The Jefferson's Sherman Hemsley died of cancer
Actor who played George Jefferson had tumour that blocked vein
CBC News
Posted: Aug 9, 2012 11:52 AM ET
Last Updated: Aug 9, 2012 11:37 AM ET
Sherman Hemsley, left, is shown with Paul Benedict, and Damon Evans in a 1977 episode of The Jeffersons. Hemsley died of complications of cancer, according to a Texas medical examiner. (CBS/Associated Press)
Sherman Hemsley, the actor who starred as George Jefferson in All in the Family and The Jeffersons, died because of a cancerous tumour, according to a Texas medical examiner.
The actor died at his home in El Paso on July 24 at age 74, but no cause of death was given at the time.
The medical examiner’s officer issued a report Wednesday that said he died after a tumour obstructed a large vein, cutting off the blood supply.
Hemsley had been diagnosed with lung cancer and advised to undergo chemotherapy ahead of his death.
He had a breakthrough role in American TV as the upwardly mobile and distinctly acerbic George Jefferson. He began the role in 1973 on All in the Family, trading barbs with Archie Bunker, then continued it from 1975 to 1985 on the spinoff series The Jeffersons.
The Norman Lear-created series was one of TV’s most successful comedies.
Hemsley earned an Emmy nomination in 1984 and a Golden Globe nomination in 1985.
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