Actor, Philly Native Sherman Hemsley Remembered - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Actor, Philly Native Sherman Hemsley Remembered

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PHILADELPHIA -

Sherman Hemsley, star of "The Jeffersons," among other television shows, has died at the age of 74.

Hemsley, once a mail sorter in Philadelphia, moved up to the East Side of New York as George Jefferson in the 1970s sitcom.

Hemsley was born in South Philly and grew up around 22nd and Christian streets.

He attended Bok Technical High School but dropped out in 10th grade to join the Air Force.

He began working the midnight shift at the 30th Street post office while attending the Academy of Dramatic Arts at night, eventually making his acting debut on Broadway in New York City.

Producer Norman Lear contacted Hemsley to play the roll of Jefferson on the sitcom "All in the Family." That character was spun off to the show "The Jeffersons."

Hemsley was nominated for an Emmy in 1984 and 1985. He wasn't married and had no children.

He was 74 years old.

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