George Jefferson Honored For Black Television History Month

February 20, 2006 | Issue 42•08

BURBANK, CA—George Jefferson, the gruff and opinionated African-American character who debuted on All In The Family in 1973, will be honored in a series of television spots celebrating Black Televsion History Month. "George Jefferson proved that a black man can 'move on up' in the TV world if he stays true to his beliefs and works hard on TV," said Spike Lee, who will direct the 60-second spots honoring Jefferson. "He wasn't a perfect husband to Weezy or a perfect boss to his maid, Florence, but he paved the way for the black television characters who would follow." Actor Sherman Hemsley, who played Jefferson, will not be honored.