Lionel Jefferson
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Lionel Jefferson was the son of the fictional couple George and Louise Jefferson and was portrayed by actor Mike Evans. His character was quite significant in the history of television, being that of a young black man with opinions about things beyond the sitcom world. Lionel was introduced in the first episode of the TV series All in the Family; indeed, his first on-camera appearance occurs even before that of main character Archie Bunker.
Of those in the Bunker's household, Lionel is closest to Archie's son-in-law Mike Stivic, though it seems that he originally was someone who did odd jobs for Archie and Edith, as well as their neighbors.
Archie considers himself to be Lionel's good friend and even mentor. Lionel seems to genuinely like Archie to some degree, though he is, of course, bothered by his racism and unrelenting condescension. Lionel very often kids Archie by playing dumb in conversations and adopting a stereotypical speech pattern when he feels it will amuse himself ("I'm gon' be a 'lectical engineer!", "Lawd almighty, what is we gonna do?"). However, in one episode, Archie tells Lionel pointedly that he is not to see his niece socially––since "white ought to stay with white and colored ought to stay with colored"––, and Lionel has finally had enough. He in essence tells Archie off, but also lets him know that they can remain friends.
On occasion, Lionel also finds himself irritated by his relationship with Michael, as he feels that he is sometimes treated like a representative of the Black community rather than as an individual.
In one of the early episodes, Lionel's family moves into a house down the block from the Bunkers (later the house is said to be next-door), which creates tension for Archie, though it elates Mike and Gloria. As the appearances of Lionel's uncle (Henry) and parents become more frequent, the character of Lionel himself becomes somewhat less significant.
In the long-running TV series The Jeffersons, Lionel's role is in effect restricted to dealing with his family life and his courtship with, and eventual marriage to, Jenny Willis (the daughter of an interracial couple, Tom and Helen Willis). They eventually give birth to a daughter, Jessica. During the final season of The Jeffersons, Lionel and Jenny announce they are seeking a divorce (thanks in part to them having lived apart for several years, while Lionel worked in Japan).
Mike Evans left that series for several years to devote more time to Good Times, which he had helped create. He later returned to the series, however. The "second Lionel" was played by Damon Evans, who despite his name, was not related to his predecessor. Toward the end of The Jeffersons' run, Lionel and Jenny admit that their marriage has become troubled and that they are considering a divorce.
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| Main characters: | Archie | Edith | Gloria | Michael |
| Recurring characters: | Joey | George Jefferson | Louise Jefferson | Lionel Jefferson | Henry Jefferson | Stephanie Mills |
| Episodes: | List of All in the Family episodes |
| Related Series: | Maude | The Jeffersons | Archie Bunker's Place | Gloria | 704 Hauser | Good Times | Checking In |
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| Characters: | George Jefferson | Louise Jefferson | Lionel Jefferson | Florence Johnston |
| Episodes: | List of The Jeffersons episodes |
| Related Series | All in the Family | Maude | Archie Bunker's Place | Gloria | 704 Hauser | Good Times | Checking In |
