Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley, the actor who made the irascible, bigoted George Jefferson& of “The Jeffersons” one of television’s most memorable characters and a symbol for urban upward mobility, has died. He was 74. Police in El Paso, Texas, said late Tuesday that Hemsley was found dead at his home on the eastside of the city. A statement from police said no foul play is suspected and that the exact cause of death is pending

The Philadelphia-born Hemsley first played the blustering black Harlem businessman on CBS’s “All in the Family” before he was spun off onto “The Jeffersons,” which in 11 seasons from 1975 to 1985 became one of TV’s most successful sitcoms – particularly noteworthy with its mostly black cast.

Hemsley made a name for himself as George Jefferson, carrying the iconic sitcom for a decade and earning a 1984 Emmy nomination for his work as lead actor in a comedy series.

The actor went on to appear on a handful of other classic television shows including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Hughleys.” He also starred as Deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC series “Amen” for several years.

The Philadelphia born and raised sitcom actor was also an accomplished singer, recording the 1989 single “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” and releasing his R&B album, “Dance,” in 1992.

Before becoming a household name, Hemsley served in the Air Force for four years — dropping out of high school to do so — before going on to work for the post office for eight years. Hemsley leaves no wife or children