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Mike Evans Obituary
Evans died of throat cancer Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, said his niece, Chrystal Evans.
Evans, along with Eric Monte, also created and wrote for "Good Times," one of the first TV sitcoms that featured a primarily black cast.
Michael Jonas Evans was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Salisbury, N.C. His father, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist while his mother, Annie Sue Evans, was a school teacher.
The family moved to Los Angeles when Evans was a child.
He studied acting at Los Angeles City College before getting the role of Lionel Jefferson in 1970s situation comedy "All in the Family."
Evans kept the role of Lionel when "The Jeffersons" launched in 1975. The hit show was a spinoff featuring bigoted Archie Bunker's black neighbors in Queens who "move on up to the East Side" of Manhattan.
Evans was replaced by Damon Evans (no relation) for four years, then he returned to the series from 1979 to 1981.
He also acted in the 1976 TV miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man" and made guest appearances on the TV series "Love, American Style" and "The Streets of San Francisco." His last role was in a 2000 episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger."
In recent years he had invested in real estate in Southern California.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
1003 Entries
July 21, 2025
RIP to a natural actor. Gone too soon.
Lisa Logan
April 12, 2025
He was a natural actor. I loved his role as Lionel on All In The Family & The Jeffersons. He made it look so easy. He was handsome guy. I wish you peace in Heaven.
Tracey Brown
February 24, 2025
May God bless the family i enjoyed him on TV
Annabella Bush
February 17, 2025
I enjoyed your role on the multi shows and you are one handsome guy wish you peace above and beyond the shoes and may your riches keep showing from generations. God Blessed
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Angela Joseph
December 17, 2024
He was a great actor as Lionel on All In The Family and The Jeffersons.
Wanda Nieves
November 28, 2024
Im sad he was a handsome
Guy
Barbara Williams
November 20, 2024
With deepest condolences sympathy.Rest In ☮ Heavenly Peace Mike Evans. We will miss you. My mama and I were totally shocked to know that Mike Evans has passed away. To the Evans family my mama and I are sorry for your lossed. We continue to pray for the Evans family.
From Pearl Williams and Barbara Williams of Garyville Louisiana.
Diana Nutt
October 24, 2024
It was always a treat when Mike would show up at the Bunker door. I loved his interaction with Sammy Davis Jr❣ Mike made a great show even better. I was shocked to learn that Mike had passed away.
Mike we love you and we'll never forget you.
CLARENCE WRIGHT
October 17, 2024
Still looking at and loving his work on the Jefferson. This is 2024. Still praying for his family and friends.
Ana McGee
September 24, 2024
He was a great actor who is truly missed..
Bill West
September 20, 2024
RIP Mike you will be greatly missed
Shelia H.
September 16, 2024
I enjoy watching the show. He was a nice looking guy all the characters be surely miss.
August 31, 2024
I just saw Mike Evans had passed away. My condolences to the family. RIP Mike!
Deborah Hodge
July 27, 2024
I loved Mike in the Jeffersons and in all in the family, he was so funny and serious at the same time. I will miss him. Very talented and know that he was sooo cool.
Charlene Brown
July 25, 2024
He will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful actor. Take your rest, RIP.
July 6, 2024
Looking up cast of the Jefferson and came across his obituary r.i.p he was the only Lionel I like lol
Lisa Herman
May 18, 2024
I just found out he passed when I was watching a movie he was in. Loved him in the Jeffersons. Gone too soon.
Stephanie Blanks
October 26, 2023
He was a handsome guy to me.Sorry to hear about his passing.❤loved him n Ginnie❤
stephen fermoyle
June 30, 2022
Tonight i got another craving for ''All in the Family.'' The engagement episode popped up on You tube.I always loved Lionel.I mean he was cool, sexy, funny and he took on Archie so well. Mr Evans was someone i thought was going to be with us forever. i thought i would look him up. i am very late in finding out that he is no longer with his loved ones. Truly sorry that both are gone to soon.God bless you and keep you safe in heaven. You were a leader and a very cool guy.
April 18, 2021
THE DEROUSELLE FAMILY EXPRESS THERE SYMPATHY ,CONDOLENCES , AND HEARTFELT PRAYERS TO THE MOTHER ,FATHER AND FAMILY OF MIKE EVANS AND HIS LOVING WIFE THAT PASSED A FEW YEARS BEFORE HIM...A GREAT ACTOR THAT HAD US ALL ENTERTAINED...
Barry Weber
May 17, 2020
Thought you were a cool actor and person on All and the Family, both you and your wife were taken to soon.
Rita Pitts
May 17, 2020
RIP Mike.....
Arlette Joseph
April 24, 2020
I love him on the Jefferson
Belinda Marshall
March 25, 2020
He was a good actor sexy and he played his role very well I was a very strong fan of The Jeffersons.
Mark J. Malin
March 1, 2020
He was a fine actor.
RIP,Mike.
You left us way too early.
Sylvia Johnson
January 28, 2020
You were my sitcom crush may you rip...
January 28, 2020
Very good actor. Rest in peace. A fan from Mississippi.
Gladys Flowers
January 18, 2020
I love the role you played on the jefferson lionel you was so handsome and kind may god rest your soul . I watch the show all of the time
Lauren
November 23, 2019
Great and talented actor. Thanks for the laughs. RIP Mike.
Vanessa McPherson
November 20, 2019
WOW! I'm just learning of your passing. You were my High School crush. I loved watching you on the Jeffersons. Sleep in Peace Sweet Prince.
Tara Williams
November 15, 2019
Mike Evans was such an AWESOME actor...R.I.P...
Chika Thomas
November 8, 2019
Rest in peace!
Joyce J Jordan
October 31, 2019
I enjoyed watching you as the character Lionel,the son of the Jefferson's. You were actually the better of the two actors. No offence to the other young man. However to me you owned that character ,you really made it work. The shows producers who choose you were spot on,spot on.
October 20, 2019
Thanks for the wonderful unforgettable episodes of the Jeffersons
Michelle Shaw
July 28, 2019
RIP Mr. Evans. I really enjoyed watching you on television.
Dorian Motton
June 13, 2019
You was a good actor rip my brother
Beverly Wade
June 9, 2019
Love him on the Jefferson .
Charie Martin
May 28, 2019
I was so in love with Lionel - Mike Evans!! He was handsome and talented! The Jefferson's was not the same for me when he left. I'm sorry for your loss a light has gone out in the world.
Thomas S
March 24, 2019
Rest baby.
Vaughn Pinkett
March 17, 2019
Your work on television really gave hope to my life will alway's miss you
Shelia Doss
January 31, 2019
So sorry for your lost .miss him so much love to you and his family.
A. Michael Blanchette
January 25, 2019
Mike will always be remembered by me as the Mike Next Door to me on 117th St. in L.A. I was a youngster while he and his brother Tommy resided there.
Michael Gibson
January 14, 2019
Very good actor who kept it real. What a breath of fresh air.
Barbara Dates
December 19, 2018
I thought you were a great actor and my condolences to your family and friends. Gone to soon.
Vivian Noel
December 18, 2018
RIP love you and God bless you
Nicole M.
November 29, 2018
Great actor and very much missed!
My fiancee and I watch reruns of The Jeffersons all of the time. What a great loss to the entertainment industry.
Alex Bogue
November 18, 2018
Good man!
Janice Douglas Leggett
November 10, 2018
I admired your work & wondered about you. I just found out that you have transitioned. Rest on God's care!
Sheldon McCormick
November 3, 2018
Mike was a first-rate actor, writer and, in his very own way, a leader. By his own example, he led us to be creative, build a positive path for ourselves and leave a good legacy behind, as he did. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace and In God's Loving Care, Mr. Evans.
Clara Grant McLeod
October 30, 2018
I'm shocked as well rest in peace Lionel. You are truly missed, but you're in a happier place now free from pain with our God. ❤
October 17, 2018
Rest in Peace you are missed.
Cece Adams
October 15, 2018
Rest in peace
Tammy -dixon
October 14, 2018
Was sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good actor! The jeffersons show was a awesome show. Iam watching a rerun episode now. RIP! Mike Evans.
Tracie Williams
October 10, 2018
What a Great actor he was. Rest in Peace.
Stephanie
October 5, 2018
Someone told me he passed.away. He was such a wonderful Actor and I had a crush growing up watching the Jefferson. Prayers for his family a young soul taken to soon. Still watch him on MeTV. one of my favorite shows miss all the actors and actresses especially Isabella who played wezzy Jefferson the Mother of Lionell. R.I.P Mike Evans may your soul be at Rest.
Felicia Hammonds
September 19, 2018
Mike Evans was truly a great actor my heart was broken when i found out he had passed away ihad such a crush on him growing up my heart and condolences and prayers goes out to his family he is truly miss
Jean Hettwer
September 5, 2018
RIP Mike was an awesome actor, I will never forget him.
Alfonso "Boo" Crawford
September 5, 2018
Rest in heavenly peace. I was a fan as a young boy and just found out he had passed while watching an old episode of The Jeffersons on MeTV today.
Ruth Minervini
August 11, 2018
It's so sad. He was wonderful with All in the family and Jefferson's. I was so sorry to hear that he passed so young. It's so hard to believe that he's gone. I pray he's at peace.
Tanya Bracey-Rowlett
July 31, 2018
Amazing actor! I loved him in All in the family!
Lakimberly ROBINSON
July 27, 2018
RIP MIKE
Kimberly Ross
July 22, 2018
On this day, July 22, 2018, i was watching The Jefferson's as i did growing up as a child. The episode where Lionel and Jenny got married. Decided to look up some cast members. Googled Mike Evans first, only to see he had passed away in 2006 calculating this year 2018, will be 12years ago. That broke my heart. Never heard of his passing on tv or through anyone.. He also would be 69 if he were still living. I had a crush on him watching the show. He was a good actor who passed at only 57. Thank you for keeping his legacy page up for comments..My prayers to the family.
Willa Mickens
July 21, 2018
Great actor. Sorry he left us so soon.
Anita
July 8, 2018
May u rest in peace, .I watched him during my teenage years and I still watch him. Mike Evans always felt like a family member.
Cynthia M.
June 22, 2018
Resting in Eternal Peace. Thank you for the positive images I saw on tv...groundbreaking..we needed it. Thank u.
Renita Sharpe
April 8, 2018
I pray that God grant peace and understanding to the family. God will not put us through anything that he cannot bring us out of. Oh death where is thy victory oh! Grave where is thy sting. Remember God is the only confort you have when we are tryinv to find peace.
Pat Hutchison
April 6, 2018
I didn't realize you had passed away mike,rest in peace my brother. I really enjoyed watching you on the Jefferson show.
My condolences to your family.
Evangelist Alston
March 30, 2018
Rest in peace Mike. Sorry you left so soon at a very young age. May God continue to bless and strengthen the Evans family.
V Lomax
March 17, 2018
Rip Mike Evans
Charlann M
March 13, 2018
Still remembered.
Edward
March 2, 2018
Bless Your Soul And Heart Rip!! Even Though I Didn't Know You I Feel Like Respect Is In Order!! Bless You And your Loved Ones!!
Tony Marz
March 2, 2018
Rip Mike
Lorraine Fullwood
March 2, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear about Mike Evans passing
Carolyn Boatman
March 1, 2018
RIP.
Carolyn Boatman Boatman
March 1, 2018
Miss you so much There will never be Another RIP.
Lisa Baker
February 28, 2018
R I P Mike may God bless your family always you will be remembered as Lynol Jefferson
Samantha Davis
February 28, 2018
Rest in haven't mike
Carla Clark
February 27, 2018
Mike, I did not know that you had passed until day. I very much enjoyed you on the Jefferson TV show. I pray that you are in the presence of the Lord.
Viola Spann-Clay
February 24, 2018
Sorry I'm just finding out about your passing Mike. I enjoyed all the episodes you was casted on. May you forever Rest In Peace. Condolences to the family....
Jacqueline Day
February 22, 2018
I miss u Mike
Willie Kirby
February 20, 2018
To me there was only1Lionel, YOU! THANKS so much for the way you portrayed a very intelligent down to earth Brother that could ace a college exam as well as "gettin down and funky"! Thanks for the memories. R.I.P.
Beverly a. Geiger
February 14, 2018
I wandered what happen to him very good actor in the all in the family he was very good at Archie bunker and George Jefferson this young man was very good actor. To young.
Jeannie
February 10, 2018
Loved the Jeffersons show
love the Cast
lionel and Helen, they died so young in real life
the other actors passed away at an older age
they all are missed
KAY McClure
February 3, 2018
Sorry to find out of your Death may you rest in peace
KAY McClure
February 3, 2018
You are missed did not konw you were gone
January 21, 2018
Thank you so much for your entertainment you've given to all I enjoyed watching all on the family and the jeffersons you are missed
Cassey Cassen
January 19, 2018
Its 3am and Im watching an episode of the Jefferson's and decided to find out where all ur cast members are today, 1/20/2018. I expected to see at least four people deceased from the show, but im blown to just learn that you too are gone. Thanks for the great laughs, RIP, always ♡
Mike Thornton
January 13, 2018
R.I.P Lionel Jefferson
Joyce Finley
January 12, 2018
May u Rest in Peace, You will be sadly miss...enjoyed you and your sense of humor and laughter on Archie Bunker and The Jeffersons.
Joyce Finley
January 12, 2018
May u Rest in Peace, You will be sadly miss...enjoyed you and your sense of humor and laughtet on Archie Bunker and The Jeffersons.
John Basil
January 1, 2018
I had no idea you passed away. Rest in peace and thank you for all your entertainment. You had such great character banter with Archie Bunker. I enjoyed all your work. I wish you knew of these words that I left behind.
Linda White
December 22, 2017
Mike was a very talented actor and quite handsome too, his smile was incredibly charming. I was very proud to tell people that mike was from my Mother's hometown. I used to come down here wishing i could meet him as a little girl. I eventually moved to Salisbury at retirement. Everytime i watch an episode of The Jeffersons i remember him. I was so sad to hear he had gone to be with the LORD. Sending my condolences even at this late date.
December 20, 2017
REST EASY MIKE EVANS!
Michelle Talley
December 20, 2017
"MY PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES TO MIKE'S FAMILY"!
#RestEasyMike
Joe Shortsleeve
December 14, 2017
I didn't know you wrote for Good Times.
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