1. Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson)
- Date of Birth: February 1, 1938
- Date of Death: July 24, 2012 (aged 74)
Sherman Hemsley, who portrayed the iconic George Jefferson, passed away in 2012 at the age of 74. Hemsley’s portrayal of George Jefferson was one of the standout roles in The Jeffersons, and he continued to be celebrated for his work on the show and his enduring impact on television. He passed away from natural causes, and his death marked the loss of one of TV’s most beloved characters.
2. Isabel Sanford (Louise “Weezy” Jefferson)
- Date of Birth: August 29, 1917
- Date of Death: July 9, 2004 (aged 86)
Isabel Sanford, who played George’s wife, Louise “Weezy” Jefferson, also passed away in 2004 at the age of 86. Sanford was the first African-American woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Weezy. She was a trailblazer in TV history and received many accolades for her groundbreaking work on the show.
3. Marla Gibbs (Florence Johnston)
- Date of Birth: June 14, 1931
- As of now, Marla Gibbs is still alive. She played the Jeffersons’ sassy housekeeper, Florence Johnston, and became a fan favorite. Gibbs also starred in the successful spin-off show 227. As of 2024, she continues to be active in Hollywood and is well-loved for her long career in television and film.
4. Paul Benedict (Harry Bentley)
- Date of Birth: September 17, 1938
- Date of Death: December 1, 2008 (aged 70)
Paul Benedict, who played the eccentric English neighbor Harry Bentley, passed away in 2008 at the age of 70. Benedict’s portrayal of Bentley, with his dry wit and unique perspective, became one of the show’s beloved side characters.
5. Other Main Cast Members:
- Franklin Cover (Tom Willis) – Franklin Cover, who played Tom Willis, the Jeffersons’ white neighbor, passed away on March 31, 2006 at the age of 77.
- Zara Cully (Mother Jefferson) – Zara Cully, who played George’s mother, “Mother Jefferson,” passed away on February 28, 1978 at the age of 86.
Legacy of The Jeffersons
Despite the deaths of the original cast members, The Jeffersons remains a landmark show in television history. It was groundbreaking in its portrayal of an African-American family living in wealth and moving up in social status, breaking racial stereotypes and paving the way for future shows that explored race, class, and identity. The show is still celebrated today, and its cast members are remembered fondly for their performances.
While the actors may no longer be alive, their contributions to television continue to be remembered and celebrated through reruns, streaming services, and the cultural impact of The Jeffersons.
