http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1699590.html

Sherman Hemsley, known for his starring role in "The Jeffersons," has died at age 74.

Although the cause of Hemsley's death is unclear, TMZ reports that the actor passed away in his El Paso, Texas, home.

Hemsley made a name for himself as George Jefferson, carrying the iconic sitcom for a decade. The actor went on to appear in a handful of other classic television shows including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "The Hughleys."

The sitcom actor was also an accomplished singer and recorded the 1989 single, "Ain't that A Kick in the Head."

Hemsley had no wife or kids.


movin' on up thanks for the laughs

That is breaking news

RIP

Amen.

Moving on up with Archie and Weezy...

was Sherman Hemsley gay or just really really smart?

The coolest thing about the guy was that he was a HUGE prog-rock fan, and would come out on talk shows dancing to Gentle Giant songs or wearing Yes shirts. R.I.P.

Isabel "Weezie" Sanford and Sherman "George" Hemsley were one of the great TV couples.

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Sherman Hemlsey

Interesting! I never would have guessed.

RIP

I'm too young to remember "The Jeffersons" but I found him hilarious on Fresh Prince as a kid.

RIP

I googled him and this thread was the fourth hit. I always wondered if he was gay, but he was a very private man. Rest in peace, Sherman.

I have some gay friends who would say that's one and the same.

But yes, the general concensus is that he probably was, although he never "came out."

Wow, with the exception of Marla Gibbs, the entire main cast of The Jeffersons has now passed away.

Fortunately I was old enough to have seen The Jeffersons re-runs in syndication in the early 80's and to have seen some of the 1st run episodes towards the end of it's run. It was definitely a classic.

And I'm surprised to say that I watched the entire run of Amen on NBC when it was on Saturday nights after 227. I was only 12-13 years at the time.

It's funny that Sherman was only in his mid 30's when the Jeffersons 1st started as a spinoff of All in the Family. He always looked alot older than his actual age. Plus, I was surprised that see that Isabel Sanford was about 20 years older than him.

RIP Sherman

I just read this on MSN. He also had a great guest spot (along with Isabel Sanford) on Lois & Clark.

He'll be missed.

it would be very smart to be gay with someone your exact size, so you could double your wardrobe overnight.

Cool guy, classic character. RIP.

When Christopher Hewitt (Mr. Belvedere) died several years ago, unmarried with no kids, did people also assume he was gay?

Granted I don't know anything about Sherman's personal life because from what I've seen he was a private man, but just because he chose not to marry and have children, it doesn't automatically make him gay.

[QUOTE=DJariya;11320905]Wow, with the exception of Marla Gibbs, the entire main cast of The Jeffersons has now passed away.

Fortunately I was old enough to have seen The Jeffersons re-runs in syndication in the early 80's and to have seen some of the 1st run episodes towards the end of it's run. It was definitely a classic.

And I'm surprised to say that I watched the entire run of Amen on NBC when it was on Saturday nights after 227. I was only 12-13 years at the time.

It's funny that Sherman was only in his mid 30's when the Jeffersons 1st started as a spinoff of All in the Family. He always looked alot older than his actual age. Plus, I was surprised that see that Isabel Sanford was about 20 years older than him.

RIP Sherman[/QUOTE]

What about the doorman, "Ralph" I think. And the daughter-in-law Jenny. I think they're still alive.

It always makes me sad when some male celebrity past 60 or so dies with never having had a spouse or kids. It makes me fear they were alone and/or unhappy, and yes, it's because I assume they're gay, which most of them probably are/were. There are some awfully sad closet cases still hanging on, hoping no one ever knows, and all I can do is wish them well.

Hemsley was a great comedic talent and seems to have been an all-around cool guy. RIP.

Surpassed only by Ted Knight in his mastery of the slow burn. RIP

Great talent and sad loss. George Jefferson is certainly an iconic TV character.

Does this answer your question?

Wow. Project much? How come gay men apparently have a monopoly on loneliness? There are plenty of lonely and miserable heterosexuals out there, even unhappy lesbians! And there also are many people of both sexual orientations who are happy and fulfilled living as a single person. I know, it's shocking, isn't it?

Surprised he was only 74.

On "The Jeffersons" he looked like he was at least fifty.

He was awesome on the Jeffersons and made a great foil for Archie Bunker.

Loved his work.

It's safe to say the answer to that is yes. I thought the wording in my post was carefully chosen to admit that point.

One of my all time favorite comedians and actor. I love the Jeffersons and I never forget his funny dance he did on the show.

I always sometimes say 'jive turkey' and it's because I got it from George.

Will be missed.

RIP