“Jeffersons” Actor Sherman Hemsley’s Death

Sherman Alexander Hemsley, born on February 1, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was famous for his iconic role as George Jefferson—the brash and ambitious patriarch in the hit sitcoms All in the Family and its spin-off The Jeffersons.

Career

His rise to fame is most notably tied to his role as George Jefferson. Before making his mark on Hollywood, he served in the U.S. Air Force and worked at the Post Office while studying acting at night. His dedication paid off as he became a household name, earning a net worth of $3 million.

Personal life

Despite his successful career, he led a rather private personal life, never marrying or having children. He once shared, “I’m just an old hippie. You know, peace and love.” But he did have a “beloved partner,” as he called her in his will, in Flora Enchinton, with whom he lived.

How did Sherman Hemsley die?

Sherman Hemsley passed away on July 24, 2012, in El Paso, Texas. The cause of death was superior vena cava syndrome, a complication associated with lung and bronchial carcinomas. He had a malignant mass on one of his lungs, for which chemotherapy and radiation had been recommended, but unfortunately, these treatments could not prevent his untimely death.

Burial

Hemsley was laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Fort Bliss, Texas. But his burial was delayed for four months because of a dispute between his brother and his partner and business manager Flora Enchinton. They fought for the right to dispose of Hemsley’s remains. The dispute lasted two years, at which point the court decided they better not disturb the actor’s eternal slumber.

Flora Enchinton inherited the actor’s whole estate.