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
- 1983
In order to strike up a business deal with celebrated fashion designer Camille Hendricks (Georgann Johnson), George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) persuades his daughter-in-law, Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert), to bring some of her own designs to the Jefferson apartment. Unprepared for Ms. Hendricks' presence, Jenny accepts the invitation. A shattering disappointment follows -- and it is all George's fault. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
Long before an episode of David Lynch's Twin Peaks was narrated by a log, this installment of The Jeffersons featured a talking dollar bill. During a brief stopover at his old Queens dry-cleaning store, George recalls the day that he opened the store back in 1968. Inevitably, George's thoughts drift back to his first customer -- and, of course, his first dollar. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
A youngster named Darren (Dain Turner) plays up to Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Helen (Roxie Roker) in order to get to George (Sherman Hemsley). Taking pity on Darren, who claims that he has no father, George agrees to participate with the boy in a father-son bowling tournament. Then the truth about Darren's "late" dad comes pathetically to light. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
This talky avant-garde film about a pair of women looking for answers to unformulated questions is a journey through dense, non-stop verbosity partially balanced by good photography and music, a leavening sense of humor, good characterizations by Robbie Coltrane and Dominique Pinon, and a cameo appearance by French philosopher Jacques Derrida (the deconstructionist). Leonie (Leonie Mellinger) and Pascale (Pascale Ogier) travel aimlessly between London and Paris, searching for the origins of ghosts that populate their psyches: from Karl Marx to Franz Kafka, from psychoanalysis to dream analysis, and even the cinema itself, no apparition is left unturned. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pascale Ogier, Robbie Coltrane, (more)
- 1983
Season ten of The Jeffersons was marked by a pronounced drop-off in ratings. Ranking 12th in the list of most popular American TV series during its ninth season, the series didn't even make it to the top 25 the following year. This can be attributed to a problem that has plagued scores of long-running network programs: After so many years on the air, the actors were obviously wearying of their roles and merely going through the motions. One of the few bright spots of the tenth season was the return of Paul Benedict as the Jeffersons' goofy British neighbor Harry Bentley. Having left the show in 1981 (it was explained that Bentley, a UN functionary, had been transferred to the former Soviet Union), Benedict returned with all of his delightful eccentricities intact. In a related development, former Saturday Night Live regular Garrett Morris, introduced the previous season as the Jeffersons' wheeler-dealer "foster son" Jimmy Townsend, made a handful of welcome guest appearances. And in another attempt to bolster ratings, the series began to accommodate celebrity guests, beginning with Sammy Davis Jr. and Sister Sledge. (Billy Dee Williams had made an appearance as "himself" during an earlier season, but this hardly constituted the inauguration of a trend.) Alas, these refreshing additions did little to compensate for the complete absence of the Jeffersons' son Lionel (Mike Evans) and Lionel's estranged wife, Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert). Fans who had been brought back into the fold when Lionel and Jenny's daughter Jessica was born in 1980 were understandably disappointed that these characters had apparently dropped from the face of the earth. Clearly, however, the producers realized their error in virtually writing off the grandchild of George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford), inasmuch as the character would return full force for the series' 11th (and final) season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
George (Sherman Hemlsey) and Tom (Franklin Cover) take a pass on going Christmas caroling with the ladies and neighbor Harry Bentley. Our heroes choose instead to remain in the Jefferson apartment, decorating the tree. As the night wears on, George and Tom nostalgically recall past Yuletides spent with their respective fathers (also played by Sherman Hemsley and Franklin Cover). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
In the conclusion of a three-part story, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Jimmy (Garrett Morris) fly to L.A. in hopes of retrieving 15,000 dollars which two con artists inveigled out of George's neighbor Tom (Franklin Cover). Jimmy's electronics-savvy cousin (played by Greg Morris, satirizing his character on Mission: Impossible) rigs up a sting operation whereby the two crooks are hoodwinked into believing that California is about to be invaded by a foreign country. The scheme is nearly foiled by the untimely arrival of George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), Tom's wife, Helen (Roxie Roker), and the Jeffersons' housekeeper, Florence (Marla Gibbs). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
In the second episode of a two-part episode, an effort by George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) to teach his neighbor Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) not to be so gullible backfires when two of George's Navy buddies, Lloyd (Jason Bernard) and Allan (Stefan Gierasch), escape to Los Angeles with 15,000 dollars of Tom's money. George teams up with his "foster son," Jimmy (Garrett Morris), to retrieve the money, aided and abetted by George's electronics-wizard cousin (played by Greg Morris in a spoof of his character on Mission: Impossible). The major incentive behind this "sting" operation is to prevent Tom's wife, Helen (Roxie Roker), from finding out that her husband was bilked -- but it may already be too late. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
Florence (Marla Gibbs) and her equally unmarried friend, Betty (Robin Braxton), pay a visit to the museum, hoping to meet a few eligible millionaire bachelors. One wealthy gent, Harry Crawford (Bennet Guillory), takes an instant liking to Florence, showering her with costly gifts and affectionate words. Alas, Harry's motives are not altogether pure: for starters, he's already married... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) is offended when his wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), turns down an opportunity for the Jeffersons to host a marriage-enrichment seminar for newlyweds. He is also upset that the hosting chores have gone to his friendly rival, Tom Willis (Franklin Cover), and Tom's wife, Helen (Roxie Roker). But when Tom falls ill, George is given the opportunity to take his place -- whereupon he offers a stream of marital "advice" that nearly knocks Louise for a loop. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
Former series regular Paul Benedict returns in his familiar role as the eccentric Harry Bentley. The Jeffersons and the Willises join forces in helping Harry get back his old apartment, despite the opposition of landlord Whittendale (Jack Fletcher). But upon learning who Whittendale has chosen as the new tenant, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) drops his loyalty to Harry like a hot potato. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
Although a year has passed, Louise (Isabel Sanford) is still smarting over the fact that wealthy Mrs. Van Morris (Dorothy Butts) beat her out for the Volunteer of the Year award. This year, however, Louise seems to be a shoe-in for the award, inasmuch as her rival is off on a world cruise. Alas, Mrs. Van Morris returns just in time to make a huge cash donation to the Help Center, one that will surely earn her the prize again -- whereupon Louise begins to question whether or not her own reason for volunteering was altogether altruistic. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
Hoping to stir up new business, George (Sherman Hemsley) holds a Miss Jefferson Cleaners contest. Alas, George is forced to give the award to the punk-rocker niece of his landlord, Whittendale (Jack Fletcher) -- or face immediate eviction. The girl in question is played by singer Julie Brown, a few years before attaining rock-video and cable-TV superstardom. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
As teenagers, George and his best friend made a list of what they wanted to accomplish in life, each betting the other that they'd complete the list first. Years later, George realizes that he has met all his goals -- all except one. Unfortunately, that "one" requires him to punch out an old neighborhood bully, Powerhouse Watson (Rosey Grier). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Feeling neglected by her husband, Tom (Franklin Cover), Helen Willis (Roxie Roker) decides to do something about it. Unfortunately, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), relying on the faulty evidence of his own eyes, arrives at the conclusion that Helen is cheating on Tom. As expected, George's well-meaning interference causes all sorts of embarrassing misunderstandings for Mr. and Mrs. Willis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
After their neighbor Harry Bentley is transferred to Europe, Bentley's apartment is rented by a songwriter named Sammy (played by real-life composer Frank DeVol), with whom George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) has had previous business dealings (e.g. the seventh-season episode "I Buy the Songs"). Eagerly, George tries to secure Sammy's talents for a TV commercial. Alas, the sad-faced tunesmith is having marital problems and just can't get "in the mood." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
The Jeffersons and the Willises plan a surprise party for the Jeffersons' housekeeper, Florence (Marla Gibbs). But thanks to a misunderstanding, Florence thinks that the two couples are throwing a wing-ding to which she hasn't been invited -- and, even worse, at which she will be expected to act as a mere servant. Deeply hurt, Florence grabs a 500-dollar bottle of George's wine and gets good and plastered. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Male chauvinism rears its ugly head in the Jefferson and Willis households. George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) produces a TV commercial featuring offensive sexual stereotypes, while publisher Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) signs up an outspokenly anti-feminist author. The result: George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), and Tom's wife, Helen (Roxie Roker), angrily move out of their respective homes and into their own apartment together. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In the conclusion of a two-part story, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) recovers from injuries sustained in a brutal beating. His assailants were a tough gang of teenaged girls, who have stolen the wedding ring belonging to George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford). Despite excruciating pain -- and his own terror -- George is determined to track down the gang and reclaim the ring. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In this first episode of a two-part story, both George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and his messenger, Ed (Will Gill Jr.), are brutally beaten up by a tough street gang. Making things all the more depressing is the fact that the gang is comprised of teenaged girls. Irwin Keyes makes a return appearance as George's erstwhile bodyguard, Hugo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
When his Brooklyn store burns to the ground, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) finds that the store's alarm had malfunctioned due to faulty wiring. Both Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) and the insurance company urge George to sue the person responsible for installing the alarm. Unfortunately, the "guilty party" is George's own son Lionel. Original scheduled to air on January 10, 1982, but shown instead on January 31, this episode features former series regulars Mike Evans (as Lionel) and Berlinda Tolbert (as Jenny), now billed as "guest stars." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Still hoping to curry favor (and a lucrative business deal) with his snobbish landlord, Mr. Whittendale, George agrees to dog-sit for Whittendale's prize Doberman. Alas, the dog virtually demolishes the Jefferson apartment -- and then has the bad taste to die in a freak accident. Ivor Francis, father of soap opera star Genie Francis, appears as Whittendale, briefly taking over from actor Jack Fletcher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
After Lionel and Jenny's apartment is burglarized, Lionel's dad, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), wants to buy a gun. George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), is adamantly opposed to having a weapon in the house, so George buys a gun without her knowledge -- and with potentially disastrous results. Frank DeVol makes his final series appearance as Sammy the songwriter (DeVol had been advertised as a "new regular," but it didn't pan out). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Jenny Jefferson (Berlinda Tolbert) has agreed to let the gospel group organized by Florence (Marla Gibbs) sing at the baptism of baby Jessica. What Jenny and Florence don't know is that Jenny's father-in-law, George (Sherman Hemsley), has already secured the services of famous gospel singer Andrae Crouch (played by -- who else? -- Andrae Crouch). Fans of Sherman Hemsley's later sitcom Amen will be amused by George's brief impersonation of a clergyman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) demands a refund when his suit returns from Jefferson Cleaners with a large and indelible stain. George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) refuses to pay up, arguing that it was Tom's fault that he left a candy bar in his pocket. The two men decide to settle their differences on a People's Court-style TV show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
