Net Worth Ranker
What Is Sherman Hemsley’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 2012, Sherman Hemsley, the American actor famed for his role as George Jefferson, had a net worth of $300,000. Hemsley’s financial situation was impacted by a bankruptcy filing in 1999, stemming from an inability to manage a $1 million loan and a $15,500 tax debt to the IRS.
Financial Challenges and Recovery
Hemsley’s financial difficulties were, in part, attributed to the poor performance of the 1987 film “Ghost Fever,” in which he invested a significant portion of his wealth. The film’s failure at the box office compounded his financial strain. As a consequence, Hemsley sold the rights to his residuals to alleviate his debt burden. However, he successfully managed to accumulate enough funds to settle his obligations and subsequently withdrew his bankruptcy filing, demonstrating a recovery from his financial setbacks.
At the time of his death, Sherman Hemsley resided in a modest home in El Paso, Texas, valued at approximately $150,000.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Sherman Hemsley was born on February 1, 1938, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised by a single mother who worked in a lamp factory. Hemsley’s educational journey included attending Central High School and Bok Technical High School, although he left school after the tenth grade to enlist in the US Air Force. He served in the Air Force for four years.
After his military service, Hemsley returned to Philadelphia and secured employment with the US Postal Service. Simultaneously, he pursued his passion for acting by attending the Academy of Dramatic Arts during the night. Before transitioning to New York City, Hemsley gained experience performing with local theater groups. In New York, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company and later became part of the Urban Arts Company, participating in productions such as “But Never Jam Today,” “The Lottery,” and “Step Lively Boys.” He made his Broadway debut in the musical “Purlie,” showcasing his talents on a larger stage.
“All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons”
In 1971, Norman Lear approached Hemsley with an offer to play the recurring role of George Jefferson on his new sitcom, “All in the Family.” Initially hesitant due to his commitment to Broadway, Hemsley eventually joined the cast two years later. His portrayal of George Jefferson, the outspoken and opinionated counterpart to Archie Bunker, resonated with audiences. Hemsley remained on “All in the Family” until 1975, when his character and family were spun off into their own sitcom, “The Jeffersons.”
“The Jeffersons” followed George, his wife Louise, and their son Lionel as they moved from a working-class neighborhood in Queens to a luxurious high-rise apartment in Manhattan. The show’s success led to an impressive 11-season run, from 1975 to 1985, solidifying its place as one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history. Hemsley’s performance on “The Jeffersons” garnered him Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations, recognizing his contribution to the show’s success. Sherman Hemsley’s role as George Jefferson remains one of his most iconic and memorable.
Subsequent Television Roles
Concurrent with his role on “The Jeffersons,” Hemsley made guest appearances on various television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Fantasy Island.” In 1986, he secured another prominent role, playing widowed Philadelphia deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC sitcom “Amen.” The show’s cast included Clifton Davis, Anna Maria Horsford, Roz Ryan, and Jester Hairston. “Amen” aired for five seasons, concluding in 1991.
Following “Amen,” Hemsley lent his voice to the ABC puppet sitcom “Dinosaurs,” portraying Bradley P. Richfield, the Triceratops boss of the main character, Earl Sinclair. “Dinosaurs” aired for four seasons, ending in 1994. From 1992 to 1996, Hemsley made recurring appearances on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” primarily as Judge Carl Robertson. He also appeared in episodes of “Designing Women,” “Burke’s Law,” “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” and “Sister, Sister.”
Hemsley’s next main role was as con artist Willie Goode on the UPN sitcom “Goode Behavior,” which was canceled after one season in 1997. Toward the end of the decade, he had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom “The Hughleys.”
During the 21st century, Hemsley made fewer television appearances. His credits include the Disney Channel Original Movie “Up, Up and Away” and the series “Clunkers.” He also participated in the sixth season of the VH1 reality series “The Surreal Life.”
Film Career
While primarily known for his television work, Hemsley appeared in several films. His film debut was in the 1979 horror comedy “Love at First Bite,” where he played Reverend Mike. He did not appear in another theatrical film until 1986, when he played Mr. Buttersworth in “Stewardess School.” In 1987, Hemsley starred in “Ghost Fever” as Buford Washington, marking his first lead role in a film. While no specific box office data or financial details are available for “Ghost Fever,” it is understood to have contributed to his later financial difficulties, as the film’s poor performance impacted his overall net worth.
In the early 1990s, Hemsley appeared in “Club Fed” and starred alongside Hulk Hogan in “Mr. Nanny.” Later film credits include “Home of Angels,” “Sprung,” “Casper: A Spirited Beginning,” and “Senseless.” At the start of the new millennium, Hemsley was part of the ensemble cast of “Screwed.” His final film role was as a pastor in the direct-to-DVD sex comedy sequel “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love,” released in 2009.
Personal Life and Death
Sherman Hemsley was known for being introverted and rarely shared details about his personal life. He never married and had no children. Hemsley passed away from cancer at his home in El Paso, Texas, in July 2012 at the age of 74. Flora Enchinton, a longtime friend and business partner, was the sole beneficiary of his will.
Although there is no specific documentation available detailing how much Hemsley earned from specific shows or films, it is known that his role as George Jefferson in “The Jeffersons” was a significant source of income during the show’s 11-season run. His later financial struggles, culminating in a bankruptcy filing in 1999, indicate that Hemsley’s income and assets were not always managed effectively, affecting his overall net worth. Despite these financial challenges, Sherman Hemsley left a lasting legacy in television history.
Financial Summary and Later Years
Sherman Hemsley’s net worth, estimated at $300,000 at the time of his death in 2012, reflects the financial complexities of his life and career. While he achieved significant success as an actor, particularly through his role as George Jefferson, various factors influenced his financial standing. The $1 million loan and the $15,500 tax bill owed to the IRS contributed to his bankruptcy filing in 1999. Despite the early financial hardships, Sherman Hemsley managed to recover and clear his debts.
The failure of “Ghost Fever” in 1987 had a considerable impact on his financial stability, highlighting the risks associated with film production and investment. The decision to sell the rights to his residuals underscores the severity of his financial difficulties and the measures he took to address them. It allowed him to raise enough money to clear his debts and withdraw the bankruptcy filing. His residence in a $150,000 home in El Paso, Texas, at the time of his death reflects a modest lifestyle in his later years.
Throughout his career, Sherman Hemsley’s performances on television shows like “Amen,” “Dinosaurs,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” combined with guest appearances on other programs, contributed to his income. While specific financial details for these projects are not publicly available, they collectively helped maintain his career and financial stability in the years following “The Jeffersons.” Despite the financial challenges, Sherman Hemsley’s contributions to television and film left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
