Sherman Hemsley dies at 74

EL PASO, Texas — Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons," has died at 74, according to police.

The actor, who first played the role of Jefferson in "All in the Family," also played Deacon Ernest Frye on TV's "Amen."

Hemsley died at his home in El Paso, Texas, police say.

Born in South Philadelphia, Hemsley dropped out of high school to join the Air Force. He returned to Philadelphia and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, while taking acting classes at night.

After performing with local groups in Philadelphia, Hemsley moved to New York to make his Broadway debut as Gitlow in "Purlie."