Mike Evans (actor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Evans
Mike Evans, circa 1975
Born	Michael Jonas Evans (1949-11-03)November 3, 1949 Salisbury, North Carolina, U.S.
Died	December 14, 2006(2006-12-14) (aged 57) Twentynine Palms, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1971–1985
Children	2

Cast of All in the Family. Back row, left to right: Jean Stapleton, Mike Evans, Carroll O'Connor. Front: Sally Struthers, Rob Reiner (1973)

Cast of The Jeffersons, clockwise from top: Mike Evans, Sherman Hemsley, and Isabel Sanford (1975)

Michael Jonas Evans (born November 3, 1949 – died December 14, 2006) was an American actor. He is most famous for playing Lionel Jefferson in the popular TV shows All in the Family and The Jeffersons. He also appeared on the game show Match Game.

Growing Up: Mike Evans' Early Life

Mike Evans was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. His dad, Theodore Evans Sr., was a dentist. His mom, Annie Sue Evans, was a teacher.

He went to Palmer Memorial Institute, a private school in Sedalia, North Carolina. Later, his family moved to Los Angeles. Mike finished high school at Los Angeles High School. He then studied acting at Los Angeles City College.

Mike Evans' Acting Career

Mike Evans was a college student studying drama. He didn't have much acting experience yet. But he got a big chance when he was hired for the TV show All in the Family.

Playing Lionel Jefferson

The show's producer, John Rich, chose Mike to play Lionel Jefferson. Lionel was the son of the Bunkers' new Black neighbors. The show's creator, Norman Lear, first wanted a different actor. But Rich felt Mike Evans was a better fit for the role.

Mike continued playing Lionel on the spin-off show, The Jeffersons. He left after the first season to work on other projects. Another actor, Damon Evans (who was not related), took over the role. But Mike Evans returned to play Lionel for seasons six through eight.

Other TV Work

Mike Evans also helped create and write the TV series Good Times (1974–79). This was another popular show.

From 1976 to 1977, Mike played Lenny in the TV comedy The Practice. This was during its second and final season.

Besides acting, Mike Evans was also smart with money. He invested in real estate. He owned properties in California's Inland Empire area.

Mike Evans' Personal Life

Mike Evans passed away from throat cancer. He was 57 years old. He died at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, California.

He had two daughters, Carlena Harris and Tammie Evans. Mike is survived by his daughters, his mother Annie Sue, a brother, a cousin, and a niece. His body was cremated after his death.

Mike Evans' Filmography