Lionel Is Dead at 57 (Mike Evans) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Big3sCompanyFan · 12-22-2006, 08:49 AM

I'm shocked no one posted this yet. I just heard this on ABC radio that actor Michael Evans, who acted in All In The Family and The Jeffersons, died of throat cancer at 57!!

UNREAL! He's not even that old and the guy who played his dad (Sherman Helmsley) is doing fine.

Does anyone have a pic of what he looked like recently or even in the last 10 years??

Dynomite · 12-22-2006, 09:44 AM

As I do recall, Michael Evans was the first Lionel Jefferson, and for a time, he was succeded by Damon Evans. I'm not sure if either was related in real life, but all condolences to Michael Evans' family.

gilligan fanatic · 12-22-2006, 09:56 AM

TWENTYNINE PALMS, California (AP) -- Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. He was 57.

Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans.
Evans

, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for "Good Times," one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast.

Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher.
The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child.

He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family."
Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan.

Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981.
He also acted in the 1976 TV miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man" and made guest appearances on the TV series "Love, American Style" and "The Streets of San Francisco." His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger."
In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

GSU2004 · 12-22-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynomite

As I do recall, Michael Evans was the first Lionel Jefferson, and for a time, he was succeded by Damon Evans. I'm not sure if either was related in real life, but all condolences to Michael Evans' family.

There was no relation between Mike Evans and Damon Evans. Just a coincidental sharing of last names. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I wonder why his family waited so late to go public of his death. Condolences to the Evans' Family during their time of greiving during this season.

Ireneparalegal · 12-22-2006, 10:45 AM

THIS IS SHOCKING. SO YOUNG How many people must we lose to that bitch CANCER???????? This is sad news. Especially for us fans who continue to watch these shows and grew up watching Lionel.

THANK YOU MIKE EVANS FOR THE WORK AND THE LAUGHS YOU BROUGHT US. THANK YOU FOR HELPING BRING GOOD TIMES TO TELEVISION. I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WILL BE MISSED.

vashti1999 · 12-22-2006, 10:49 AM

to the good Lionel.

Big3sCompanyFan · 12-22-2006, 11:08 AM

Is it true that he rejected the Jeffersons after he left and didn't want anything to do with it? If so, why not??? Did he just reject ALL acting?

Also, the article says he returned as Lionel from 1979 to 1981. Does that mean from 1982 to 1985 there was NO Lionel at all in the Jeffersons??

Ireneparalegal · 12-22-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big3sCompanyFan

Is it true that he rejected the Jeffersons after he left and didn't want anything to do with it? If so, why not??? Did he just reject ALL acting?

Also, the article says he returned as Lionel from 1979 to 1981. Does that mean from 1982 to 1985 there was NO Lionel at all in the Jeffersons??

The article mentions Damon Evans as playing the SECOND Lionel.

Brian Damage · 12-22-2006, 11:17 AM

Wow, I am shocked! I didn't even know he was sick! Such a tragic loss!

TVFactFan · 12-22-2006, 11:22 AM

OMG!! STUNNED and SHOCKED. i don't believe this

Zoneboy · 12-22-2006, 11:26 AM

Franklin Cover earlier in February and now Mike Evans. A very sad year for the cast of The Jeffersons.

Zoneboy · 12-22-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big3sCompanyFan

I'm shocked no one posted this yet. I just heard this on ABC radio that actor Michael Evans, who acted in All In The Family and The Jeffersons, died of throat cancer at 57!!

I just saw it on the LA Times website and wasn't sure if anyone had posted it or not. I usually try to keep up with news such as this using several resources. I didn't see it mentioned on Yahoo news but then again their top entertainment story is the Hilary Duff Barbie doll.

Thanks for posting Big3's, He was the only Lionel as far as I'm concerned.

Pavan · 12-22-2006, 11:49 AM

Our tribute and also a bad note for The Jeffersons on TV Land starting in January:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...ctor-mike.html

Mr. Television · 12-22-2006, 11:53 AM

OMG. This is so shocking and he was so young. I'm just stunned. I didn't know he was sick either.

James"Thunder"Early · 12-22-2006, 12:01 PM

I'm shocked too, that really sad.

12-22-2006, 08:49 AM	#1
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	Lionel Is Dead at 57 (Mike Evans) I'm shocked no one posted this yet. I just heard this on ABC radio that actor Michael Evans, who acted in All In The Family and The Jeffersons, died of throat cancer at 57!! UNREAL! He's not even that old and the guy who played his dad (Sherman Helmsley) is doing fine. Does anyone have a pic of what he looked like recently or even in the last 10 years??
	Last edited by Big3sCompanyFan; 12-22-2006 at 11:03 AM.

12-22-2006, 09:56 AM	#3
gilligan fanatic Born to Be Bad Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 06, 2001 Location: down by the Lagoon Posts: 9,954	Wow, so young too TWENTYNINE PALMS, California (AP) -- Actor Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," has died. He was 57. Evans died of throat cancer December 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans. Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for "Good Times," one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast. Michael Jonas Evans was born November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher. The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child. He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family." Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan. Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981. He also acted in the 1976 TV miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man" and made guest appearances on the TV series "Love, American Style" and "The Streets of San Francisco." His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger." In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California. Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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12-22-2006, 10:45 AM	#5
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	THIS IS SHOCKING. SO YOUNG How many people must we lose to that bitch CANCER???????? This is sad news. Especially for us fans who continue to watch these shows and grew up watching Lionel. THANK YOU MIKE EVANS FOR THE WORK AND THE LAUGHS YOU BROUGHT US. THANK YOU FOR HELPING BRING GOOD TIMES TO TELEVISION. I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WILL BE MISSED.
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12-22-2006, 10:49 AM	#6
vashti1999 NY METS - #1 Forum Fanatic Join Date: Oct 14, 2003 Location: The world's greatest city - New York City Posts: 11,404	to the *good* Lionel.
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12-22-2006, 11:17 AM	#9
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Wow, I am shocked! I didn't even know he was sick! Such a tragic loss!
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12-22-2006, 09:44 AM	#2
Dynomite Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 10, 2006 Location: near Dayton, Ohio Posts: 579	As I do recall, Michael Evans was the first Lionel Jefferson, and for a time, he was succeded by Damon Evans. I'm not sure if either was related in real life, but all condolences to Michael Evans' family.

12-22-2006, 11:08 AM	#7
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	Is it true that he rejected the Jeffersons after he left and didn't want anything to do with it? If so, why not??? Did he just reject ALL acting? Also, the article says he returned as Lionel from 1979 to 1981. Does that mean from 1982 to 1985 there was NO Lionel at all in the Jeffersons??

12-22-2006, 11:22 AM	#10
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,062	OMG!! STUNNED and SHOCKED. i don't believe this

12-22-2006, 11:26 AM	#11
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,381	Franklin Cover earlier in February and now Mike Evans. A very sad year for the cast of The Jeffersons.
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12-22-2006, 11:49 AM	#13
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	Our tribute and also a bad note for The Jeffersons on TV Land starting in January: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...ctor-mike.html
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12-22-2006, 11:53 AM	#14
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,133	OMG. This is so shocking and he was so young. I'm just stunned. I didn't know he was sick either.
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12-22-2006, 12:01 PM	#15
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	I'm shocked too, that really sad.
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