Lionel Jefferson – The Jeffersons

All in the Family‘s spinoff The Jeffersons premiered in 1975. George and Louise’s son Lionel’s role focused more on his family life and his relationship with Jenny Willis. They marry and have a daughter, but eventually decide to divorce.

The character was originally portrayed by D’Urville Martin for two unaired pilots, but Mike Evans got the main gig. Lionel was later played by an unrelated Damon Evans, but Mike Evans eventually returned to the role.