Edd’s MANtra: Sherman Hemsley Dies at 74

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Crushing news from TMZ.com:

Sherman Hemsley, the actor who made the character George Jefferson famous in “The Jeffersons,” has died, El Paso cops tell TMZ.

Hemsley died at his home in El Paso, Texas. 

Most 80s babies wanted Bill Cosby to be their dad. Forget that, in my eyes, George Jefferson was always the man.

I don’t know if it was his impeccable style, his take-no-prisoners attitude or just that iconic strut, I always related to Sherman Hemsley.

Forget relate, I wanted to BE like Sherman Hemsley.

Hemsley was an ’80s icon. After stealing the show as recurring character George Jefferson on “All In the Family,” he moved on up to superstardom with the classic sitcom “The Jeffersons.” He had memorable roles on “Amen” as Deacon Ernest Frye, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and countless movies.

In an era where the word “swagger” has been run into the ground, Hemsley was always the embodiment of it. Witness his epic intro for “Amen.”

I’m half his age and I can’t walk like that.

Although all of his characters seemed to suffer from a severe case of Napoleon complex, deep down, he was a softy who was deeply devoted to his family. Hemsley turned the prototype for “family man” on its head, then strutted on top of it.  He was funny, he was loving, and he was a pioneer.

For old times’ sake, join me for one last George Jefferson dance.