'The Jeffersons' Star Sherman Hemsley Dies at 74

A very interesting obituary at the New York Times, "Sherman Hemsley, ‘Jeffersons’ Star, Is Dead at 74":

Sherman Alexander Hemsley was born in Philadelphia on Feb. 1, 1938. He dropped out of Edward W. Bok Technical High School in the 10th grade to join the Air Force and was stationed in Asia after the Korean War. He returned to Philadelphia after his discharge and, while working at the post office, attended Philadelphia’s Academy of Dramatic Arts in the evening.