Michael Jonas Evans (Mike Evans) (November 3, 1949 – December 14, 2006), was an American actor and co-creator of the show Good Times.
Evans is most famous for the recurring role of Lionel Jefferson on All in the Family and was the first (and eventually final) actor to play Lionel on the spin-off The Jeffersons. He played Lionel on The Jeffersons for much of its 11-year run, with the majority of his appearances occurring from 1979-1983. Opera singer/actor Damon Evans (no relation to Michael) played the role for a few years of The Jeffersons, as Michael was occupied in the production of Good Times. He returned after Good Times was cancelled in 1979.
Evans died of throat cancer at his mother’s home in Twentynine Palms, California at the age of 57. The announcement of his death was not released until a week later.