The Jeffersons actor Sherman Hemsley dies, aged 74

Veteran actor Sherman Hemsley, who won over television audiences as 

beloved family man George Jefferson, has died. 

The Jeffersons star passed away at his home in El Paso, Texas on Tuesday, according to local authorities.

He was 74.

Sources tell TMZ.com Mr Hemsley died of natural causes. 

The actor, who first made the character famous on hit sitcom All in the Family, two years later would be offered a starring role next to Isabel Sanford in spin-off The Jeffersons. 

The show became an instant hit following its 1975 debut, running for a decade and earning Mr Hemsley an Emmy nomination in 1984 for lead actor in a comedy series. 

Mr Hemsley's TV credits also include roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Hughleys and Amen.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mr Hemsley dropped out of high school to join the military. After four years of service in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to the city and worked for the Postal Service for eight years, while simultaneously pursuing a music career.

He began performing with local groups and eventually moved to New York City, where he would make his Broadway debut portraying Gitlow in the musical version of Purlie in 1970. 

After The Jeffersons wrapped, Mr Hemsley would again pursue his singing career, with the release of his single Ain't That a Kick in the Head in 1989.

Back in time: The cast of the TV sitcom The Jeffersons (L-R Berlinda Tolbert, Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Franklin Cover, Roxie Roker and Marla Gibbs (seated), circa 1977

Early years: Actor (L-R) Sherman Hemsley, Franklin Cover, Roxie Roker, and Isabel Sanford laugh together as George Jefferson, Tom Willis, Helen Willis, and Louise Jefferson during a 1975 episode of The Jeffersons

Beloved: Mr Hemsley and co-star Isabel Sanford appear in another episode of their hit sitcom

Cameo: Sherman Hemsley joins Will Smith on screen during a guest appearance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Three years later he would release an R&B album, entitled Dance. 

He would return to television through the early 2000s, reprising his role alongside Ms Sanford as George and Louise Jefferson in cameos on The Fresh Prince and various commercials.

Ms Sanford died in 2004, aged 86. 

Mr Hemsley was last seen reprising his role as George Jefferson on TBS series House of Payne last year. 

Co-stars: Actress Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley pick up their Favorite Cantankerous Couple awards on stage at the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards in Hollywood on March 7, 2004

Star couple: Mr Hemsley and Ms Sanford pose at the Emmy Awards in this undated photo

Remembered: Mr Hemsley and Ms Sanford pose after taking home an Emmy for their hit series

Giving back: Mr Hemsley visits students at Madison Elementary School in Las Vegas on February 21, 1986

Tributes have meanwhile poured in for the actor, with the actors' famous fans taking to Twitter to express their sympathies. 

Russell Simmons wrote: 'Rip Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson. rest peacefully in the de-luxe apartment in the sky.'

Former child star Larenz Tate‏, who acted alongside the television legend wrote: 'RIP Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson. I had the honor of wrking w the great comedic actor as a kid on his show Amen in 1988.'

Lenny Kravitz also paid his respects: 'Rest in peace Sherman Hemsley. You are legendary. Your contribution changed the fabric of American culture. Growing up watching you on set with my mom was monumental.'

Movin' on up: Mr Hemsley, backstage at MTV Networks Upfront 2003 presentation at Madison Square Garden on May 6, 2003