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
- 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)
- 1985
Needing community-service points to qualify for the Dry Cleaner of the Year award, George (Sherman Hemsley) becomes "nest mother" for his granddaughter Jessica's Red Robin troop. In his efforts to be helpful, George teaches the girls a few rather unethical methods for selling candy door-to-door. This episode marked the final series appearance of Ebonie Smith as Jessica Jefferson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
When the president of Pelham Publishing retires, Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) is anxious to be appointed in his place. At first, Tom despairs over the possibility that he won't be promoted. Once his dream is fulfilled, however, Tom is still worried: Will he be able to handle the pressures and responsibilities of the job? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Charlie the bartender (Danny Wells) has the opportunity to multiply his profits by hosting a big party. When Charlie is unexpectedly called out of town, Louise (Isabel Sanford) offers to serve drinks in his place. What Louise doesn't know is that the party is a reunion for a gang of tough, unruly bikers. A strong all-male supporting cast, including Warren Berlinger and Reid Shelton, lifts this episode out of the ordinary. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
The ongoing professional war between George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and his dry-cleaning rival Cunningham results in another round of lavish promotions. This most recent battle proves so strenuous that Cunningham suddenly drops dead. George must now face the unbridled wrath of Cunningham's vindictive widow (played by future L.A. Law regular Susan Ruttan). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Once again, the wedding anniversary celebration of George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford) is interrupted by circumstances beyond their control. This time around, the Jeffersons are called upon to repair the marriage of their bartender friend Charlie (Danny Wells). This difficult assignment is made even more so by the revelation of a terrible secret: Good-time Charlie is an alcoholic. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Left at home while the wives spend the weekend at a health spa, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Tom (Franklin Cover) seek out various methods of alleviating their boredom. Our heroes finally decide to set a world record by seeing how many times they can ride up and down an elevator. What starts out as a friendly competition snowballs into a bitter rivalry. An unbilled Edie McClurg is heard as the woman on TV. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Louise (Isabel Sanford) is upset by the new tenant in 12-C, a young, slim "swinger" named Robin (played by future E.R. regular Kathleen Wilhoite). Her tranquility shattered by Robin's round-the-clock partying, Louise tries to rally her fellow tenants to lodge a formal complaint. She succeeds only in being labelled an "old killjoy" -- and the worst of it is, she's convinced that the accusation is right on target. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Terrified that she will never get married, Florence (Marla Gibbs) places an ad in the personal column of a singles magazine. Imagine her delight when her ad is promptly answered. Now imagine her open-mouthed astonishment when the man answering the ad turns out to be the Jeffersons' eccentric neighbor Harry Bentley (Paul Benedict). Florence Gibbs' real-life sister Susie Garrett appears as Amanda. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Having finished her first art-class oil paintings, Louise (Isabel Sanford) proudly shows them off to her friends and family. Though they agree that the paintings are (too put it mildly) hideous, they try to spare Louise's feelings by overpraising her work to the skies. When the misguided Louise announces her plans to enter a high-class art show, George is forced to resort to yet another deception -- this one involving a so-called "critic." Danny Wells makes his final series appearance as Charlie the bartender. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Florence (Marla Gibbs) is on cloud nine as she and her church choir prepare to go to an Ohio convention. Alas, the necessary traveling funds, along with the rest of the congregation's money, is stolen by none other than the church's "trusted" minister. Her faith in religion and her fellow man utterly shattered, Florence bleakly faces the prospect of a none-too-merry Christmas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Standing vigil at Jefferson Cleaners after several burglaries, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise (Isabel Sanford) manage to trap a pair of youthful thieves. Though George is all for calling the cops, Louise is convinced that she can reform the kids. George is so certain that the young burglars are irredeemable that he promises to write a 2,000 dollar check for the Help Center's children's arts program if Louise succeeds. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
In this opening episode of The Jeffersons' 11th and final season, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) is expected to be a donor for the Help Center blood drive. Terrified at the prospect, George pays Ralph (Ned Wertimer), the apartment building's doorman, to donate blood in George's name. When the precious fluid saves the life of Mrs. Wertimer, the wife of the Jeffersons' landlord, George is only to happy to take credit -- but Ralph has other ideas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Ebonie Smith makes her first series appearance as Jessica, the granddaughter of George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford). Louise can't stand it when haughty Mrs. Van Morris (Dorothy Butts), perennial winner of the Volunteer of the Year award, brags about the piano skills of her grandson Van (a pre-Family Matters Jaleel White). Hoping to show up Mrs. Van Morris once and for all, Louise arranges for Jessica (whose musical talent is rudimentary at best) to compete against Van in a piano recital. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Florence (Marla Gibbs) trick George (Sherman Hemsley) into appearing on a new hidden-video TV show titled "Bobbles, Bangles, and Booboos." A great many laughs are to be had when George "accidentally" confronts Louise at a massage parlor. But the joke is actually on Louise: the "TV producers" may actually be a gang of clever burglars. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Certain that she will win by a landslide, Louise (Isabel Sanford) runs for the presidency of her apartment building's tenant council. Her confidence turns to panic when Louise discovers that she will be running opposite her own husband George (Sherman Hemsley). Jack Fletcher makes his final series appearance as snooty landlord Whittendale. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Florence (Marla Gibbs) is crestfallen when she is unable to join the Jeffersons and Willises at a charity ball where her favorite soap opera star (Hal Williams) is slated to appear. This dilemma segues into a fanciful dream sequence, in which Florence is cast as Cinderella, and her Prince Charming is none other than that selfsame soap idol. This episode was co-written by series regular Marla Gibbs and film favorite Billy Dee Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Louise (Isabel Sanford) is led to believe that George (Sherman Hemsley) is preparing a surprise birthday party for her. In truth, however, George has forgotten all about Louise's birthday -- again. But once he finds out what Louise is expecting of him, George desperately scours the city in search of an appropriate birthday gift, a task complicated by "helpful" doorman Ralph (Ned Wertimer). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
By the time The Jeffersons set forth upon its eleventh season in the fall of 1984, the series had been out of the Top 25 programs for nearly two years. In fine sitcom tradition, the producers tried to remedy the situation by first changing the time slot (from Sundays to Tuesdays, beginning in January 1985) and then introducing a new character -- though this one was not "new" at all, merely remodelled. In the spring of 1980, George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford) had become grandparents when their son Lionel (Mike Evans) and daughter-in-law Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert) brought forth a baby daughter, Jessica. This character had been virtually written out when both Evans and Tolbert left the series, and viewers were clearly unhappy. There was nothing to do but to bring Jessica back. Ebonie Smith was cast as Jessica, who through the magic of network television had grown into a healthy eight-year-old within a mere four-year span. While Jessica was a welcome addition, The Jeffersons itself was clearly tired and played out (as evidenced by its wearisome reliance upon celebrity guest stars in several episodes). Still, the cast assumed that the show would be renewed for a 12th season, and accordingly did not bother with taping a "grand finale," closing out the season with a standard, open-ended story line. But CBS had other plans, and with the telecast of the 253rd episode on June 26, 1985, the 11-year saga of The Jeffersons came to an abrupt end. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Charles Lampkin guest stars as Otis, the elderly owner of the shoeshine stand outside of the Harlem dry-cleaning store owned by George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley). When an upscale black magazine offers to do a story about George's business empire, he worries that Otis is too much of an old-fashioned stereotype to suit the magazine's tastes. It is up to Otis himself to serve George a few heaping helpings of humble pie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
