Sherman Hemsley Movies
Sherman Hemsley is best remembered for playing George Jefferson, the lovably pompous, little loud-mouth who made a fortune from his dry cleaning business and moved from Queens to a posh Manhattan high rise in The Jeffersons, a popular sitcom that ran ten years on the CBS network. Before becoming an actor in the late '60s, Hemsley worked for the U.S. Post Office. He started out on the New York stage where his first break came from playing Gitlow in the Broadway musical Purlie (1970). Television producer Norman Lear was impressed by Hemsley's performance and so created George Jefferson for him. Originally designed as an African-American alter ego/foil to his blustery, bigoted Archie Bunker character on the smash hit All in the Family, Hemsley's George became so popular that he and his family were given their own series in 1975.Following the series' demise, Hemsley played an egotistical, loud-mouthed deacon/lawyer at the First Community Church of Philadelphia who tried to keep the new minister, Reverend Gregory, from taking over what he viewed as his personal domain, on Amen. The series broke ground by being the first hit sitcom centered on religion and ran from 1986 to 1991. In between his series work, Hemsley occasionally played supporting roles in feature films after making his debut playing Rev. Mike in the comedy Love at First Bite (1979). Most of his subsequent films have been low-budget affairs such as Stewardess School and Club Fed. While Hemsley continues to appear frequently on television as a guest star and has even starred in such failed series as Townsend Television (1993) and Goode Behavior (1996-1997), he has yet to recapture the success he had during the '70s and '80s. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
A small town bands together to save the life of a heroic dog named Semper Fi while dealing with such common issues as unruly teens and precocious youngsters in this affectionate story about man's best friend. Semper Fi is a golden retriever that has recently received a grim diagnosis by the vet. Now, in order to live, the ailing pooch will need to receive some expensive surgery. Nevertheless, the kids in this family aren't willing to let their furry pal die without a fight, and before long the fifteen year-old daughter begins planning a massive, community wide yard sale to fund the operation. As the holidays draw near and even the grumpy neighbor proves to be a valuable friend, a sudden emergency finds this faithful companion willing to give up his life for the sake of his loving masters. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Phil Vassar, (more)
- 2005
Once again, the Griffin household is invaded by Peter's crabby father Francis, an old-line Catholic who hates anyone who doesn't adhere to his own peculiar set of religious values. In his efforts to re-convert the family, Francis causes little Stewie to become a "bubble boy." As a result, rebellious Peter attempts to establish his own religion, with "The Fonz" from Happy Days as his new Deity. Without revealing any more, please note that the episode's star-studded voice cast includes Marion Ross and Tom Bosley--and before we forget, Gary Cole is back as obstreperous boss-man Bill Lumbergh, the character he'd played in the movie Office Space (Shucks! There's no space left to mention Jaws: Fire Island). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Like most teenagers, 14-year-old Scott Marshall (Michael J. Pagan) feels like a misfit "freak" within his own family. In this instance, however, circumstances are a bit different. Practically every member of the Marshall family possesses super-powers and leads a double life as a costumed hero. His dad, Jim (Robert Townsend, who also directed this film), is an orthodontist by day and the crime-busting Bronze Eagle by night. Even Grandpa Marshall (Sherman Hemsley), now in retirement, can recall the good old days when he battled the forces of evil as the Steel Condor. Alas, poor Scott possesses none of his parents' or his siblings' special powers -- in fact, he's so clumsy that he is in danger of being washed out of his school's soccer team. But Scott eventually proves that there's more to heroics than mere muscle power when he's called upon to rescue his family from a gang of techno-villains. Up, Up and Away made its Disney Channel cable TV bow on January 22, 2000. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael J. Pagan, Robert Townsend, (more)
- 1996
In the conclusion of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's series finale, Will (Will Smith) may not have anyplace to stay in Bel-Air when the Banks mansion is put up for sale and the rest of the household leaves town to pursue their separate dreams. "Stuck on the soft side of life", Will hasn't made any plans for the future--and now that the time has come to say goodbye, he can't. Among the prospective buyers of the Banks home are Diff'rent Strokes regulars Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Mr. Drummond (Conrad Bain, and George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford), with maid Florence (Marla Gibbs) along for the ride! Don't miss the classic "turning off the lights one last time" closing gag! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
When Will (Will Smith) and Lisa (Nia Long) announce their engagement, Philip (James Avery) offers to pay for their honeymoon--provided that the couple see a relationship counselor before taking any further action. Just as Philip expects, both Will and Lisa discover that they are polar opposites in many respects, forcing them to seriously reconsider their wedding plans. At the same time, they must also put up with another couple that has shown up in the counselor's office--the eternally squabbling George and Louise Jefferson, played (as ever!) by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford). Elsewhere, Hilary (Karyn Parsons) tries to hire Geoffrey (Joseph Marcell) away from her family. This is the first of three consecutive episodes in which series regulars Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian) and Ross Bagley (Nicky) do not appear. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "The Golden Child" and "The Last Temptation of Ethyl." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Originally seen on Saturday instead of the series' usual Monday-night slot, this episode launches a new story arc in which Philip (James Avery) does his best to unseat elderly Judge Carl Robertson (Sherman Hemsley). Even though Philip essentially owes the Judge his career, it is becoming painfully obvious that Robertson is senile--sometimes hilariously so, other times dangerously so. Meanwhile, the plot proper focuses on Will, who becomes the willing "love slave" of a plain but very wealthy girl named Lindsey (Michole White) who showers him with expensive gifts. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The political campaign between Philip (James Avery) and Judge Robertson (Sherman Hemsley) begins in earnest--deadly earnest, as it turns out. Will (Will Smith) seriously jeopardizes his uncle's chances when he is hauled into jail to account for $2000 worth of unpaid parking tickets. Though he may be senile, Judge Robertson isn't stupid, and he intends to exploit Will's "indiscretion" to the fullest in public! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "High Noon" and "Endangered Species." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "Don't Cross the Boss" and "Wesayso Knows Best." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1992
It's election night, and incumbent Judge Robertson (Sherman Hemsley) handily defeats opponent Philip Banks (James Avery). This comes about because of the outrageous pack of lies told by Robertson against Philip in the course of the campaign. An angry Will (Will Smith) shows up at Robertson's victory rally and tells him to "drop dead"--whereupon the senile old judge instantly does so! The rest of the episode deals with a guilt-stricken Will and a not-so-unhappy Philip, who ironically is called upon to deliver Robertson's eulogy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series. "Mighty Megalosaurus" finds a new member in the family, while "Hurling Day" concerns a frustrating mother-in-law. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "The Howling" and "The Mating Dance." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "Power Erupts" and "A New Leaf." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "When Food Goes Bad" and "Fran Live." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
Familiar faces from television sitcoms abound in this kids-at-camp TV-movie. John Ratzenberger stars as Colonel Marv Schector, a former accountant who fulfills his life-long dream to run a summer camp. Typical teen shenanigans soon get underway, in the vein of 1985's Poison Ivy. G. Gordon Liddy makes an unusual comedic appearance in a subplot about the mistaken identity of a camp inspector. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- 1986
In this youthful film, to juvenile delinquents must spend a year in a military academy. They immediately begin driving their superior officers crazy. The film is also titled Combat Academy. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Culp, Keith Gordon, (more)
- 1985
The Jeffersonsmoved from its familiar Sunday-night time slot to a new Tuesday evening berth with this star-studded episode, which takes place in Atlantic City. Hoping to raise enough money to attend her godson's graduation, Florence (Marla Gibbs) heads straight to the gambling tables. Meanwhile, Florence's employer Louise (Isabel Sanford) scours the resort city in search of celebrities -- but when they begin to show up, she fails to recognize them (even Charo). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Attending a big-league baseball game, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) fulfills a lifelong dream by catching a homer belted out by Reggie Jackson (as himself) -- only to drop the ball in front of thousands of stadium fans and millions of TV viewers. In the days that follow, poor George is a target for public ridicule, with friends and strangers alike razzing him for his slippery fingers. It is up to Louise (Isabel Sanford) to pick up the pieces of George's shattered self-esteem. In addition to Jackson, ballplayers Brian Downing and Mike Witt also appear. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Left home alone while everyone else is busily occupied, Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) begins to question his own attractiveness and appeal. Those questions are "answered" when the sister of Mr. Bentley's latest girlfriend lavishes attention on the hapless Tom. This leads to a sexy dream sequence in which Tom is surrounded by a "harem" of genuine Playboy Playmates. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
In this first episode of a two-part story, Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert make return appearances as Lionel and Jenny Jefferson. Back home after an extended trip to Japan, Lionel and Jenny tell their respective parents that they are about to make an important announcement. Naturally, everyone assumes that Jenny is pregnant again -- but the news is not happy by any stretch of the imagination. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
In this second episode of a two-part story, Lionel (Mike Evans) and Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert) shock their respective parents when they announce that they plan to divorce. This bombshell leads to a huge fight between the Jeffersons and the Willises, which does not abate even during family night at Jessica's school. Upset by all the dissension and bitterness, Jessica (Ebonie Smith) runs out of the school and into the mean streets of New York. This episode represented the final series appearances of Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
When George's student trainee, Clark (Larry B. Scott), is unable to get a date for his upcoming high school prom, George's housekeeper Florence (Marla Gibbs) offers to go with Clark to the dance. Upon her arrival, Florence comes face to face with one of her own high school classmates -- who never asked her to the prom, even though she'd wanted him to with all her heart. Veteran cartoon voiceover specialist Arthur Burghardt appears as Mr. Harris. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
To raise money for the Disabled Youth Services, Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Helen (Roxie Roker) stage a talent show with the help of Tom (Franklin Cover), Florence (Marla Gibbs), and Bentley (Paul Benedict). The winner will receive free TV time to promote his or her favorite charitable cause. George (Sherman Hemsley) schemes to use this opportunity to drum up business for his dry-cleaning store. "Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway" was The Jeffersons' 253rd and final episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
