Sadly, decades after the show ended, many of the beloved stars of The Jeffersons have since passed away, including Hemsley, Sanford ... of George and Weezy’s son. Beyond The Jeffersons, Evans ...

Sanford as Louise Jefferson, along with Mike Evans as their son Lionel, had been semi-regulars since 1971, but Hemsley, whom Lear wanted as the family patriarch, wasn’t available until 1973.

"The Jeffersons" was hardly a pioneer — two other Norman Lear creations, "Good Times" (1974-79) and "Sanford and Son" (1972-77) came before — but it was a groundbreaker and rabble rouser.

Jefferson, Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson, Zara Cully as Mother Olivia Jefferson, Berlinda Tolbert as Jenny Willis Jefferson, Ned Wertimer as Ralph the Doorman, Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker ...

Author Tripp Whetsell joined "City Lights" host Lois Reitzes to discuss his new biography "Norman Lear: His Life and Times." ...