Why Some The Jeffersons Cast Members Refused To Go To Sherman Hemsley’s Funeral | HO!!

EL PASO, TX — On November 21, 2012, Sherman Hemsley—the sitcom legend who brought George Jefferson to life—was finally laid to rest in a quiet ceremony at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. The man who once made tens of millions of Americans laugh each week on “The Jeffersons” was mourned by only a few hundred local friends and neighbors. But what shocked the nation most was who wasn’t there: almost none of the cast members from The Jeffersons, the TV family that had defined his career.

Why did Sherman Hemsley, once the heart of a groundbreaking sitcom, pass away in such solitude? Did Hollywood turn its back on one of its brightest stars, or was their absence a symptom of deeper secrets, legal battles, and truths the public was never meant to know?

From Humble Beginnings to Television Icon

Born on February 1, 1938, in Philadelphia, Sherman Alexander Hemsley’s childhood was far removed from the glitz of Hollywood. Raised by a single mother who worked in a factory, Sherman’s father was absent. After high school, Hemsley joined the US Air Force, serving four years before returning to work at the post office—a steady job with no hint of future stardom.

Yet, Sherman quietly nurtured a dream. After work, he studied drama at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Philadelphia, performing on off-Broadway stages at night. His double life—mailman by day, actor by night—eventually caught the attention of TV producer Norman Lear, who cast him as George Jefferson in “All in the Family” (1971).

Hemsley’s character was an instant hit: brash, funny, and unapologetically proud. In 1975, CBS spun off The Jeffersons, with Sherman at the helm. Over 11 seasons and 253 episodes, the show became a cultural milestone, tackling racial tensions and redefining black representation on television.

The Private Life of a Public Star

Offscreen, Sherman Hemsley was nothing like the loud, fiery George Jefferson. He lived reclusively, shunning Hollywood parties, interviews, and even most cast reunions. After The Jeffersons ended in 1985, Hemsley kept working in sitcoms—like Amen and Dinosaurs—but he preferred a private existence with pets and jazz records, far from the spotlight.

Colleagues described Hemsley as distant, mysterious, and intensely private. He rarely spoke about his personal life, never married publicly, and was never caught in love scandals. This silence fueled speculation, especially after his death.

Death, Legal Drama, and a Funeral Delayed

On July 24, 2012, Sherman Hemsley died in El Paso, Texas, from lung cancer. He spent his final years in a modest home with longtime companion Flora Enenton Bernal, described alternately as his manager, partner, and secret life companion.

Just days after his death, a shocking document surfaced—a will written only six weeks earlier, leaving his entire estate (about $50,000) to

Flora. No mention of blood relatives. Then, Richard Thornton from Philadelphia appeared, claiming to be Sherman’s half-brother and demanding legal recognition as next of kin. Thornton insisted Sherman’s remains be returned to Philadelphia and argued the will was untrustworthy, written when Sherman was gravely ill.

The dispute triggered a months-long legal battle. The court ordered DNA tests, and Sherman’s body remained in the morgue for nearly four months—his funeral held hostage by paperwork and family feuds. Headlines blared: “Sherman Hemsley’s body held hostage in funeral dispute.” Flora Bernal, the named heir, was outraged. “This was his last wish. It’s cruel for a stranger to destroy his peace.”

Thornton claimed he was defending family honor. The battle spilled into the media, turning Sherman’s funeral into a public spectacle. Fans wondered: “Why is Hollywood silent? Why aren’t his co-stars speaking up?” The truth lay in the legal limbo. Without a court ruling, no one dared to hold or attend an official funeral.

A Lonely Farewell and the Absence of The Jeffersons Family

On November 9, 2012, Judge Patricia Chew ruled the will valid. Flora Bernal was recognized as the rightful heir. Sherman Hemsley was laid to rest with military honors on November 21, 2012. But the delay came at a heavy price. Many former co-stars, elderly and frail, couldn’t rearrange schedules or travel on short notice. Only about 150 attendees gathered—mostly friends and neighbors.

The most glaring absence was Marla Gibbs, the actress who played Florence Johnston, the sharp-tongued maid and George Jefferson’s on-screen sparring partner. Their chemistry was legendary, and fans expected her to be there. When Gibbs was nowhere to be seen, rumors exploded. Tabloids speculated about hidden conflicts and boycotts.

But the truth was simpler. The funeral was delayed nearly four months due to legal battles. By then, Marla Gibbs was over 80 years old. Traveling from Los Angeles to El Paso on short notice was a major challenge. Gibbs later said, “I miss Sherman so much. We even talked about bringing the show back. No one could ever replace him.” Her words silenced rumors of bad blood.

The Cast Who Couldn’t Come—Because They Were Gone

The absence of other cast members was even more tragic. By 2012, half of The Jeffersons’ main cast had already passed away.

Isabel Sanford (Louise “Weezy” Jefferson): The gentle, strong wife who balanced George’s bluster. Sanford died in 2004 at age 86.

Roxie Roker (Helen Willis): The heart of the show’s pioneering interracial couple, and real-life mother of Lenny Kravitz. Roker died in 1995 from breast cancer at 66.

Franklin Cover (Tom Willis): The calm, courageous husband of Helen, who died in 2006 at 77.

Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson): The bridge between generations, co-creator of Good Times, who died in 2006 from throat cancer at 57.

Fans, used to the immortal image of the Jefferson family, expected a reunion at Sherman’s funeral. But reality had long since separated them.

Their absence was not betrayal—it was proof that time had mercilessly blurred even legends.

Rumors, Secrets, and the Mystery of Sherman’s Private Life

Sherman Hemsley’s funeral was not only lonely for the lack of co-stars, but also shrouded in mystery. Throughout his career, Hemsley never confirmed or denied rumors about his sexuality. Co-star Damon Evans once hinted Sherman had a boyfriend, believed by some to be Kenny Johnston, who lived with Sherman for years in El Paso. But Sherman never spoke publicly about his relationships, leaving fans to wonder if the George Jefferson persona was a facade.

The will, naming Flora Bernal as “beloved partner,” sparked more controversy. Was Flora a legal companion, while Kenny was the true partner? Or was Flora the real soulmate? The press spun stories of a love triangle, but no one ever produced solid proof. Sherman carried his secrets to the grave, leaving a legacy of speculation.

The Surviving Cast: Life Beyond The Jeffersons

Today, only a handful of Jeffersons cast members remain:

Marla Gibbs (Florence Johnston): Now in her 90s, Gibbs continues to act and inspire, receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021. Her net worth is estimated at $4 million, enough for a comfortable life. She remains a living icon.

Berlinda Tolbert (Jenny Willis): The daughter of Tom and Helen Willis, Tolbert retreated from Hollywood after the show, choosing a quiet life with her husband, journalist Bob Reid.

Jay Hammer (Allan Willis): The eldest Willis son, Hammer found steady work in soap operas, most notably Guiding Light.

Their lives are quiet, marked by private achievements and personal fulfillment. The rest of the cast—Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, Mike Evans—have long since departed.

A Legacy That Transcends the Funeral

Sherman Hemsley’s impact cannot be measured by the size of his funeral or the presence of co-stars. His portrayal of George Jefferson was more than comedy—it was a reflection of America’s changing landscape, a symbol of black pride and progress.

The Jeffersons broke barriers, opening doors for black actors and redefining television. Hemsley’s sharp wit and attitude made audiences laugh, but also made them think. He gave millions of black viewers a character they could recognize: imperfect, strong, unyielding.

Even if his funeral was subdued, his legacy remains. Sherman Hemsley spent his life avoiding the spotlight, but the character he created will forever shine in memory. Perhaps that is the true legacy he wanted to leave—not wealth, not a grand farewell, but laughter, symbolism, and pride for generations.

Sherman Hemsley moved on up with the Jefferson family on screen. In life, he moved on quietly, far from scandal. But his legacy echoes through every episode, every burst of laughter, and in the hearts of millions.