. Louise chases him around the house to keep George from seeing him smashed LOL.

Another good episode with Damon Evans is where Lioned graduates college and gets drunk. Louise chases him around the house to keep George from seeing him smashed LOL.
Oh yes, I remember that one, too. Funny stuff. :lol:

I'm a bigger fan of Mike as Lionel, but I do have to admit I LOVED the episode where Damon as Lionel takes charge of George's business. THAT was a classic episode. :rofl: Which season did that episode air, Sol? 3 or 4?


I think it was when he moved out which means probably season 4

I think it was when he moved out which means probably season 4
Thanks, Sol!! It probably was S4 because Lionel and Jenny weren't married yet.

I looked it up - the episode is entitled "Lionel Gets the Business" and did indeed air in Season 4 (original airdate: January 14, 1978). I do stand corrected - Lionel and Jenny WERE married at this point - they'd married in Season 3.

Well, you have to remember a couple of things. First, he was the first "Jefferson" on AITF. He made regular appearances on that show, then Louise came along, then the Uncle, then George. Then when "The Jeffersons" spin-off came along, he was reduced to a supporting role. I once read that relations between him and Sherman Hemsley weren't that great....Sherman preferred Damon's portrayal of Lionel, I believe. And, after having been involved with "Good Times" for five years and having to put up with what was going on behind the scenes there, he was done with TV by the time he rejoined "The Jeffersons" in 1979.

Well, you have to remember a couple of things. First, he was the first "Jefferson" on AITF. He made regular appearances on that show, then Louise came along, then the Uncle, then George. Then when "The Jeffersons" spin-off came along, he was reduced to a supporting role. I once read that relations between him and Sherman Hemsley weren't that great....Sherman preferred Damon's portrayal of Lionel, I believe. And, after having been involved with "Good Times" for five years and having to put up with what was going on behind the scenes there, he was done with TV by the time he rejoined "The Jeffersons" in 1979.


Unless a source backing up this information I won't believe it