The Jeffersons star, Damon Evans, who played Lionel Jefferson, the son of Louise and George Jefferson, auditioned for another Norman Lear sitcom, Good Times, a year before he got the role of Lionel.
After auditioning for Bette Davis’ play, she told him that one day, he could be a fine actor. This gave Evans confidence, which he needed after losing out on yet another audition. He was overlooked for the role of JJ Evans, the charismatic son of James and Florida Evans, in Norman Lears’ sitcom, Good Times.
Before the Lionel Jefferson role
Before his role on The Jeffersons, Evans faced challenges in the entertainment industry. Despite his auditions for Broadway plays, musicals, and television roles, nothing led to opportunities. Evans had a scholarship from the Manhattan School of Music, which allowed him to pivot to singing while still pursuing his dreams.
Evans began taking regular jobs to support himself. He worked as a dishwasher to support his dreams and returned to acting a few years later. Evans ended up receiving multiple opportunities within the same week.
His talent was finally recognized when he was offered a variety of roles. From Leonard Bernstein’s musical 1600 Pennsylvania to the play The Poison Tree and the TV role of Lionel Jefferson, Evans’s career was finally turning around.
When asked by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin why he accepted the role of Lionel, Evans stated, “I’ve always wanted to work with Norman Lear. He educates his audiences. It’s still a situation comedy, but situations are real.”
The rising star was offered the role after Mike Evans left the series after one season. He replaced the actor without watching the show or receiving guidance on playing the part. This sudden transition presented challenges, but Damon Evans was determined to make the role his own.
“I was always working at night or going to school.” He explained to the Sioux City Journals Newspaper in 1975. “Watching TV was a real luxury.”
For a decade, from 1975 until the show’s final episode in 1985, Damon Evans brought Lionel Jefferson to life, providing a sense of continuity to the show’s narrative.
Photo credit: SCREENSHOT Youtube/ @TheJeffersons
