Sherman Hemsley was an American actor whose skill and charm were known all over the world. Hemsley started out on an amazing trip in the entertainment business, which left an indelible mark on the history of television.
Hemsley’s comic timing and depiction of George Jefferson in All in the Family and The Jeffersons made him a household figure.
In this article, WCNetworth will talk about Sherman Hemsley net worth, his career, and his legacy.
What is Sherman Hemsley’s Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
Sherman Hemsley was an American actor who starred in All in the Family and The Jeffersons. Hemsley had a successful acting career spanning several decades. At the time of his death, July 24, 2012, his net worth was reported to be $300,000.
Sherman Hemsley’s Overview: Why is Sherman Hemsley Famous?
Bankruptcy
Hemsley filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in June 1999 to deal with his $1 million in debt, which included $15,500 in back taxes to the IRS from 1996, 1997, and 1999.
Most of his debt, though, was to a company in Las Vegas called Trust Deed Investment Corp. They said Hemsley owed them $995,355 since May 1998 for a loan and interest.
Early Life and Education
Sherman Hemsley was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 1, 1938. His mother, who worked in a lamp shop, cared for him while he was growing up.
Hemsley attended Barrat Middle School in South Philadelphia, Central High School for the ninth year, and Bok Technical High School for the tenth grade.
But after the tenth grade, he quit school and joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years in Japan and Korea.
Hemsley worked for the post office when he returned to the United States. At night, he went to the Academy of Dramatic Arts to pursue his love for acting.
Even though he came from a poor background, Hemsley became a well-known actor. He is best known for his roles in famous TV shows like All in the Family and The Jeffersons.
Career Beginnings on Stage
Sherman Hemsley began acting at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Philadelphia while working for the US Postal Service.
After Hemsley moved to New York City, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company and started acting classes with Lloyd Richards.
In off-Broadway shows like The People vs. Ranchman and Moon on a Rainbow Shawl, he was acclaimed for his innate comedic skills.
In 1970, Hemsley made his Broadway bow as Gitlow in the musical Purlie, which he toured with for a year.
During this time, producer Norman Lear noticed Hemsley’s talent, which led to his famous TV part as George Jefferson.
All in the Family and The Jeffersons
Sherman Hemsley was a great actor who played George Jefferson in All in the Family and The Jeffersons.
Hemsley’s character, George Jefferson, was a pioneer in American television in the 1970s and 1980s, boldly addressing race relations and social concerns.
After finishing Purlie on Broadway in 1973, Hemsley joined the cast of All in the Family. His character became a fan favorite very quickly. This led to the birth of The Jeffersons in 1975, which ran for an impressive eleven seasons up until 1985.
Further Television Career
He starred as Deacon Ernest Frye in the NBC series Amen from 1986 to 1991, which enjoyed a five-season run.
Hemsley also lent his voice to the ABC live-action puppet series Dinosaurs, where he played Bradley P. Richfield, the main character’s boss, Earl. The show ran for four seasons, ending in 1994.
Hemsley also did guest spots on popular TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and House of Payne, often with his old co-star Isabel Sanford.
Despite being typecast in George Jefferson-like roles, Hemsley’s talent and versatility allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the television industry.
Film Career
Hemsley’s film career began with his debut in Love at First Bite (1979), where he played Reverend Mike.
Over the years, he appeared in various films, such as:
- Stewardess School (1986)
- Ghost Fever (1986)
- Club Fed (1990)
- Home of Angels (1994)
- The Misery Brothers (1995)
- A Christmas Journey Home (1996)
Hemsley appeared in Family Matters, Me and the Boys, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in addition to his film performances.
Despite being typecast in George Jefferson-like parts, Hemsley showed his versatility and talent as an actor in both television and cinema.
Personal Life and Death
Unlike the boisterous characters he portrayed, Hemsley was a shy and reclusive man who never married and had no children.
Hemsley died in his city of El Paso, Texas, on July 24, 2012, at the age of 74, from complications from lung and bronchial carcinomas.
His death led to a legal fight over his estate because his only beneficiary was his longtime friend and business partner, Flora Enchinton Bernal.
But a man in Philadelphia named Richard Thornton said he was Hemsley’s brother and disputed the will. This caused the burial of Hemsley to be delayed. After arguing for months, Hemsley was finally laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso in November 2012.
FAQs about Sherman Hemsley
Who did Sherman Hemsley leave his money to?
On August 28, 2012, an El Paso news reporter talked to Flora Isela Enchinton, the only person Hemsley left money to in his will. Enchinton said that she and Hemsley were friends and had worked together for more than 20 years. During this time, she lived with Hemsley and his friend Kenny Johnston.
What was the cause of Sherman Hemsley’s death?
Sherman Hemsley passed away from lung cancer at his home in El Paso, Texas in July of 2012. He was 74 years of age.
Was there a dispute over Sherman Hemsley’s residuals after his death?
Yes, a controversy has been raging for eight years and counting between two individuals, William Little and David Pullman, who bought Hemsley’s residual income when the actor suffered financial difficulties in the latter part of his life and needed to pay debts.
How many of the Jeffersons cast are still alive?
Tolbert was born just one day after Mike Evans, who played her boyfriend/husband Lionel from 1949 to 2006. Both of them were born in North Carolina, too. As of July 2021, The Jeffersons’ only major cast members still alive are Tolbert, Marla Gibbs, Jay Hammer, and Damon Evans (Lionel #2).
Conclusion
Finally, Sherman Hemsley’s wealth reflects his talent, hard work, and lasting impact on the entertainment business. From his first big part as George Jefferson to his many other roles on stage and screen, Hemsley’s work was loved by audiences and made his money. His ability to bring people to life with humor and charm made him famous in television history.
Hemsley died in 2012, but his legacy goes on through the timeless characters he played and the way he influenced actors of the future. Sherman Hemsley was a true pioneer in show business and a well-liked entertainer.
Read more: Top 10+ Richest Actors In The World In 2023
