Damon Evans Says Fellow Gay “Jeffersons” Costar Sherman Hemsley Deserves Posthumous Emmy

Damon Evans, best known for his portrayal of Lionel Jefferson on the groundbreaking sitcom “The Jeffersons,” has publicly discussed the sexuality of his late costar, Sherman Hemsley, in a candid new interview marking the show’s 50th anniversary. Evans, who has long been open about his own identity as a gay man and his presence at the 1969 Stonewall Riots, revealed that Hemsley—who played the inimitable George Jefferson—was also gay, though Hemsley never came out publicly during his lifetime .

“Sherman was a deeply private person, but those who were close to him knew who he was,” Evans shared, emphasizing the challenges Black gay actors faced in mid-20th-century Hollywood. “He carried a lot for our community on his shoulders, even if he couldn’t be out in the ways that are possible today” .

Hemsley, who passed away in 2012, was renowned for his comedic brilliance and indelible impact on television, particularly in his role as George Jefferson. Despite his widespread acclaim—including an NAACP Image Award and nominations for both Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards—Hemsley’s personal life was the subject of rumor and speculation for decades .

Industry insiders and biographers have noted that, during Hemsley’s career, coming out as gay carried significant risk, especially for Black actors. “There was, and often still is, a double standard in Hollywood,” Evans explained in his interview. “White actors could sometimes come out and continue working, but for Black performers, it could mean the end of a career” .

Evans described how Hemsley navigated these pressures by keeping his personal life out of the public spotlight, sometimes going to great lengths to maintain his privacy. He recalled stories from their time on set, including colleagues who understood Hemsley’s situation and respected his need for discretion.

Evans’s comments arrive amid growing calls within the entertainment industry to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists whose identities may have been suppressed by societal and professional pressures. “Sherman’s work changed television and culture,” Evans asserted. “He broke barriers not just for Black actors, but for all marginalized people on screen. He deserves to be honored for his legacy—not just for his talent, but for the authenticity he brought to every role, even as he was forced to hide part of himself” .

A posthumous Emmy, Evans argued, would not only celebrate Hemsley’s achievements but also acknowledge the historical reality faced by LGBTQ+ performers. “It’s time our industry recognizes those who paved the way, often at great personal cost,” Evans said. Advocates believe such a gesture would help foster greater inclusion and visibility for LGBTQ+ people in media, both past and present.

"The Jeffersons,” created by Norman Lear, was a cultural touchstone that aired from 1975 to 1985 and remains one of the longest-running sitcoms in American television history. The show was lauded for its honest depictions of race, class, and social mobility, and its cast broke new ground for Black representation on screen .

LGBTQ+ historians note that many artists from this era were unable to live openly due to prevailing societal attitudes. “The stories of people like Sherman Hemsley are essential to understanding both television history and LGBTQ+ history,” says Dr. Charles Hughes, a cultural historian specializing in Black and queer media . “By honoring their full selves, we can inspire future generations to be both proud and visible.”

The suggestion of awarding Hemsley a posthumous Emmy has ignited discussion on social media and within the broader entertainment community. Many fans and colleagues have voiced support for the move, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the hidden histories of LGBTQ+ trailblazers.

Evans’s statements have resonated powerfully, underscoring both the progress made since “The Jeffersons” first aired and the work still to be done. “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much further to go,” he said. “Sherman’s story is a reminder that every time someone lives authentically, they make it easier for the next person. That’s the real legacy.”

As the Emmy Awards consider potential honorees in the coming year, advocates hope that Sherman Hemsley’s name will be included among those recognized—not just for his iconic performances, but for the courage and resilience he embodied, both on and off screen.