Do You Think Mike (Lionel) Evans Was Bitter? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 11-26-2010, 10:17 PM

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...

TVFactFan · 11-27-2010, 04:25 PM

It was never mentioned why he left again in 1982

I know why he left in 1975 but not 82

Brian Damage · 11-27-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

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.

TVFactFan · 11-27-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

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

Brian Damage · 11-27-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

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"

TVFactFan · 11-27-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

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 Damage · 11-27-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Brian I have the Jeffersons Book that states all this

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

TVFactFan · 11-27-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

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"

USATVFAN · 11-27-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

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.

TVFactFan · 11-27-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jeffersons Fan

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

Tell that to Brian Damage not me

lucyandethel · 12-19-2010, 03:50 AM

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!"

TVFactFan · 12-19-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucyandethel

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

ThomasE · 12-23-2010, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

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.

70s show watcher · 01-16-2011, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

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 never of that but your right zara cully almost always had more lines than mike evans in any season 1 ep

McGillicuddy · 01-16-2011, 11:33 AM

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.

11-26-2010, 10:17 PM	#1
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	Do You Think Mike (Lionel) Evans Was Bitter? 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...
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11-27-2010, 04:25 PM	#2
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,062	It was never mentioned why he left again in 1982 I know why he left in 1975 but not 82

12-19-2010, 03:50 AM	#11
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	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!"

01-16-2011, 11:33 AM	#15
McGillicuddy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Posts: 5,179	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.