'70s television stars Sherman Hemsley, Chad Everett died Tuesday
BY RITA SHERROW World Television Editor
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
7/25/12 at 10:52 AM
TV lost stars from two classic series on Tuesday.
Sherman Hemsley, 74, who starred as Harlem businessman George Jefferson in "The Jeffersons," was found dead in his El Paso, Texas, home Tuesday, according to tmz.com.
The web site reported he was discovered by his nurse. A statement from police said no foul play is suspected and the exact cause of death is pending.
Hemsley made his Broadway debut in "Purlie" and started his network TV career as Jefferson, a next-door neighbor to Archie and Edith Bunker on "All in Family."
The irascible character was so popular that he was spun off into his own hit series "The Jeffersons," which aired 1975-85 and earned huge ratings. Hemsley received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role.
Helmsley also starred in TV's "Amen," and as a singer released the single "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" in 1989, according to the entertainment website.
He reportedly had no wife or children.
Chad Everett, 75, who starred as Dr. Joe Gannon on "Medical Center," died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles, according to an Associated Press report.
He had suffered from lung cancer for the last 18 months, one of his daughters, Katherine Thorp, reported zap2it.com.
Everett, who had been acting for several years before he landed the leading role on "Medical Center," starred in that series from 1969-76. It earned big ratings and two Golden Globe nominations, according to zap2it.com.
He also had a role in "Melrose Place," starred in "McKenna" in the mid-1990s, made numerous appearances on "Murder, She Wrote" and co-starred in "Mulholland Dr." His last television appearance was on ABC's "Castle" in February.
Everett is survived by two daughters and six grandchildren, according to the website.
Here's the opening of "The Jeffersons."
This is a clip from "Medical Center."
Associated Images:
Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley, stars of the television sitcom "The Jeffersons," pose for a photograph in 1998 in New York. Hemsley was found dead in his home Tuesday. KATHY WILLENS/AP file
Chad Everett, the star of the 1970s TV series "Medical Center," died Tuesday. KATHERINE THORP/Courtesy/AP
|
