Sherman Hemsley

Birth Name:

Sherman Alexander Hemsley

Birth Place:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack

Shared a TV Land Award for Favorite Cantankerous Couple with Isabel Sanford for their performances in "The Jeffersons" in 2004
Won an NAACP Image Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy Series or Special for his role in "The Jeffersons" in 1982
Served in the Air Force for four years, then worked for eight years as a U․S․ Postal Service clerk
Studied acting at the Philadelphia Academy of Dramatic Arts when he was an adolescent
During his early years as an actor, while acting in New York workshops and theater companies such as the Negro Ensemble Company at night, he kept his day job at the post office
Quote: "Once you find the rhythm of the character, for me anyway ․․․ the words just fall right into place․"
Best known for playing feisty, bigoted business owner George Jefferson on "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons․"
Made his Broadway debut in "Purlie," a musical adaptation of Ossie Davis's play "Purlie Victorious․"
Released a single called "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" followed by an album of rhythm and blues music called "Dance․"
Stated that it was a stretch for him to play George Jefferson because he had a difficult time being rude

1982Image Award - Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy Series or Special:Winner
1984Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:Nominated
1985Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical:Nominated
2004TV Land Award - Favorite Cantankerous Couple:Winner
2021OFTA TV Hall of Fame - Character:Winner

Fast Facts