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Mr. Jefferson called South Philadelphia home. He’s not to be confused with the third president of the United States Thomas Jefferson. The man who transformed the role of George Jefferson into a television icon is none other than Hemsley, who grew up at 22nd and Christian streets.
His famous character debuted on “All in the Family” in 1973, and spent two seasons as Archie Bunker’s neighbor. It paved the way for “The Jeffersons,” which broke television ground for its portrayal of an affluent African-American family. The South of South native earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for the role. While it may be his most well-known performance, the actor, who passed away in July at the age of 74, starred in several other extended roles including Deacon Ernest Frye on “Amen” and the voice of B.P. Richfield on “Dinosaurs.”
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
The South Philadelphia Walk of Fame 2013 inductees
/ Marian Anderson / Paul Arizin / Frankie Avalon / Joey Bishop / John Chaney /
/ James Darren / Angelo Dundee / Fabian / Larry Fine / Eddie Fisher /
/ Kenny Gamble / Frank Gasparro / Joey Giardello / Stephen Girard / Sherman Hemsley /
/ Irvin Kershner / Jack Klugman / Eddie Lang / Mario Lanza / Rob McElhenney /
/ Joe Medeiros / Earl "The Pearl" Monroe / Nathan Morris / Michelle Nader / Gene Perret /
/ Frank Rizzo / Bobby Rydell / Lisa Scottoline / Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter / Anna Verna /
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