The Jeffersons: A Look Back At The Beloved Cast Members Who Have Passed Away

Decades after the groundbreaking sitcom The Jeffersons first aired, the show remains a cornerstone of American television, celebrated for its sharp humor and barrier-breaking portrayal of a successful Black family "moving on up" to a deluxe apartment in the sky. However, as of , a significant number of the show’s most beloved stars, from the main family to the iconic neighbors, have sadly passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy of laughter and social commentary.

The core cast that brought George and Louise Jefferson's world to life has been deeply missed by fans worldwide. This article offers a comprehensive look at the lives and final curtain calls of the actors who made The Jeffersons a timeless classic, detailing their roles, their biographies, and the causes of their deaths.

The Main Cast: Lives and Legacies of the Deceased Stars

The central figures of the series—George, Weezy, Mother Jefferson, and the Willis and Bentley families—were portrayed by actors who became household names. Their passing marked the end of an era for one of television's most iconic ensembles.

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• Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson): Died July 24, 2012, at age 74.
• Isabel Sanford (Louise "Weezy" Jefferson): Died July 9, 2004, at age 86.
• Zara Cully (Olivia "Mother" Jefferson): Died February 28, 1978, at age 86.
• Roxie Roker (Helen Willis): Died December 2, 1995, at age 66.
• Franklin Cover (Tom Willis): Died February 5, 2006, at age 77.
• Paul Benedict (Harry Bentley): Died December 1, 2008, at age 70.
• Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson): Died December 14, 2006, at age 57.
• Ned Wertimer (Ralph the Doorman): Died January 2, 2013, at age 89.

Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson): The Moving-On-Up Patriarch

Sherman Hemsley’s portrayal of George Jefferson, the brash, successful, and often prejudiced owner of a chain of dry-cleaning stores, is one of the most recognizable characters in sitcom history. Hemsley brought a unique energy to the role, a combination of working-class grit and newfound wealth arrogance that fueled much of the show’s comedy and conflict.

Hemsley passed away on July 24, 2012, at his home in El Paso, Texas. He was 74 years old. After his death, a public dispute over his estate delayed his burial for months. The official cause of death was later confirmed to be lung cancer.

Isabel Sanford (Louise "Weezy" Jefferson): The Voice of Reason

As Louise "Weezy" Jefferson, Isabel Sanford was the perfect foil to George’s bluster. She was the moral center of the show, a loving wife and mother who often had to reel her husband back to reality. Sanford’s performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1981 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, making her the second Black actress to win the award in that category.

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Sanford died on July 9, 2004, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She was 86. Her death was attributed to natural causes, following a period of declining health.

Zara Cully (Mother Olivia Jefferson): The Original Matriarch

Zara Cully played George's sharp-tongued, wheelchair-bound mother, Olivia, affectionately known as Mother Jefferson. Her character was a hilarious source of friction, often siding with Weezy against her son. Cully was the first of the main cast members to pass away, dying while the series was still in production.

Cully passed away on February 28, 1978, at the age of 86. Her character's absence was later addressed on the show with a funeral episode. The cause of her death was lung cancer.

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The Willis and Bentley Families: Neighbors Who Broke Barriers

The Willis and Bentley characters were instrumental in tackling the show’s most progressive themes, particularly with the interracial marriage of Tom and Helen Willis and the eccentric, yet accepting, nature of Harry Bentley.

Roxie Roker (Helen Willis) and Franklin Cover (Tom Willis)

Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover played Helen and Tom Willis, the Jeffersons' best friends and neighbors. Their mixed-race marriage was a groundbreaking element of 1970s and 1980s television, a direct challenge to George Jefferson’s own subtle prejudices.

Roxie Roker (Helen Willis), who was also the mother of rock musician Lenny Kravitz, died on December 2, 1995, at age 66. Her death was caused by breast cancer.

Franklin Cover (Tom Willis) passed away a decade later, on February 5, 2006, at age 77. His cause of death was pneumonia.

Paul Benedict (Harry Bentley): The Eccentric Neighbor

Paul Benedict’s character, Harry Bentley, the Jeffersons' affable, often-confused English neighbor, was a fan favorite. His frequent, unexpected entrances were a running gag throughout the series’ run.

Benedict died suddenly on December 1, 2008, at his home on Martha's Vineyard. He was 70 years old. While initial reports were vague, the cause of death was later reported to be a brain hemorrhage. Interestingly, his distinctive jawline and angular features were attributed to acromegaly, a pituitary disorder, which he lived with throughout his career.

The Next Generation and Recurring Characters

Even the actors who played the next generation of the Jefferson and Willis families, and the most memorable recurring character, are part of the list of those who have passed.

Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson): The Original and Final Son

Mike Evans was the first and final actor to play Lionel Jefferson, George and Louise's son. He was a key figure in the series, including his marriage to Jenny Willis. Evans was also a co-creator of the successful sitcom Good Times.

Evans died young, at age 57, on December 14, 2006. He succumbed to throat cancer.

It is important to note that Damon Evans (no relation to Mike Evans), who played Lionel during the middle seasons of The Jeffersons, is still alive today. This distinction between the two Lionel actors is a frequent point of confusion for fans of the show.

Ned Wertimer (Ralph the Doorman): The Tip-Seeking Staple

Ned Wertimer played Ralph Hart, the ever-present, perpetually tip-seeking doorman of the luxury apartment building. Ralph appeared in all 11 seasons of the show, making him one of the most consistent recurring characters.

Wertimer died on January 2, 2013, at the age of 89, following a fall. He was a beloved fixture of the show, known for his signature catchphrase, "T-T-T-Tip!"

The Surviving Cast of The Jeffersons

While the majority of the original core ensemble has passed, several key actors who defined the series are thankfully still with us, carrying on the show’s legacy into the 2020s. These actors continue to be celebrated for their iconic roles, particularly in the realm of 1970s and 80s television comedy.

• Marla Gibbs (Florence Johnston): The sassy, quick-witted housekeeper who often got the last word against George Jefferson. Gibbs, a television legend, is still active in Hollywood, having reprised her role in recent years on other shows.
• Berlinda Tolbert (Jenny Willis Jefferson): The actress who played Jenny Willis Jefferson, the daughter of Tom and Helen Willis and wife of Lionel.
• Damon Evans (Lionel Jefferson): The second actor to play Lionel, who took over the role from 1975 to 1978.
• Jay Hammer (Allan Willis): The actor who played Allan Willis, the son of Tom and Helen Willis, during the 1978-1979 season.

The passing of the main cast members, including Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Roxie Roker, and Franklin Cover, marks a poignant reality for fans of The Jeffersons. Their collective talent created a show that not only entertained millions but also helped to push boundaries in American media, exploring themes of race, class, and family with unparalleled wit. Their work ensures that the Jeffersons will continue "movin' on up" in the hearts and minds of viewers for generations to come.