AboutMarcia Studley Expertise I`m a true member of the tv generation! I grew up doing my homework while watching the classics of the 60`s and 70`s and today, they are still my favorites. I have a big library of tv and film reference books at my disposal, as well as a large video library. My memory is pretty darn good too, and when that fails, I can hit the books and/or videos, not to mention a few friends who are as devout tv gen members as I am. Please note that my expertise is with American tv only.
Expert: Marcia Studley Date: 12/27/2007 Subject: The Jeffersons
Question hi,
why did Mike Evans the original 'Lionel' on The Jefferson's leave the
show and how did they account for the new 'Lionel' and his wife not
having a child?? any help would be appreciated. (is he still alive).....thanx
Answer HI Troy,
Mike Evans originally left the show because he was writing another hit show, Good Times. He wanted to focus on it, so he left the role of Lionel. When Good Times was cancelled, he returned to acting and the Lionel role. However, he was dissatisfied with the role (the character had declined over the years), so he left the show again, and that time, they simply wrote the character out.
I'm not aware of any goofs or changes with Lionel's family. He met Jenny, they got married, then had a child. Then they divorced, and Lionel left town.
Sadly, Mike Evans died a year ago of throat cancer.
