The Introduction of The Jeffersons - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

McGillicuddy · 08-30-2009, 06:16 PM

Does anybody know why, when The Jeffersons are first introduced, we meet Louise, Lionel's mother, and Henry, Lionel's Uncle, while George is just refered to. What was the purpose of the character of Henry? Why didn't we meet Louise and George in the first place? Later on, George is introduced and the character of Henry seems to disappear. Furthermore, its strange Henry never shows up onThe Jeffersons!

biffbronson · 08-30-2009, 06:52 PM

I know some don't want anything to do with Wikipedia, but I found the following info there that should be of help to you:

"George's brother Henry appeared in All in the Family during the lead-up to the The Jeffersons spin-off. That character was created only because Sherman Hemsley was starring in the Broadway musical Purlie and not yet available to take on the part of George. Once Hemsley became available and joined the cast, the character of his brother became extraneous, and a result, Henry Jefferson never appeared on The Jeffersons. Henry's absence was attributed to his family's move to Chicago, but was mentioned one time when he had a son named Raymond (played by Gary Coleman), who came to visit his aunt Louise and uncle George in one episode of The Jeffersons."

Mr. Television · 08-30-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffbronson

I know some don't want anything to do with Wikipedia, but I found the following info there that should be of help to you:

"George's brother Henry appeared in All in the Family during the lead-up to the The Jeffersons spin-off. That character was created only because Sherman Hemsley was starring in the Broadway musical Purlie and not yet available to take on the part of George. Once Hemsley became available and joined the cast, the character of his brother became extraneous, and a result, Henry Jefferson never appeared on The Jeffersons. Henry's absence was attributed to his family's move to Chicago, but was mentioned one time when he had a son named Raymond (played by Gary Coleman), who came to visit his aunt Louise and uncle George in one episode of The Jeffersons."

Yea I do believe that is right. I have heard that story before.

TVFactFan · 08-30-2009, 07:13 PM

Fun Fact about Sherman Hemsley's first appearance on All in the Family

1. He was trembling behind the door before his cue to go in because he was nervous about being face to face with a famous actor like Caroll O'Connor

2. Isabel Sanford was mot happy with her TV husband at first because she wanted a taller bigger man and sherman was short and thin.

info from Truth behind Sitcomson Fox

MickeyMac · 08-31-2009, 01:38 PM

Well Lionel was the first to show up that much I do know. All that has been posted above I have also heard too. I loved the way Sherman Hemsley and Carroll O' Conner played off each other. Then again George (and Fred Sanford) were black versions of Archie Buncher.

08-30-2009, 06:16 PM	#1
McGillicuddy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Posts: 5,179	The Introduction of The Jeffersons Does anybody know why, when The Jeffersons are first introduced, we meet Louise, Lionel's mother, and Henry, Lionel's Uncle, while George is just refered to. What was the purpose of the character of Henry? Why didn't we meet Louise and George in the first place? Later on, George is introduced and the character of Henry seems to disappear. Furthermore, its strange Henry never shows up onThe Jeffersons!

08-30-2009, 06:52 PM	#2
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,581	I know some don't want anything to do with Wikipedia, but I found the following info there that should be of help to you: "George's brother Henry appeared in All in the Family during the lead-up to the The Jeffersons spin-off. That character was created only because Sherman Hemsley was starring in the Broadway musical Purlie and not yet available to take on the part of George. Once Hemsley became available and joined the cast, the character of his brother became extraneous, and a result, Henry Jefferson never appeared on The Jeffersons. Henry's absence was attributed to his family's move to Chicago, but was mentioned one time when he had a son named Raymond (played by Gary Coleman), who came to visit his aunt Louise and uncle George in one episode of The Jeffersons."

08-30-2009, 07:13 PM	#4
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,125	Fun Fact about Sherman Hemsley's first appearance on All in the Family 1. He was trembling behind the door before his cue to go in because he was nervous about being face to face with a famous actor like Caroll O'Connor 2. Isabel Sanford was mot happy with her TV husband at first because she wanted a taller bigger man and sherman was short and thin. info from Truth behind Sitcomson Fox

08-31-2009, 01:38 PM	#5
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	Well Lionel was the first to show up that much I do know. All that has been posted above I have also heard too. I loved the way Sherman Hemsley and Carroll O' Conner played off each other. Then again George (and Fred Sanford) were black versions of Archie Buncher.