Garrett Morris honors late 'The Jeffersons' co-star Sherman Hemsley

In a heartfelt interview, actor Garrett Morris praised his late The Jeffersons co-star Sherman Hemsley, remembering him as a generous and supportive presence on the classic sitcom set. 

Morris reflected fondly on his time working with Hemsley, who portrayed George Jefferson on the groundbreaking series that aired from 1975 to 1985.

According to People, Morris appeared in five episodes during the show’s eighth season in 1981, playing a charismatic con artist named Jimmy. 

Despite his limited screen time compared with Hemsley and co-star Isabel Sanford, Morris said the experience left a lasting impression. 

Moreover, he recalled how Hemsley would treat the entire cast to meals every Wednesday, often hiring an Asian restaurant to cater lunch for the crew.

“Really, he was great to work with, man,” Morris told People, noting Hemsley’s willingness to give him creative freedom during scenes, even in an era when sitcom scripts were tightly controlled.

Hemsley, who died in 2012 at age 74, also shared a birthday with Morris, Feb. 1, a coincidence the actor noted with affection.

Morris, whose career spans Saturday Night Live, The Jeffersons, Martin and 2 Broke Girls, also reflected on aging and his enduring passion for acting, joking that he plans to keep working rather than retire.