Was he bitter and selfish leaving a hit show or do you think it was a case of leaving for greener pastures? Keep in mind, he did return later on...

http://services.tvland.com/shows/jeffersons/images/mikeevans_lioneljefferson.jpg

It was never mentioned why he left again in 1982

I know why he left in 1975 but not 82

It was never mentioned why he left again in 1982

I know why he left in 1975 but not 82


Time to do a little research, probably the same reason he left in the 1st place, because he was sick & tired of the character.

Time to do a little research, probably the same reason he left in the 1st place, because he was sick & tired of the character.


He left the first because of his decreased role not because he was tired of the character

He left the first because of his decreased role not because he was tired of the character


Absolutely NOT true Sol, he was sick of the character and went on to star in another show called "Private Practice"

Absolutely NOT true Sol, he was sick of the character and went on to star in another show called "Private Practice"


Brian I have the Jeffersons Book that states all this

Brian I have the Jeffersons Book that states all this


Sol, it is inaccurate then because I read the article from years ago.

Sol, it is inaccurate then because I read the article from years ago.


Norman Lear was quoted in the book saying that he approached him saying-"How can I get off the show?

Lear-"just say you want to be off and you will be off"

Mike-"i want off the show"

Lear-"Ok done deal"

Norman Lear was quoted in the book saying that he approached him saying-"How can I get off the show?

Lear-"just say you want to be off and you will be off"

Mike-"i want off the show"

Lear-"Ok done deal"
That still doesn't prove he was tired of the character.

That still doesn't prove he was tired of the character.

Tell that to Brian Damage not me

If you think about it, Lionel was the first Jefferson we were introduced to on "AITF". Then Isabel Sanford came along and Sherman Hemsley a few years later. I always theorized that Mike Evans was a little uncomfortable with Sanford and Hemsley later starring in their own hit series, making a lot of money, with the focus being less and less on him. I am certain there was some bruised ego there that finally led him to say, "get me outta here!"

If you think about it, Lionel was the first Jefferson we were introduced to on "AITF". Then Isabel Sanford came along and Sherman Hemsley a few years later. I always theorized that Mike Evans was a little uncomfortable with Sanford and Hemsley later starring in their own hit series, making a lot of money, with the focus being less and less on him. I am certain there was some bruised ego there that finally led him to say, "get me outta here!"


I think it had more to deal with his role being decreased for a 80 something year old women who was never apart of All in the Family but received more Lines than someone who was playing Lionel for 3 or 4 years

I think it had more to deal with his role being decreased for a 80 something year old women who was never apart of All in the Family but received more Lines than someone who was playing Lionel for 3 or 4 years


LOLOLOL. Sorry, that was funny.

I think it had more to deal with his role being decreased for a 80 something year old women who was never apart of All in the Family but received more Lines than someone who was playing Lionel for 3 or 4 yearsi never of that but your right zara cully almost always had more lines than mike evans in any season 1 ep

I wonder if they ever considered keeping Lionel on All in the Family instead of him moving on with George and Weezie to The Jeffersons?

When the character of Lionel wasn't working off the character of Archie Bunker, there was something missing, although he could "screw with" George Jefferson's head sometimes too.

It would have been interesting if he stayed in the Jefferson house, or moved in the Bunker house (when the Stivics moved next door), instead of bringing in the character, Theresa.

He also could have popped back and forth between both shows.

I wonder if they ever considered keeping Lionel on All in the Family instead of him moving on with George and Weezie to The Jeffersons?

When the character of Lionel wasn't working off the character of Archie Bunker, there was something missing, although he could "screw with" George Jefferson's head sometimes too.

It would have been interesting if he stayed in the Jefferson house, or moved in the Bunker house (when the Stivics moved next door), instead of bringing in the character, Theresa.

He also could have popped back and forth between both shows.



That's what George and Weezie dd. George returned in 78 to AITF and Weezie returned in 79 but it was odd they didn't return together