The Jeffersons Cast: 7 Beloved Stars Who Passed Away And The Iconic Characters Still 'Movin' On Up'

The Jeffersons remains one of television's most iconic and groundbreaking sitcoms, a spin-off from All in the Family that ran for 11 seasons and broke new ground in American television by focusing on a successful, affluent Black family. As of December 13, 2025, the question of which cast members are still with us is a poignant reminder of the show's enduring legacy and the passage of time. The core cast that brought George, Weezy, and their neighbors to life have largely passed away, leaving behind a monumental body of work that continues to influence comedy and culture.

This article provides a comprehensive and updated tribute to the beloved actors who are no longer with us, detailing their lives, roles, and the circumstances of their passing, while also celebrating the iconic stars who are still "Movin' on Up."

The Main Cast Members Who Have Passed Away: A Full Biography List

The heart and soul of The Jeffersons was its ensemble cast, a tight-knit group of actors who created unforgettable television. Tragically, the majority of the main and recurring stars have since passed on. Here is a detailed look at the lives and legacies of the seven most prominent deceased cast members, including their full biographical details and cause of death.

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• Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson)
  • Full Name: Sherman Alexander Hemsley
  • Role on The Jeffersons: George Jefferson, the outspoken, successful, and often bigoted owner of a chain of dry cleaning stores.
  • Born: February 1, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Died: July 24, 2012 (aged 74), in El Paso, Texas.
  • Cause of Death: Lung cancer, with complications including Superior Vena Cava Syndrome.
  • Legacy: Hemsley’s portrayal of George Jefferson became a cultural touchstone, embodying the ambition and complexities of the Black middle class. His signature strut and quick-witted delivery made him a comedic legend.
• Isabel Sanford (Louise "Weezy" Jefferson)
  • Full Name: Eloise Gwendolyn "Isabel" Sanford
  • Role on The Jeffersons: Louise "Weezy" Jefferson, George's long-suffering, level-headed, and moral wife.
  • Born: August 29, 1917, in New York, New York.
  • Died: July 9, 2004 (aged 86), in Los Angeles, California.
  • Cause of Death: Natural causes.
  • Legacy: Sanford was the first Black actress to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in 1981. She was the calming force that anchored George's frenetic energy.
• Zara Cully (Olivia "Mother" Jefferson)
  • Full Name: Zara Cully
  • Role on The Jeffersons: Olivia "Mother" Jefferson, George's sharp-tongued, judgmental, and beloved mother.
  • Born: January 26, 1892, in Worcester, Massachusetts.
  • Died: February 28, 1978 (aged 86), in Los Angeles, California.
  • Cause of Death: Lung cancer.
  • Legacy: Cully's death occurred during the show's run, and her character was written out, with the show paying tribute to her talent. She was known for her comedic timing in sparring with Weezy.
• Roxie Roker (Helen Willis)
  • Full Name: Roxie Albertha Roker
  • Role on The Jeffersons: Helen Willis, the matriarch of the interracial couple, the Willis family, and Louise's best friend.
  • Born: August 28, 1929, in Miami, Florida.
  • Died: December 2, 1995 (aged 66), in Los Angeles, California.
  • Cause of Death: Breast cancer.
  • Legacy: As one half of one of the first regular interracial couples on primetime television, Roker’s role was a significant step forward in television history, tackling sensitive issues with grace and humor.
• Franklin Cover (Tom Willis)
  • Full Name: Franklin Edward Cover
  • Role on The Jeffersons: Tom Willis, Helen's white husband and George's business partner (briefly) and neighbor.
  • Born: November 20, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Died: February 5, 2006 (aged 77), in Englewood, New Jersey.
  • Cause of Death: Pneumonia.
  • Legacy: Cover's calm and intellectual demeanor as Tom Willis provided the perfect foil to George Jefferson's abrasive personality, making their relationship one of the show's most enduring comedic elements.
• Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson - Original)
  • Full Name: Michael Jonas Evans
  • Role on The Jeffersons: Lionel Jefferson, George and Weezy's son, who marries Jenny Willis. He originated the role on All in the Family and The Jeffersons before being replaced and later returning.
  • Born: November 3, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina.
  • Died: December 14, 2006 (aged 57), in Twentynine Palms, California.
  • Cause of Death: Throat cancer.
  • Legacy: Evans was not only an actor but also a co-creator of the hit sitcom Good Times, cementing his place as a significant figure in 1970s television.
• Paul Benedict (Harry Bentley)
  • Full Name: Paul Bernard Benedict
  • Role on The Jeffersons: Harry Bentley, the eccentric, often oblivious British neighbor who frequently popped in on George and Weezy.
  • Born: September 17, 1938, in Silver City, New Mexico.
  • Died: December 1, 2008 (aged 70), on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
  • Cause of Death: Natural causes.
  • Legacy: His character's habit of walking into the Jefferson's apartment unannounced and his polite, often bewildered interactions with George were a running gag that provided endless laughs.

The Enduring Legacy of The Jeffersons: Breaking Barriers

The monumental success of The Jeffersons was not just due to its comedic brilliance, but its cultural significance. The show, which premiered in 1975, was a direct spin-off from All in the Family, following George and Louise as they moved from Queens to a "deluxe apartment in the sky" on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This move symbolized the upward mobility and financial success of a Black family, a narrative rarely seen on mainstream television at the time. The theme song, "Movin' on Up," became an anthem for aspiration and achievement.

The show tackled complex social issues, most notably through the interracial marriage of Tom and Helen Willis. This relationship, and George's initial discomfort with it, forced viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices, often with a humorous but pointed approach. The chemistry between the actors—particularly the legendary sparring between Sherman Hemsley's George and Isabel Sanford's Weezy—made the show a staple of the American sitcom landscape for over a decade.

The passing of the main cast members, especially Hemsley and Sanford, marked the end of an era for classic television. Their work is a testament to the power of representation and the ability of comedy to bridge cultural divides. The show’s topical authority is rooted in its honest and often hilarious depiction of class, race, and family dynamics in 20th-century America.

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Who is Still Alive from The Jeffersons Cast? The Remaining Icons

While many of the core figures have passed, a few key members of the supporting cast are still alive and continue to be celebrated for their work on the show. Their longevity is a source of joy for fans who remember their vital contributions to the series.

• Marla Gibbs (Florence Johnston)

  The legendary Marla Gibbs, who played the quick-witted, no-nonsense maid Florence Johnston, is still alive and active in Hollywood. Gibbs, who celebrated her 94th birthday in 2024, is the oldest living member of the core cast. Her character, though technically a recurring role, became a fan favorite whose interactions with George Jefferson provided some of the show's most memorable moments. Her career also includes the starring role in the successful sitcom 227.

• Damon Evans (Lionel Jefferson - Second Actor)

  Damon Evans took over the role of Lionel Jefferson from Mike Evans and played the part for the majority of the show's run. Now 75, Evans is still alive and has largely stepped away from Hollywood, though his time as Lionel remains a key part of the show's history.

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• Berlinda Tolbert (Jenny Willis)

  Berlinda Tolbert played Jenny Willis, the daughter of Tom and Helen and the wife of Lionel Jefferson. Tolbert, now 75, is still alive and is often celebrated for her role in one of television's most significant interracial marriages.

• Jay Hammer (Allan Willis)

  Jay Hammer played Allan Willis, the son of Tom and Helen, who appeared in later seasons of the show. Hammer is also still alive, ensuring that the Willis family legacy is partially carried on by its living actors.

The Enduring Impact: Why We Still Talk About The Jeffersons

The continued interest in the cast, particularly those who have passed away, speaks to the show's lasting cultural impact. The Jeffersons was more than just a comedy; it was a social commentary on class, race, and the American dream. The series was a spin-off from a show famous for its controversial topics, and it carried that tradition forward by presenting a Black family who was financially successful and unapologetically ambitious. This topical authority on the Black experience in the 70s and 80s is why the show is still studied and celebrated today.

The actors who played these iconic roles—George, Weezy, Mother Jefferson, Tom, Helen, Lionel, and Bentley—are remembered not just for their performances but for the cultural ground they broke. Their passing is a loss to the entertainment world, but their work is immortalized in the 253 episodes of the series, ensuring that future generations can still watch George Jefferson "movin' on up" with his beloved Weezy by his side.