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Most people remember Sherman Hemsley for the popular characters he played on TV, with George Jefferson being the most noteworthy. I watched the show occasionally, but my best memory of him dates back to the spring of 2001 when he was headlining “Sherman Hemsley & Friends” in Atlantic City.
After viewing the 90-minute show that featured the actor cracking jokes and talking about growing up at 22nd and Christian streets, I was invited back to his dressing room to meet the comedic star and talk about him movin’ on up and out of South Philly. He was on a tight schedule traveling back and forth from New York City for a Denny’s commercial with none other than his former TV wife, Isabel Sanford (she passed away in 2004). While his publicist was trying to rush him out of the building, Mr. Hemsley insisted on giving me a few minutes of his time. Part of it could have been because he had to postpone our scheduled afternoon meeting as a result of the filming.
Being fairly new and raw to the journalism industry, I was honored that a Hollywood actor was willing to take a few minutes out his hectic schedule to just shoot the breeze. Surprisingly, the man who made George Jefferson’s trademark peacock strut famous came across as quiet and reserved compared to the loud and animated character he played on TV. George Jefferson debuted on “All in the Family” in 1973, and Hemsley spent two seasons playing Archie Bunker’s neighbor before he got his own spin-off. “The Jeffersons” broke television ground by portraying an affluent African-American family. The popular series lasted 11 seasons.
“I think it was the timing,” Hemsley, who received a 1984 Emmy nod for the role, told me during the 2001 interview. “In Hollywood, green is the color.”
While entertaining the mostly 50-and-over crowd, he shared stories about his days at Bok Vocational High School, 1901 S. Ninth St., and standing on the corner of 20th and Christian streets singing doo-wop with the a cappella group, The Barons. Of course, he enjoyed an occasional cheesesteak, with Pat’s King of Steaks, 1237 E. Passyunk Ave., and Red’s Hoagies and Groceries, 1900 S. Ninth St., being his favorites.
Mr. Hemsley landed other comedic roles on the small screen playing Deacon Frye on “Amen,” which was set in Philadelphia and ran from 1986 to ’91. He then provided the voice of Richfield — the prehistoric boss from hell — in “The Dinosaurs,” which aired from ’91 to ‘94. Over the years, he landed appearances on other popular sitcoms including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Family Matters.”
I learned during our one-on-one encounter that he developed the acting bug at William S. Pierce Middle School, formerly 2400 Christian St., during Fire Prevention Week in which he had to play the blaze itself. The experience literally sparked a fire within him to become an actor.
“The first time I jumped on stage, it felt comfortable,” Hemsley said.
I haven’t spoken to or written about Mr. Hemsley since that night in April 2001, but the brief encounter is something I will always remember.
Mr. Hemsley passed away Tuesday in his El Paso, Texas home. He was 74.
Rest in peace.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
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