Sherman Hemsley, better known as George Jefferson from the hit comedy series of the 1980s 'The Jeffersons', is participates in a dance number at 'Talent Night' at Hedonism II in Negril, Westmoreland, recently. - Contributed SHERMAN HEMSLEY is a 'man for all seasons'. Fondly known to us as George Jefferson, the cheeky, obnoxious little man, constantly badgering his beloved 'ousie', and housekeeper, Florence, in the black sitcom of the '80s, The Jeffersons. The character, George Jefferson was 'iconised' through Sherman, but this role, was only the tip of the iceberg, in understanding this multi-faceted persona; Sherman possesses a creative genius, which is virtually untapped.
He was on location at Hedonism II, Negril, shooting the comedy Hanging at Hedo, which will be aired throughout North America cinemas, by the summer of 2004. Between taping of the series, contributor Denise Tait caught up with George... er, Hemsley to find out more about his life after The Jeffersons.
Denise Tait (DT): Sherman, Jamaican audiences know you and love you as George Jefferson in fact the character George Jefferson has transcended generations, what if any, are the similarities between Sherman and George?
Sherman Hemsley (SH): They share an unceasing energy for life, although their approaches to life are very different. George is an overly assertive character who would be the equivalent to a modern-day male 'diva'! Sherman, on the other hand, is a very unassuming, unpretentious, down-to-earth gentleman, who respects each and every millisecond in a day, and enjoys it to the fullest.
DT: Sherman, for all intents and purposes, you are viewed as an icon. Is this a role you enjoy? What are its challenges?
SH: I am humbled by the perception that I am heralded as an icon. I still find it hard to believe that George Jefferson lives on so strongly in the hearts of many transcending generations, as he does. I appreciate the love that is shown, and I in turn reciprocate that love.
DT: Sherman, we understand you are a versatile actor, besides comedy, what other performing arts have you perfected? And, which is your favourite, and why?
SH: Musical theatre (including singing and dancing) and musical composition. Musical composition is my favourite, and ironically, very little is known about my dedication, indeed interest in this area. I have several musical scores, awaiting lyrics, to transform them into musicals; my objective with these musicals is to provide guidance to living through musical storytelling.
I refer to my musical compositions, generally, as 'Gumbo' a little bit of this, a little bit of that. The sound is 'intergalactic' meaning it transcends continents and generations.
DT: How did you become involved with the production 'Hanging at Hedo'? And, is it your first feature film?
SH: Both the director, Gregg Cannizzaro, and the executive producer, Ron Hunt, approached me. My manager, Flora Burnell, was quite impressed with the script, and thought it was an ideal medium to showcase the real Sherman Hemsley high energy, spunky individual.
In Hanging at Hedo, I play Henry, father of Ron a young man, who decides to have his annual bonding session with his son at Hedonism II. The comedy follows the antics and experiences of the 'gruesome, twosome', as they grow to better understand each other, and ultimately strengthen their bond. Henry also has an ulterior motive, to bring his son to Hedo, he decides that it is time for his son to sire him a grandchild, and the resort should provide the right environment for Ron to find a mate.
During my acting career, I have been in several other films; however, Hanging at Hedo will always be special, as it is the one that allowed me to have the Jamaican experience, that I had always heard about, but never had the opportunity to experience first hand.
DT: 'Hanging at Hedo' was filmed on location at Hedonism II. Was this your first visit to our island? And, what will be your fondest memories of your time spent here?
SH: No, this is not my first trip to the island, but it was some time ago. But this is my longest stay on the Island, and my first real opportunity to assimilate with the Jamaican people. The island is fabulous, and Hedonism II, paradise itself. A true 'love' vibrates here, that I have experienced nowhere else in the world. A simple contentment seems to prevail. My fondest memory would have to be the sheer exuberance of the people, and the unconditional love offered.
DT: What personal accomplishment have you set for yourself that you have not yet achieved?
SH: To have my music more publicly recognised assisting in educating the mind, lifting it to a higher level of consciousness. Probably, simply put, offering an alternative thought process, through musical interpretation. Putting Aesop's fables to music is a life-long ambition, for example. These fables teach life lessons through animals. Life is an ongoing learning process, and to this end, I always hope to have personal accomplishments that I will be striving to achieve.
DT: What assignments are scheduled for 2004?
SH: The year will see Sherman Hemsley, the musician unmasked a six-month national musical tour to open at the Apollo Theatre in New York is in the negotiation stage and will be pivotal to the unveiling of this 'untapped creative asset'.Three films are also in the pipeline: one drama/suspense, which would be new territory, and creatively challenging, and two other comedy productions.
- Denise Tait is the
public relations manager
at Hedonism II, Negril.
