Today, news broke of Sherman Hemsley (‘The Jeffersons’) passing away in his El Paso, Texas home.  Born in 1938, Hemsley’s acting career span over several decades garnering the attention of millions of fans who admired his comedic abilities.  Although he started his career on Broadway, it was his television appearances that captured audiences.  His claim to fame came about when he became George Jefferson.  The Jeffersons was the story of a upper middle class laundry mat owner, his wife, a black maid, and an interational married couple.  The series was actually a spin-off of the show Archie Bunker in which Hemsley made several appearances as Bunker’s hot headed neighbor.

 

In his later years, Hemsley continued his career as the no-holds barred preacher Deacon Frye on the show Amen.  This show proved that Hemsley still had what it took to make millions of viewers laugh their butts off.   After 11 seasons, Amen went off the air. But, Hemsley stayed relevant by sealing other movie and tv roles (most recently Tyler Perry’s House of Payne).

 

STACKS Magazine would like to send our sincerest condolences to the Hemsley family. R.I.P. Sherman Hemsley…you will forever be missed.