Iconic sitcom actor Sherman Hemsley, who made the character George Jefferson famous in “The Jeffersons” has died, his rep told Reuters Tuesday.
"Sherman Hemsley has been pronounced dead El Paso Sheriff's Department has confirmed,'' the actor's agent Todd Frank said in a statement given to Reuters.
Hemsley appears to have died from natural causes, TMZ, who first reported the news of his death, said. Sources say he was discovered by his nurse who initially thought that the actor was sleeping.
The 74-year-old star, who rose to fame after his appearances on “All in the Family” and ultimately the spinoff, “The Jeffersons” was also a professional singer.
Hemsley was born in Philadelphia and ultimately dropped out of high school to join the Air Force, People magazine reports. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service before turning to show business.
“The Jeffersons,” which ran earned Hemsley both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
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