Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as ABC prepares to revive two iconic sitcoms, All in the Family and The Jeffersons, for a one-night-only live television event. This star-studded special, airing on Wednesday, promises to bring the classic characters back to life with a contemporary twist, thanks to a stellar ensemble cast.
Hosted by the legendary Norman Lear himself, alongside Jimmy Kimmel, Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons is set to be a 90-minute extravaganza. The impressive cast list is headlined by Hollywood heavyweights such as Woody Harrelson, Jamie Foxx, Marisa Tomei, and Wanda Sykes, ensuring a captivating performance for both longtime fans and new viewers alike. Adding to the excitement, they will be joined by a host of other talented actors including Will Ferrell, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, and Justina Machado, promising a truly unforgettable evening of television.
This groundbreaking special is the brainchild of Norman Lear’s deal with Sony, which explores reimagining his vast library of classic shows. Following the success of reboots like One Day at a Time (which ironically starred Justina Machado), this live recreation event offers a fresh take on beloved stories for a modern audience.
All in the Family Cast: Who’s Who in the Bunker Household?
All in the Family, a sitcom that fearlessly tackled social issues and generational divides, is central to this live event. Fans are eager to see how this new cast embodies the iconic Bunker family.
Archie Bunker (originally played by Carroll O’Connor): Woody Harrelson
Taking on the role of the opinionated and often prejudiced Archie Bunker is Woody Harrelson. Known for his versatility and comedic timing, Harrelson, an Emmy winner from Cheers, steps into the shoes of the legendary Carroll O’Connor. The question on everyone’s mind: Can he master Archie’s distinctive Queens accent and capture the character’s complex personality?
Woody Harrelson as Archie Bunker and Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker in All in the Family
Edith Bunker (originally played by Jean Stapleton): Marisa Tomei
Marisa Tomei, an Oscar-winning actress renowned for her role as Aunt May in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will portray Edith Bunker, Archie’s kind-hearted and often naive wife. Jean Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith earned her multiple Emmys, and Tomei’s performance is highly anticipated as she brings her own interpretation to this beloved character.
Marisa Tomei as Edith Bunker and Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker in All in the Family
Mike ‘Meathead’ Stivic (originally played by Rob Reiner): Ike Barinholtz
The role of Mike Stivic, Archie and Edith’s liberal son-in-law, famously nicknamed “Meathead” by Archie, will be played by Ike Barinholtz. Known for his comedic roles in The Mindy Project and MadTV, Barinholtz is set to embody Mike’s progressive ideals and his constant clashes with Archie’s conservative views.
Ike Barinholtz as Mike Stivic and Rob Reiner as Mike Stivic in All in the Family
Gloria Stivic (originally played by Sally Struthers): Ellie Kemper
Ellie Kemper, best known for her roles in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and The Office, will take on the role of Gloria Stivic, Archie and Edith’s daughter. Gloria often found herself caught in the middle of her father’s and husband’s arguments, and Kemper’s comedic talents are sure to bring this dynamic to life.
Ellie Kemper as Gloria Stivic and Sally Struthers as Gloria Stivic in All in the Family
Henry Jefferson (originally played by Mel Stewart): Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson, star of Black-ish, will play Henry Jefferson, George Jefferson’s brother and a neighbor of Archie Bunker. While Henry was a recurring character in All in the Family, he was only mentioned on The Jeffersons, making this casting a nod to the interconnectedness of the two sitcom universes.
Mr. Lorenzo (originally played by Vincent Gardenia): Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes, beloved for his role in Will & Grace, will portray Mr. Lorenzo, another neighbor of Archie Bunker. Originally played by Vincent Gardenia, Lorenzo is known as a part-time househusband who embraces domestic duties, much to Archie’s confusion.
Anthony Anderson as Henry Jefferson and Sean Hayes as Mr. Lorenzo alongside images of original actors
The Jeffersons Cast: Moving on Up Live
The Jeffersons, the successful spin-off that followed the Jeffersons’ move to a Manhattan high-rise, is the second sitcom being brought to life in this live special. The cast tasked with portraying these iconic characters is equally impressive.
George Jefferson (originally played by Sherman Hemsley): Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx, an Oscar winner and sitcom veteran himself, will step into the role of the ambitious and often comically arrogant George Jefferson. Sherman Hemsley’s portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination, and Foxx’s comedic prowess promises to capture George’s unique personality and charm.
Jamie Foxx as George Jefferson and Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson in The Jeffersons
Louise Jefferson (originally played by Isabel Sanford): Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes, a celebrated comedian and actress known for her role in Black-ish, will play Louise “Weezie” Jefferson, George’s level-headed and compassionate wife. Isabel Sanford won an Emmy for this role, and Sykes’ comedic timing and warmth are a perfect fit for bringing Louise to life for a new generation.
Wanda Sykes as Louise Jefferson and Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson in The Jeffersons
Florence Johnston (originally played by Marla Gibbs): Justina Machado
Justina Machado, known for her role in One Day at a Time, will portray Florence Johnston, the Jeffersons’ sassy and outspoken maid. Marla Gibbs earned multiple Emmy nominations for this role, and Machado’s comedic talent and experience in sitcoms make her an ideal choice to capture Florence’s sharp wit and endearing personality.
Justina Machado as Florence Johnston and Marla Gibbs as Florence Johnston in The Jeffersons
Tom Willis (originally played by Franklin Cover): Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell, a comedy icon and executive producer of this live special, will take on the role of Tom Willis, the Jeffersons’ white neighbor and friend. Franklin Cover played Tom for many years, and Ferrell’s comedic style and improvisational skills will undoubtedly bring a fresh and hilarious perspective to this character.
Will Ferrell as Tom Willis and Franklin Cover as Tom Willis in The Jeffersons
Helen Willis (originally played by Roxie Roker): Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington, famed for her role in Scandal, will portray Helen Willis, Tom’s wife and part of the groundbreaking interracial couple on The Jeffersons. Roxie Roker’s portrayal was significant for television history, and Washington’s dramatic and comedic range will bring depth to Helen’s character in this live rendition.
Kerry Washington as Helen Willis and Roxie Roker as Helen Willis in The Jeffersons
Lionel Jefferson (originally played by Mike Evans): Jovan Adepo
Jovan Adepo, known for his roles in Jack Ryan and The Leftovers, will play Lionel Jefferson, George and Louise’s son. Mike Evans originated the role, and Adepo steps into portraying Lionel’s journey as a young man navigating life and family.
Jovan Adepo as Lionel Jefferson and Mike Evans as Lionel Jefferson in The Jeffersons
Jenny Willis (originally played by Belinda Tolbert): Amber Stevens West
Amber Stevens West, from Happy Together and The Carmichael Show, will play Jenny Willis, Tom and Helen’s daughter and Lionel’s girlfriend (and eventual wife). Belinda Tolbert originally played Jenny, and Stevens West brings her comedic timing to this role, highlighting Jenny’s place in the Willis-Jefferson family dynamic.
Amber Stevens West as Jenny Willis and Belinda Tolbert as Jenny Willis in The Jeffersons
Harry Bentley (originally played by Paul Benedict): Stephen Tobolowsky
Stephen Tobolowsky, a veteran actor known for One Day at a Time and The Goldbergs, will portray Harry Bentley, the Jeffersons’ quirky and persistent neighbor. Paul Benedict made Harry Bentley a memorable character, and Tobolowsky’s experience in comedic roles makes him well-suited to capture Bentley’s eccentric charm.
Stephen Tobolowsky as Harry Bentley and Paul Benedict as Harry Bentley in The Jeffersons
Diane Stockwell (originally played by Paulene Myers): Jackée Harry
Jackée Harry, famous for 227 and Sister Sister, will play Diane Stockwell, an old friend of Louise Jefferson. Originally played by Paulene Myers in her single appearance, Harry’s comedic energy will bring a fresh take to Diane in this live recreation.
Jackée Harry as Diane Stockwell and Paulene Myers as Diane Stockwell in The Jeffersons
Don’t Miss This Live TV Event
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons promises to be a must-watch television event. With such a talented and star-studded cast breathing new life into these classic roles, audiences are in for an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and perhaps a fresh appreciation for these groundbreaking sitcoms. Tune in on Wednesday to witness television history being made again.
