Sherman Hemsley, who most famously played George Jefferson in TV sitcom All in the Family and its spin-off The Jeffersons, has reportedly died in Texas at age 74. Hemsley also had stints on Broadway and as a recording artist (see video below).
TMZ on Tuesday reported Hemsley died at his El Paso home but had no details about the cause of death.
"George Jefferson" became an immediate worldwide trending topic on Twitter as the web and celebrity friends reacted to Hemsley's passing:
RIP To My Longtime Friend & Comedic LEGEND, Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson. #NeverToBeForgotten— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) July 24, 2012
RIP Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson. rest peacefully in the de-luxe apartment in the sky...bit.ly/LLIYft— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 24, 2012
RIP Sherman Hemsley :(— Warner Bros. Records (@wbr) July 24, 2012