'Jeffersons' star Sherman Hemsley dies at 74

Sherman Hemsley co-starred with Isabel Sanford on "The Jeffersons."

• Sherman Hemsley played George Jefferson on hit shows in the 70s
• Hemsley, who also starred on "Amen," was 74

(CNN) -- Sherman Hemsley, who played the brash George Jefferson on "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," died Tuesday at age 74, his booking agent said.

Hemsley played Jefferson, a wisecracking owner of a dry cleaner, on "All In the Family" from 1973 until 1975, when the spinoff "The Jeffersons" began an 11-season run.

Hemsley also played Deacon Ernest Frye in the sitcom "Amen."