Entertainment

Sherman Hemsley remembered by Lenny Kravitz, Russell Simmons

July 25, 2012 / 2:32 PM EDT / CBS News

Actor Sherman Hemsley attends the 2nd Annual TV Land Awards, March 7, 2004, at The Hollywood Palladium, in Hollywood, Calif. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

(CBS News) Stars have taken to Twitter to remember actor Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons" and "All in the Family."

Police said Tuesday that he died at his home in El Paso, Texas, at age 74. Hemsley won over viewers on "The Jeffersons," which ran on CBS for 11 seasons from 1975 to 1985.

Pictures: Sherman Hemsley

Here's what stars had to say about the late actor:

RIP Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson. rest peacefully in the de-luxe apartment in the sky...bit.ly/LLIYft
-- Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) July 24, 2012

Wow. Sending LOVE > RT @JackeeHarry: RIP To My Longtime Friend & Comedic LEGEND, Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson. #NeverToBeForgotten
-- Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) July 24, 2012

Rest in peace Sherman Hemsley. You are legendary. Your contribution changed the fabric of American culture...
-- Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) July 24, 2012

G'bye, Sherman Hemsley. Your George Jefferson was so beloved, it earned you your own successful sitcom! Huge bucket of win! Move on up, sir.
-- KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 24, 2012

...Growing up watching you on set with my mom was monumental. Love, Lenny Kravitz
-- Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) July 24, 2012

I love George Jefferson & Deacon Frye like family. Thanks for being awesome Sherman Hemsley. say.ly/IOd3Pvv
-- Seth Green (@SethGreen) July 24, 2012

God bless Sherman Hemsley BKA George Jefferson. He's gone to be with the Lord. He made me dream I could move on up. Truth
-- DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) July 24, 2012

RIP Sherman Hemsley. You made George Jefferson one of the most memorable characters in television history!!
-- Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) July 24, 2012

Rest in Peace (in a delux apartment in the sky), Sherman Hemsley.
-- Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) July 24, 2012

A very funny television actor ... and a very kind man! - RT @UncleRUSH: RIP Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson.
-- Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioOFFICIAL) July 25, 2012

R.I.P Sherman Hemsley... Grew up watching & loving The Jefferson's. George Jefferson was one of my all time favorite tv characters.. #Weezy!
-- Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) July 25, 2012

May god bless the soul of Sherman Hemsley.Thx for your sharing your talent.Now you are truly "Moving on up!"
-- COMMON (@common) July 25, 2012

Sherman Hemsley made me laugh so many times growing up. There was no one quite like him. Rest in Peace.
-- Zach Braff (@zachbraff) July 24, 2012

More from CBS News