"We Cruised the Same Places": Jeffersons Star Reveals Secret Bond with Sherman Hemsley

A Legacy of Progress and Hidden Truths

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Jeffersons, a groundbreaking sitcom that redefined television by centering on a Black, upwardly mobile family. Created by Norman Lear, the show was a spin-off of All in the Family and became a cultural phenomenon, running for ten years and producing 253 episodes. What set The Jeffersons apart was its bold approach to social issues, making it one of the most progressive shows of its time.

The series tackled complex topics with a level of nuance that was rare for the era, paving the way for more diverse representation in entertainment. One of its most significant moments came in 1977, when an episode featuring George Jefferson (played by Sherman Hemsley) visiting a former Navy friend who had transitioned marked one of the earliest positive portrayals of a transgender character in mainstream media.

Behind the scenes, the show was just as fascinating as what appeared on screen. Actor Damon Evans, who portrayed Lionel Jefferson from season two through four, has since spoken about his own journey as a gay man. He was present at the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and lived openly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, even if he wasn’t out to the media during his time on the show.

In a recent interview with John Casey for The Advocate, Evans revealed that he wasn’t the only gay man on the set. He shared insights into the private life of Sherman Hemsley, the actor who brought George Jefferson to life. Hemsley, known for his boisterous and often short-tempered portrayal of the character, was a private individual who rarely spoke about his personal life. Despite this, Evans claims he was certain Hemsley was gay, based on their shared experiences in the gay community.

“Sherman and I cruised the same places, went to the same parties, and frequented the same bars,” Evans said. “But it wasn’t something we talked about. You have to remember, it was a different time.”

Evans also recalled that Hemsley had a long-term partner, a Puerto Rican man with whom he lived and even performed a lounge act in Vegas during the show’s hiatus. Though Hemsley never publicly acknowledged his sexuality, Evans believes he lived comfortably as a gay man, even if he chose not to share that part of his identity with the world.

Despite being a trailblazer in many ways, The Jeffersons wasn’t without its flaws. The writing staff was predominantly white and heterosexual, leading to some jokes that would be considered outdated or offensive today. Evans remembers one episode that included a cheap gay joke, which made him uncomfortable. However, Hemsley didn’t seem to mind, as he was focused on doing his job and keeping things running smoothly.

Evans believes Hemsley’s decision to keep his sexuality private was rooted in his personality. “He was a humble guy, far from the demanding diva you might expect from a sitcom star,” he said. “He didn’t seek the spotlight, and that was his style.”

In addition to honoring Hemsley’s legacy, Evans is pushing for a posthumous Emmy award for the late actor. “I want to get a campaign going for a posthumous Emmy for Sherman,” he said. “He had so much going against him at the time, being Black and being gay, but he just didn’t seek out the attention. That was not his style.”

Hemsley’s contributions to television and the broader culture are still being recognized, especially as more people look back on the show’s impact over the past five decades. From its landmark trans storyline to its nuanced approach to race and class, The Jeffersons remains a significant piece of television history.

For those interested in exploring more, the full interview with Damon Evans can be found in The Advocate. Additionally, all episodes of The Jeffersons are available for digital rental or purchase via Amazon Prime Video and AppleTV.